The Sun.
London, England, 1853-02-10 00:00:00

RAILWAY COMMUNICATION BETWEEN
SEAHAM AND SUNDERLAND.

The want of railway communication between the
important ports of Seaham and Sunderland has long
been felt to be a serious inconvenience by the inhabi
tants of both these towns. On Tuesday last, took place
the interesting ceremony of " turning the first sod " of
a railway intended to connect the two ports, which has
been projected by the Marquis of Londonderry, and
which, strange as it may appear, in these days of rail-
way depression, is to be executed throughout by his
lordship, at an estimated cost of 50,0001. In addition
to affording the means of speedy communication be-
tween the two towns, the project embraces the connect-
ing together, and opening an easy way to the sea board
for many important colliery districts, which have
hitherto been obliged to send their mineral produce
round by circuitous routes. The new line, which is
seven miles long, will enjoy the remarkable distinction
of being commenced and carried through without the
obstruction of competing interests, the necessary buy-
ing off of opposing landholders, or the expense of an ap-
plication to the Legislature. It will be made without an
Act of Parliament, the whole of the land traversed
belonging, with unimportant exceptions, to the noble
marquis. The ceremony was witnessed by a very large
assemblage of persons, including the leading inhabi-
tants of Seaham and Sunderland, and the surrounding
country. The scene was highly animated and pictur-
esque. A handsome platform, occupying the site of the
intended Seaham station, was erected in the centre of a
field commanding a fine sea view on one side, and upon
the other the ancient church of Seaham, with the family
mansion of Lord Londonderry in close proximity.
The guests invited to be present met in the town of
Seaham at one o'clock, and shortly afterwards moved in
procession, headed. by..two oaccollent -bands- belonging to
his lordship's collieries, to the scene of operations, where
they were met on their arrival by the Marquis of Lon-
donderry, who, accompanied by the mayor of Sunder-
land, and two or three other gentlemen, drove up in a
carriage and four at the same moment. The noble mar-
quis was welcomed by the assembled multitude with
loud cheers. His lordship, together with his friends,
having mounted the platform,
Mr. JOSEPH WRIGHT, of Sunderland, came forward.
He said his respect for the character, his admiration for
the public spirit, and his astonishment at the extraordi-
nary energy of Lord Londonderry, alike rendered him
exceedingly glad to have an opportunity of expressing
his devoted attachment to him. It was impossible that
he could select a more interesting occasion, and it was
therefore with great pleasure that he had acceded to a
request which had been made to him, and consented to
open the proceedings of the day, and introduce to them
that great project which could not fail to have the best
wishes of every individual connected with that important
locality. (Hear, hear.) Before adverting to the imme-
diate business of the day, he trusted he should be ex-
cused for saying a few words as to the obligations they
all owed to Lord Londonderry. To him was due the
creation of the important port within the confines of
which they were assembled ; and to him they were in-
debted for the conversion of a barren and rocky locality
into a fruitful field of maritime trade and manufacturing
industry. (Hear, hear.) It was now 25 years since
Seaham docks were begun by the noble marquis, unaided
and single-handed. At that time there were no great
public works in this part of the country, and to Lord
Londonderry belonged the high honour of having been
the originator of them. The impulse thus given to the
community at large had led to the prosecution of other
great works of the same character and usefulness. There
were no doubt some companies who, in the extent of
their projects and the vastness of their operations, ex-
ceeded those which Lord Londonderry had undertaken ;
but, as an individual originator, he stood unrivalled.
(Hear, hear.) Since the period to which he had referred,
Lord Londonderry had never ceased to attend to the
welfare of that locality, and they now saw that even
advancing years failed to depress his wonderful energies,
lessen his extraordinary zeal, or weaken his praiseworthy
efforts to benefit the inhabitants of the district which he
had peopled. (Cheers.) No outlay of money was too
great for the noble lord ; the advantage of the port
he had created in his mind outweighed all other
considerations. (Hear, hear.) It was in this spirit
that Lord Londonderry had taken up the noble
project they were that day met to inaugurate—a
project, he would venture to say, big with advantages
to all he saw around him. There were two striking
advantages to which he would particularly refer.
The first was, that it would secure to the town and port
of Seaham a speedy and direct communication with the
large and increasing port of Sunderland, with which it
had, in reality, one common interest—the advantage of
the one securing the prosperity of the other. The second
was, that the two ports had one object in securing the
traffic arising from the extensive coal fields of Durham,
and seeing that it was not diverted to more distant and
rival ports. (Hear, hear.) He had told them that no
rivalry existed between Seaham and Sunderland, and he
trusted ere long to see all the inhabitants of both ports
united in their efforts to uphold the valuable and impor-
tant connection about te be commenced that day.
