The Sun.
London, England, 1841-02-23 00:00:00

traffic. Now, the horse toll was said to be no criterion,
but it was the only one in point, and the only practicable
application of the plan of reduction, and it had been success-
ful. He would refer them to the recent reduction of tolls on
the bridge of Rouen, where, after the toll had been brought
down to one centime, the shareholders were being paid 6
per cent. upon their capital. He would also instance the
case of omnibuses.
A DIRECTOR said tho question had been repeatedly
mooted in the Committee, and he must admit it had been
always negatived. At the same time he thought the ex-
periment well worth making. Looking at the immense
passenger traffic on Blackfriars and Westminster-bridges,
as compared with theirs, he really thought the reduction
to a halfpenny would at leat double their present income.
—( Hear, hear.) Now, was it likely that Mr. Morgan,
who was one of the largest annuitants and shareholders
in the concern, would advocate such a step, if it was to be
so ruinous as some persons imagined. He was of opinion,
on the whole, that the experiment was, worth making, and
that it should be made at once.--( Hear, hear.)
Mr. HODGES said the great question was, whether the
reduction would benefit their property. Now, the num-
ber of daily passengers was 6,400, and unless they had
upwards of 12,000 daily their position would be no better
than it was at present. Now, the proposition he meant
to submit to the meeting was, that pass tickets should be
given between six and ten in the morning at Id. each,
which would allow the holder to return free if he came to

the bridge before seven in the evening. One of the fool
gates might be used at either end of the bridge to permit
the ticket holders to pass.

Mr. BEDENELL thOught the plan would be altogether
impracticable. It would lead to endless confusion and
fraud, and they would also require additional toll-takers at
the bridge to carry it into effect.
The CHAIRMAN was also of the same opinion.
Mr. HEDGES' amendment having no seconder fell to the
ground.
Several Shareholders thought a specified time should be
stated in the motion for reducing the toll.
The CHAIRMAN said if twelve months was inserted they
would be bound, even if it entailed a serious loss upon
them, to continue it for that period.
Mr. JENKINS observed that they would have a meeting
in June, when it could be ascertained whether the reduc-
,...

tion would affect their revenue injuriously or not, and if
the former, then they could call another general meeting.
A PROPRIETOR thought it was quite sufficient to state
that they would reduce their tolls without giving the
public to understand that it was merely a temporary
measure.

Mr. WALsu said ho would bring the discussion to a close
by moving, as an amendment on the original resolution,
that the charge for foot-passengers remain at one penny.
Mr. HEDGES seconded the amendment.
The question was then put, when there appeared—
For the amendment l3

For the original motion
Majority
Mr. STUTELY moved the omission of the concluding
words of the motion, which stated that the reduction was
an experiment.

The amendment, on a division, was negatived, and the
original resolution carried amidst cheers.
After some further routine business was disposed of, the
meeting adjourned.