The Sun.
London, England, 1846-03-24 00:00:00

The Committee then adjourned until twelve o'clock to-morrow,

GROUP XV.

-Kir. J.. 7. JonxsoN, previous to adjournment, submitted to the
Committee that the objectien taken on the other side to the Chiches-
ter line, iu the case of error in the levels laid down in the sections,
was a " standing order" point, and therefore that the Committee
was precluded by one of the standing orders from examining it. Ile
suggested that: an inquiry should be made whether this was not so
in the present case.
Mr. MEREWETIIER contended that it was not a standing order
objeeticn, and It came within the province of the present Cc inmate°,
under the 20th section of the Land Clauses Act, limiting the cuttings
to 5 feet in the country and 2 feet in the towns.
The Committee adjourned till twelve o'clock tomorrow.

GE IT
CHERTSEY AND EGHAM BRANCH.
The Committee (all the members of which were present) met at
twelve o'clock, when Mr. Word ,worth submitted a plan by which
the branch could be made without interfering with his property, and
it was agreed that it should be submitted to Mr. Locke's conside-
a:

Mr. Briscoe, a magistrate and gentleman of property, gave evi-
denee similar to that of Colonel CitaHoner yesterday.
Mr. Edgill, who resides within hatfa mill of Egham, stated that a
great advantage would be afforded by this railway, mid that Cassia
challoner had understated the number of persons whose attendance
was required at the petty sessions : there 160 per annum en an ave-
rage, whichh information he had derived from the clerk. in conse-
quence of the obstruction of traffic, and the convenience enjoyed by
other places, the value or property had greatly declined, and there
were at the present time 67 houses tinoccupied in Egharn. lie
perfectly concurred in the opinion that a great advantage would be
derived front the cheaper conveyance of chalk to that die rect.
To Sir C. Pouesas —Mr. Edgill replied that the empty houses
were of the smaller size.
Mr. Whitton, a banker at Egliam, confirmed Mr. Edgill'e state-
mentrespecting the disadvantage accruing to Eugham from the want
of a railway.
A little conversation then ensued respecting the point on which
Mr. Evans rests, and Mr; Wordsworth, on his behalf, stated, that as
he had ulterior designs, in which he should probably show the
propiety and force of his client's case, he should
not cross-examine on the public merits of the case.
The Committee then decided that it was unnecessary to
call any further evidence on the traffic merits of the branch, Lot that
the engineer and the surveyor should be called. Prior, however, to
the examination of Mr. :Locke, a conversation took place between
that gentleman and Mr. Evans's surveyor, but the resell was a disa-
greement in opinion as to the avoidance of Mr. Evans's property, and
the plans were submitted to the Committee.
air: Locke was then called, and stated part of his evidence re-
specting the course of the line, and its engineering character. 'I here
were three roads crossed at a level, but he had preferred that mode
of traverse in a flat country, because he thought it better
than raising embankments or bridge approaches, and which would
have the further disadvantage of Interfering with the town of Chert-
sey. The estimated cost of the line, including the land, would he
100,0001., the annual expenses were estimated at 3,997/., and
the returns, 9,6301., having a rough profit of 5,600., giving
an average of five or six per cent. With respect to Mr.
Evans's propet ty, he was induced to refrain from giving
n to the opposition, because, in the first place, as laid out
interfeired less than it would otherwise do with the property, both
to the right and left ; and secondly, because the Company wore
pledged not to deviate towards Mr. Burnett's property , thirdly, it
would interfere with Lady Montford's property, and the deviation,
as proposed by the other side, would throw the railway into a village.
The distance from Mr. Evan's house was about 140 yards.
To the CHAIRMAN.—Mr. Locke replied, that the engineering diffi-
culties occasioned by the alteration were immaterial, although the
change would be rather prejudicial than otherwise.
To Mr. Woanswonzu. —Mr. Locke stated that the change would
effect the curves, and render the line more inadvisable titan it was
