BIRKENHEAD. The grand undertakings at this town are among the most remarkable commercial phenomena of our age. The overflowings of Liverpool commerce are to form the basis of Birkenhead commerce.
The rapid growth of Birkenhead is entirely owing to the formation of commodious docks. In 1842 the town commissioners were em powered by act of parliament to purchase the manorial rights, &c., pertaining to the ancient ferry at Woodside, which is the nearest ferry to Liverpool ; and in 1844, under another act, they purchased Monk's Ferry. In 1844 they obtained an act of still greater importance, under which a tidal basin, docks, and other extensive accommodations for trade and ship ping are now in progress. The magnitude of these works may be inferred from the follow ing abstract of their cost, which is taken from the estimates : New market, 20,0001.; town hall, 10,000/. ; park, 25,0091. ; docks in Walla sey Pool, 400,0001. ; dock warehouses (by a private company), 600,0001. The design of converting Wallasey Pool, on which Birken. head is situated, into docks, was entertained several years ago, and originated with the late Mr. Laird; but it was not until 1844 that an act, as already mentioned, was obtained for effecting this object. The first stone of the proposed docks was laid on the 23rd of Octo ber, 1814. The area of the principal or float ing dock will be 120 acres, a space exceeding that of all the docks in Liverpool, and it will have 19 feet depth of water. It will be sur rounded with quays, warehouses, and other conveniences for shipping and discharging cargoes. There will also be a tidal harbour of about 40 acres, accessible at all times by the largest steamers employed in the coasting trade, and by all vessels whose draught does not exceed 15 feet ; a harbour of refuge with an area of 10 acres ; and beaching-ground of 4 or 5 acres, for the free use of the river craft.
A certain clashing of interests between dif ferent governing bodies at Birkenhead, has rendered new arrangements frequently neces sary. Besides the act of 1844, a second was obtained in 1845 for the formation of dock and wharf walls; and another in 1847 for new powers in respect to these constructions. In 1848 an act was passed for the formation of a board of trustees of the Birkenhead docks, which board (in order to represent and recon cile conflicting interests) is to be formed as follows :—Four trustees chosen by the bond holders, with whose funds the docks were in part constructed ; four chosen by the Birken head commissioners ; and three by the Walla sey commissioners.
There has recently (1850) been an act passed, which relieves the commissioners from a very onerous engagement with the Woods and Forests department ; and the dock-works have recommenced (after some delay) with great vigour. Three thousand men are now employed; forty-five acres of dock are nearly ready for the reception of shipping ; and the whole are expected to be finished in 1851.
Birkenhead is connected by railway with Chester, and thence with all parts of England; and a branch to Wallington, recently opened, has shortened the distance between Birken head and Manchester. The rails are brought round all the quays of the docks. Hitherto the trade of Birkenhead has not reached the point which had been anticipated, and the hope of which had led to such extensive and costly works ; but whenever a large traffic, shall grow up there, it will be well accommo dated by the railway, the docks, and the ware houses, all of which are admirably planned to work together in one system. It is expected that the coasting trade and the steam-packet trade will be those which will first seek accom modation at Birkenhead.