(Cheers.) While on this subject, he might perhaps be
excused for referring to the family connection subsisting
between the noble marquis and the port of Sunderland.
Lord Londonderry had a rising and promising grandson,
who took his title from that town, and who would, he
hoped, emulate his grandsire in forwarding the interests
of those with whom he was thus connected. (Hear,
hear.) With respect to the advantages the proposed
railway would secure—the increased accommodation of
trade, the convenience of individuals, and the general in-
terests of the inhabitants of the two ports, there could
not be two opinions. The improved connection between
Seaham and Sunderland could not fail to prove of the
most paramount advantage to the united interests of
bath ports. (Hear, hear.) He would not say a word
more, but would conclude by wishing success to the
Londonderry and Seaham and Sunderland Railway, and
long life and happiness to its noble and spirited projector.
(Loud cheers.)
Mr. WHITE, ironmaster, of Seaham, said it afforded
him the highest gratification to be permitted to witness
the commencement of what he considered one of the
greatest events which had ever occurred in that locality
--the connecting together the two ports of Seaham and
Sunderland. Whatever advantages they might possess
in their own little port, these advantages were lost if the
means of transport- was not keeping pace with the
increased requirements of trade and commerce. Any
gentleman who would take the trouble to go back
a quarter of a century in the history of Sunderland,
would find that within that period vessels carrying
only eight or nine keels were loaded without the
limits of the harbour, and the traffic across the river
was carried on by means of ferry boats. No sooner
was an example set, then a rapid •movement followed.
Large docks were formed, and they were now enabled
to carry out vessels of several hundred tons burden.
Who could tell what the onward march of improvement
might effect ? For himself he was sanguine that the
day was not far distant when ships would leave Seaham
harbour laden with manufactures for India's eastern
coasts. (Hear, hear.) He had felt the want of railway
communication as much as any man, and had often been
pained to see his own manufactures carted away in
packs like Spanish muleteers. The proposed railway
would prove of the greatest possible advantage to Sea-
ham, and could not fail to attract many manufacturers
to the locality. He himself knew of one manufactory
capable of employing from 700 to 800 hands which
would be at once established, He did not speak from
the impulse of the moment, but from his own knowledge
and firm conviction when he stated that there were few
places so well adapted as Seaham for the establishment
of blast-furnaces, and powerful rolling-mills. The lime-
stone rocks on which it stood, the iron-hound shores,
extending for miles along the coast, and the ready sup-
ply of sand to be obtained in the vicinity, together with
the price of ground, which was only a tithe of what it
was elsewhere, rendered Seaham a most eligible site for
the establishment of iron-works, and he would tell the
manufacturers of the far west that, if they brought their
establishments to that locality, they would have ample
reason to rejoice at having done so. (Hear, hear.) Ad-
dressing Lord Londonderry, Mr. White said--And I
cannot withhold, on this occasion, the expression of my
admiration at the great public works which your lord-
ship has already carried out in this locality ; nor can I
omit to allude to those other works and other labours
which have- not been forgotten by your lordship and your
estimable partner, the Marchioness of Londonderry. I
allude to the schools for the children of the poorer classes
where the rising generation of this district are taught
the true principles of a virtuous life. (Hear.) When I
also recollect the visits of her ladyship to the
poorest of the inhabitants, and her frequent presence at
that noble institution founded for the relief of the distress
of the poor and needy, I mean theinfirmarywhich is solely
supported by your lordship's family, I cannot fail to
express my heartfelt thanks, and those of the inhabitants
of Seaham generally, that your lordship, in the evening
of your days, after a long life devoted to the field and
to the senate—not satisfied with what you have already
accomplished, should put the finishing stroke to a noble
life by a great work intended for the advantage of suc-
ceeding generationk. (Hear, hear.) When I recollect
all these things, I am reminded of the words of the poet,
who says—

" Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time ;
Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main—
A forlorn and ship wreek'd brother
Seeing, shall take heart again."

(Loud cheers.)
Mr. CHRISTOPHER BRAMWELL (of Sunderland) spoke
in support of the proposed railway, remarking that it
could not fail to give a great impulse to the coal trade
of the district. Coal was more important than the gold
of California, for it was by means of this mineral that
the place on which ho stood was brought within ten
hours of the City of London. (Hear, hear.) He thought
that they ought all to feel greatly and everlastingly in-
debted to the noble marquis for having undertaken to
make the railway, because he believed it would add very

materially to the prosperity of the county of Durham.