as now laid out. The line would certainly interfere with the view
of the copse on St, Anne's Hill, which was an ornamental object, as
seen from Mr. Evan's house. The house also would he somewhat
interered with las the bridge near the property. The reason for
taking the course they did was, that the deviation would oblige the
Company not only to infringe upon their engagement with Mr.
Burnett, but also with Lady Montford's property, the village he had
spoken of, in which, if the line were carried that way, at least half
a dozen cottages would have to he pulled dawn, and other lands and
grounds, would be effected besides. By sharpening the curve, perhaps
the village might be avoided, bur the change would be inconvenient.
The deviation proposed by Mr. Evans would carry the line through
through the parsonage-house, and there appeared to be no means of
avoiding that difficuty.
Mr. Crawter was recalled, and stated, that he valued the land
for the line, the va•ue of which land was 24,33g1. 3s. 10d.,
including sectional damage. He knew a Mr. :Evan's
House, which Is a good, gentlemanly residence, but it fronted the
north, and looked away from the railway, which could only be seen
from acme of the bedroom windows at the back of the house. Ile
also knew Lady Montford's house, which was not such a good one
as Mr. Evans's house but ft looked, at the distance of about 100
yards, towards the railway. He was also acquainted with Mr. Ben-
net's property. Ilis house was a good fbmily mansion, surrounded
by 400 acres ef ground ; and, by a stipulation with that gentleman,
it WAR agreed that the line should not be carried nearer to his house
than as now laid down. Mr. Evans's house stood at the corner of
two roads, on which' there was a considerable traffic, and the
ground in front of the premises belonged to Lady Moniford.
To Mr. WORDSWORTH —The witness repeat. d his previous evidence,
and stated that he had purchased the parsonage house on behalf of
the Company ; but, at a previous 'mating with Mr. Evans's agent,
he had merely suggested the deviation which had been shown by that
gentleman. A plan had eertoinly been sent to him dy Mr. Hunt, but
qe did not know what hail become of it.
To Mr. 'lore—The witness repeated his assertion that the railway
would not interfere with the line of sight between Mr. James's house
and the copse on St. Anne's Hill.
To Lord POLLINGTON and Mr. Br.r.wrrr— The witness replied that
the parsonage house was bought because a bridge was to
be erected, which would be close to the windows, and the
purchase had been made in order to avoid !My ditalculty
with the patron of the living. The lend near Mr. Evans's house was
ornamental ineadoes, but he thought that the injury done to Mr. Ben-
nett's property would be g. eater than that suffered by Mr. Evans, as
the line went directly through the former gentleman's palls.
9'his closed the case fur the promoters, and Mr. Woensworrn
was about to open his case, is hen the chairman intimated that ..ss
thought the feeling of the committee was to pass the preamble and
discuss, Mr. Evans's claims on the clause. On this suggeetion the
counsel would have acted, but a difficulty arose respecting the ar-
rangement, and Mr. Wordsworth was about to proceed against the
preamble, when, alter some conversation between the severe:
pal ties concerned, a conference was held between them, the result
of which was that 211 r. Bennett, having conceded part of his claims,
the company were enabled to take such a lino of deviation as would
'met Sir. Evans's views, and the preamble of the Bill was declared
proved.
bele;liiemeaczniwttheaed7 wasll went
suggestedthetlirotigli
bc ylauses, after an alteration had
Mr. Wordsworth, and the
Chairman was directed to cnrry up the report.

LtOtal XIX .
This c-ommittee commenced its sittings this morning in the dining.
ream or the Session• house, Westminster. The committee consisted
of Lord Harry Vane, chairman ; Mr. F. Scott, the Earl of ➢larch
Mr. _Norris, and Mr. Bennett.

EXETER, TOPSHAM, AND EXMOUTH,

was the flat Bill that WAS taken by the Commtttee. The
line is a Yhort site, being only seven miles in length. The estimated
cost is 100,000/. _

The Bil;was opposed by the corporation of Exeter.
Thera was a competing line called the Exeter and Exmouth
Railway.

Sergeant Murphy aud Mr. Merrivale appearsd for the promoters
of the Bill.

