The Sun.
London, England, 1836-03-02 00:00:00

THAMES TUNNEL.

Yesterday the Annual Meeting of the Proprietors in this
undertaking was held at the City of London Tavern. Ben-
jamin Hawes, Esq., in the Chair.
The CHAIRMAN had to express the satisfaction of the Board
that, notwithstanding the doubts and predictions to the con-
trary, the works at the Tunnel had been resumed, the old
shield replaced by a new one, consisting of 5,000 pieces,
weighing 150 tons, and that the Tunnel was that day eigh-
teen inches longer than it NN as ten years ago, the works having
just been resumed.—( Hear, hear.) From the great strength
of the shield, the experience gained by the past, and the un-
wearied attention of Mr. Brunel, scarcely a doubt existed but
that the Tunnel would be completed. The interest taken by
the public in the work was not only unabated, but it was in-
creasing. In 1834 there had visited the Tunnel 21,000 per-
sons, but last year between 27,000 and 28,000 visitors had
been to inspect it. Scarcely a foreigner came to this country
who did not visit the work. Ile would now call upon the
Clerk to read the Report of the Directors.
Mr. CHARLIER read the Report. It stated the satisfaction
of the Directors in announcing the complete resumption of
the works of the Tunnel, which had been already lengthened.
The Directors at the last meeting did not expect much pro-
gress would be made up to this period, so much time being
required to remove the old and put up the new shield. Front
the great attention required in adjusting the machinery of the
shield, and the recent demand for all machinery, the con-
tractors (Messrs. Rennie) had not been able to complete the
shield until much later than was expected. From the first re-
moval of the old machinery to the erection in its place of the
last portion of the new shield, under at all times a vertical
pressure of 3,000 tons, and under circumstances of difficulty
and great danger, this had been effected without loss of life or
any accident worth recording, the ability and energy of Mr.
Brunel having been found equal to every emergency. The
Report spoke highly of Mr. Beamish, the resident engineer,
and others. The Directors had under their consideration the
measures to lessen the cost of labour, and to advance the works
more rapidly, while they would afford greater comfort to the
men. Tanks had been sunk to receive the water which flowed
in while the miners were at work. In sinking these tanks it
had been found that the level adopted by the engineers for car-
rying on the Tunnel was most proper, as in boring for
the reservoirs a bed of quicksand had been discovered
only eight feet below the invert of the Tunnel. The engi-
neers had adopted means to give additional density and con-
sistency to the ground, both before the shield and at the sides
of the work, by which increased security was given to the
work, and confidence to the men. The works and machinery
were in perfect order. The Directors were fully impressed with
the important duty confided to them by the Proprietors and by
Government, of strictly employing the money advanced by the
Exchequer Loan Commissioners for the continuation of the
Tunnel, and they had allowed nothing to interfere with the
conditions on the faith of which the advance was made. This
grant was made, in order that the first experiment of forming
underground communications between the shores of navigable
rivers might be tried at the least possible risk to the public
money. The Directors, therefore, purposed to pass through
the hazardous portion of the enterprize before any expenditure
was incurred in purchasing property, &c., for making roads,
&c. The Report concluded, by stating the confidence of the
Directors that the work would be successfully terminated.
The CHAIRMAN, in reply to a question, stated that it was
absolutely necessary that a new shield should have been made,
the old one, after having remained eight years in mud, having
become oxidyzed. The cost of the new shield was 7,000/,
and the contractors had stated that they would not take ano-
ther such contract for less than 2,000 guineas more.
The Report was then adopted.
The CHAIRMAN said two accounts had been prepared—the
one on account of the expenditure of the Company since the
receipt of the 30,0001. from Government, which they were
bound to keep under a distinct head, and make returns to Par-
liament of the disbursement of each 10,000/. ; and the other
was the Company's old account.
The SECRETARY read the accounts, from which it appeared
that the expenses for machinery, wages, &c., since the receipt
from Government had been 12,716/., leaving about 18,000/. in
hand. By the old account it appeared that there had been
received from the visitors to the Tunnel last year 1,487/ 6s. Bd.
Mr. GOLDSMID expressed his opinion that the Directors
ought to economise as much as possible. They had very
jealous masters—Parliament and the British public—to watch
the expenditure.
The CHAIRMAN said that every attention was paid to re-
ducing the expenses of the Company. The resident engineer
(Mr. Brunel) had 1,0001. per annum—a sum greatly below
hiS merits, especially when it was known that he had received
offers to undertake railways in this and other countries.
Mr. ADAMS said that, considering the splendid talents
of Mr. Brunel, 1,0001. per annum was little enough for his
services.

The accounts were adopted, and an election took place for
three Directors and an Auditor.

On a motion for cdutinuing the Tunnel open for visitors on
Sunday some discussion took place ; but the majority of the
meeting were opposed to such a step.
Mr. BRUNEL said that the workmen, who were in good
spirits and excellent health, might have their ardour damped if
additional labour was exacted from them. Nearly all parties
were now in favour of the undertaking, and a degree of unpo-
pularity might be raised against it, if the course proposed were
adopted.
The proposition was withdrawn amidst cheers ; and after
thanks had been returned to the Directors and the Chairman,
the meeting adjourned.

THE NEW HOUSES of PARLIAMENT.

The following is the report of the Commissioners ap-
pointed by his Majesty, to examine and report upon the
plans which might be offered by the Competitors for re-
building the Houses of Parliament :