(Loud cheers.) He hoped Lord Londonderry would re-
ceive the reward he so richly deserve 3, for this and all
the other great works he had accomplished, by being
more than ever established in the hearts of all who re-
sided within the sphere of his influence. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. GEORGE ELLIOTT, C.E., here came forward and
presented to the noble marquis a very handsome silver-
mounted spade, prepared for his lordship's use. Mr. Elliott
spoke with great confidence as to the early completion of
the work about to be commenced ; and, as a proof of its
valuable mercantile character, explained that on the Sea-
ham estate alone there yet remained upwards of 40,000,000
tons of coal beneath the surface, the great portion of
which would pass over the railway, in addition to
which the South Hetton and Haswell Colliery Companies
had each bound themselves to send over it 40,000 tons
annually. Mr. Elliott, in conclusion, said he hoped the
implement he now handed to his lordship would be long
preserved in his family as a memorial of the interesting
proceedings of that day.
The Marquis of LONDONDERRY now presented him-
self, and was received with loud cheers. His lordship
insisted on remaining uncovered, and resting his right
hand upon the spade presented to him, spoke as follows.
His lordship said :—My friends, you will naturally ex-
pect, after the very able and very kind addresses which
have been delivered, that I should myself say a few
words to this great assemblage. (Hear, hear.) I can-
not, however, disguise from myself that I shall find con-
siderable difficulty and embarrassment in doing so, ,for
nothing is more inappropriate than a man talking of
himself or his own concerns. There is a degree of ego-
tism and vanity about it which is exceedingly prejudi-
cial,' both to the hearer and the speaker. However, I
owe a duty to this meeting, and the position I have
plunged into, and it would be idle if from any false de-
licacy I did not fully explain myself. (Hear, hear.) It
is quite impossible that I can- sufficiently acknowledge
the manner in which I have been spoken of by those
who preceded me, or the kind reception which you have
given me ; but thanking you both most sincerely, I will
endeavour to express to you what has been. my leading
principles of action since I became the guardian and
director of this great property in the county of Durham.
(Hear, hear.) I shall have to divide my observations,
first, as to the past, which is before us ; and, secondly,
as to the future, which is yet in the womb of time.
With regard to the past, many who surround me cannot
look ',back a quarter of a century. I may therefore
point out to them that, upon this spot, some 20 years
ago, there was neither stone, brick, nor stick. The
place was a barren rock like Dover—no grass growing,
no culture appearing. When I added this estate to the
Wynyard family property, there was a notion a harbour
might be made at this end of the estate, and I was in-
troduced to a clever engineer of that day, named Chap-
man, who projected' a small basin. The coal trade at
that time was in a sad state. The rivers of this
wealthy district—Sunderland, and the Tees especially
—were frequently shut up, and there was not then
the enterprise and vigour which has lately grown
up in the flourishing town near us. (Hear, hear,
and laughter.) In fact, our trade was imprisoned ;
vessels loaded with coals frequently remained
weeks and weeks without actually clearing for sea.
Coals were sent down the banks of the Wear and shipped
there into keels, and again from them into ships ; and I
myself at that period was paying to the commissioner of
the river Wear 8,0001. a-year for permission to send my
articles by this river to market. (Hear, hear.) Great
discontent prevailed. Sunderland having a good thing
kept their own, and they were right ; so would any of
you have done the same. (Hear, and laughter.) Such
was the state of things when it occurred to me—God
knows, neither a Stephenson nor a Paxton—(laughter)
—that if I could get a harbour my trade would be in
my own hands, and I should not have to go to sea for it.
When Chapman told me that a harbour might be made
I knew nothing of the difficulties to be encountered ;
but having, I hope, something of a military eye, I at
once saw the capabilities of this shore for the purpose
required ; and remembering that the trade which I
wanted to take to the southward was now sent round
sonic miles to the north, while, if the harbour were com-
pleted, it might be carried due east, I embarked at once
in the undertaking, against the opinions of those I va-
lued, and ought to have looked up to, and engaging
Chapman, and entering as rapidly as possible into other
arrangements, I launched your little harbour. But my
cashier said I had no money, and he would have nothing
to do with it. I soon got together 1,5001., and with
that thig little snug town and prosperous harbour was
commenced. Of its progress--of the gradual increase of
its population, and of its manufactures—l need not now
speak. All are before you. lam not arrogating to
myself the merit of this ; the merit belongs to those
public-spirited individuals now before me, who followed,
with hope and confidence, the plunge I made, and,
buoyed up by patience and perseverance, have brought
to issue what we now witness—a glorious little colony ;
proud of itself, its independence, and its position in the
country. (Loud cheers.) But I beg of you, my
friends, to mark the result of this example. It was no
sooner seen that this little " duck-pond" could do bu-
siness—that vessels lay secure, and that the dispatch
of trade was greater here than elsewhere—that all the
other ports in the vicinity immediately imitated the
example, and I say it without fear of contradiction,
that first old Hartlepool, then West Hartlepool,
and Middleborough, and finally, Sunderland, followed
in our wake, and to Seaham undoubtedly behings the
glory, which none can dispute, of opening the way to
that large development of shipping accommodation and
harbours which we now boast of. (Hear.) I cannot,
however, help referring to the great disadvantages my
kind settlers have laboured under. All the surround-
ing schemes had dock companies, shareholders, large
purses, and numerous means of keeping out of diffi-
culties, and acquiring advantages from the great in-
terests embarked in each especial case. Seaham alone
stood unbefriended. Like the lighthouse on the cliff,
the storm raged—the surf dashed around it—the barque
was close on shore, but none went out to help it. (Hear.)
However, time, courage, perseverance, and an indomi-
table determination never to yield to difficulties, has
brought our little harbour through all its peril to a posi-
tion of unexpected prosperity, which the ceremony of
this day will, we hope, still further increase and estab-
lish. (Cheers.) I have hitherto spoken to you of the
past. As to the future, God knows it is in the womb
of time, and we must look to a gracious Providence for
the result. But I will tell you what I think of it.
(Hear, hear.) I will also tell you that nobody has in-
fluenced me in the step I am about take, which is the
offspring of my own unfortunate head. (Laughter and
cheers.) It has long occurred to my anxious thought
that I had not secured, for any lengthened period, that
certainty of progressive success and permanency which,
for the amount lavished and the anxiety undergone, I
had a fair right to anticipate. Urged on by the same
principle which guided me in the case of Seaham har-
bour —viz., that I should not have to seek a trade, for
that if I made the harbour the trade would come to me,
I conceived the project of constructing the railway we
are about to commence this day. (Hear, hear.) I
knew that the trade of many of the colleries to the
southward of us in this great county must pass, sooner
or later, our little half-way house of Seaham on their way
to Sunderland,C and I thought if we could get them to
stop on the road we should be safe to obtain a large
addition to our present trade. Communicating these views
to my able manager and engineer, the latter set about the
matter in real earnest, and has already formed engage-
ments with the South Hetton and Haswell colliery
companies to carry their coals over the line as soon
as completed, either to ships in the first instance at
Sealiam, or, if not, to send them on to Sunderland.
The trade is, therefore, secured before the railway is
commenced. There is my project, and that is the simple
history of it. It is easy for any of you to understand.
I have hesitated not—perhaps with a blameable rapidity
and boldness—to plunge alone, and without aid from
any person, into the undertaking, and I hope successfully
to carry it through. (Cheers.) It will be a great com-
fort for all of you to be able to send your merchandise
by railway, instead of over the rough and hilly roads
which intervene between this place and Sunderland.
(Hear.) I know there are some who think the shop-
keepers at Seaham may suffer, as many people, they say,
will be induced by the railway to go to Sunderland to
purchase their goods. Ido not believe any such thing.
If the shopkeepers do but charge moderately for their
wares there need be no apprehension of losing their
trade. For my own part I like Sunderland very well,
but I like Seahain a great deal better, and so I think it
will be with most of you. (Hear, hear.) But, my
friends, there is another consideration of this matter,
and that is, whether in undertaking to form thiso r railroadbody of
I am encroaching on any existing company
assistance ourselves,
F o'
while2s y ear s w
the
greatwe are surrounded have enjoyedgreat
ar
and held
ne
ar
bhya had
hain ehy
eh
companies
p never
_
the purse-strings of an almost unlimited number of
shareholders. (Hear, hear.) Nobody gives
more complete and general credit
generous than
benefactor to I do myself.
believe he has been a great and
n invariably an adjoining port ; but we cannot losbeese supportedight of theby fact
that his undertakings have
bodies of shareholders. (Hear, hear.) Well, look
at
lar'Sl aliam, standing alone, like this spade I hold in my
hand—why
Allnot we
ye
waanndt is do a acliietatrlestfaogreoaunrd-
nseelvfaesv.eur.
(hear,
hear.) There is this great company
—the York, Newcastle, and Berwick Railway—which
"Bestrides the narrow world like a Colossus,
While wo petty men walk under his legs,"
and peep about as if ashamed to show ourselves. (Hear,
bear, and laughter.) 'Why, such a state of things is not
to be borne. (Hear, hear.) Let us try what, under
our own exertions, we may not accomplish. The under-
taking we are about to commence may be a great plunge
for me, but I have the satisfaction of knowing that no
person can be injured in their future destinies by it ex-
cept myself. It may add to the care and anxiety
which has always attended me throughout a long
life ; for I am not ashamed to confess that the
anxiety and misery I have suffered during many
years, owing to the fear of failing in many of my
undertakings, has been very great. But, I am
thankful to say, Providence has aided me, and brought
me through, and to that Providence I now look for sup-
port in the future. (Cheers.) Many of my friends may
perhaps ask why, at my advanced age I should notleave this new undertakingy
form children ? Will,
tell you why. I solemnly declare that 1 feel for th