Mr. MERRIVALE having opened the case, called Mr. Wilcocks, a
member of the town council of Exeter, in support of the Bill. lie
sp,ke of the general advantage to the neighbourhcod of the line.
The witness was cross-examined on the part of the corporation of
Exeter, with the titiect of showing that sufficient accommodation
would be afforded to the neighbourhood by the existing canal.

GROUP XXV.
MA.LDEN, 'WITHAM, AND BILAXNTREN.
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition.)
Mr. Beedale, the surveyor of the line, estimated the price of the
land to be taken for the line at 9,910/. The line in no way interfered
with any residential property, nor did it injure any house or building.
Mr. Locke, the engineer, proved that the length of the line was
twelve miles and six chains. There was no tunnelling—the gra-
dients were good, and on the whole the line was the best
that could be selected. The estimate was 186,000/. ; the subscribed
capital of the Company was 200,000/. The Blackwater River could
easily be deepened, and at a moderate outlay. The line joined the
Eastern Counties on a level at Witham. After the working ex-
penses of the line had been paid, he estimated that there would be a
disposable balance of 18,1751., or 10 per cent. upon the paid up
capital. _ _

This closed the case for the promoters. The opposition WAS pose
pored till to-morrow.

!The Committee:adjourned, at four o'clock, till twel're o'clock to-
morrow.

Sub-Committee No. 2.
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition.)
IRISH UNION.
The object of this Bill was to construct a railway from Dumfries
to Portpatrick, with an extension from Dumfries to the Caledonian
Railway, at or near Springfield, to the parish of Gretna, with broriches
front Enispie to Kirkcudbright, from Carty Port to Wigtown, and
from Lachans to Stranraer. Length of the line, including
branches, 120 miles ; capital, 1,550,000/. Parliamentary agents,
Messrs. Dunlop and Hope.
The formal proofs having been taken, the petitions against the
Bill, for two of which there was au appearance, were heard.
Cole Ea appeared in support of the first petition from Mr.
Mackay and others, complaining of non-compliance with the stand-
ing orders.
The class of allegations entered into stated that there were errors
in the subscription contract deed, in some instances the name of only
one member of a firm being subscribed.
The room was cleared. On our re-admission, it being announced
that the Speaker was at prayers, the Committee adjourned till to-
morrow%

Sub-Committee No 6.
LANARKSHIRE AND LOTNIAN
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition.) S.
The evidence of all the witnesses, with the exception of the
engineer, having been tendered,
Mr. LANG applied to have the case postponed, to which
Mr. PRITT, the opposing agent, objected, and the Committee, after
a brief delay, decided that the promoters should proceed with their
case.
Mr. PRITT said, that the first allegation to wh!ch he would call the
attention of the Committee was that of the Monkland nto
1: irkintilloch Railway Company, who complained that their
names had not been mentioned either in the books of
reference, deposited in the offices of the clerks of the peace in
the district through which the line was proposed to pass, or in the
documents deposited in the Private Bill-oflice, as owners of the Rose-
hall branch of their railway, with which the promoters of the present
Bill intended to interfere.

The allegation was declared to be sustained.
The Committee was occupied during the remainder of the day with
.her minor allegations, some of which were sustained and others not.
The case was adjourne4l until te-morrow,

near Bolton-hill, and there will be no difficulty in forming a tunnel.
Has observed the hue between Chatham and Sittingbourne, said it is
very judiciously laid out there. Had examined the country Also last
year, and had observed that the line passed within twenty yards, of
the powder-mills ; it appeared safe then, and must certainly do so
now, when the distance is 180 yards.
By Mr. Cocx BURN— Was about eight hours at Bolton. The powder-
mill may be passed safely I,y the trains. The trains would not affect
the mill at a distance of 180 yards ; nor would the explosion of the
mills affect the trains at that distance.

By Mr. TALBOT—No great length of time was weeeFsary to ex-
amine the strata at the shaft.

Mr. Miller, examined 'by Kr. TALBOT—Is an engineer, and has
gone into the expense of the propo ed bridge at Rochester. Ilas also
estimated the expense of a bridge for the bridge-wardens before the
existence of the North Kent Railway Company.
Mr. TALBOT then announced that the case on the part of the North
Kent line was closed, with the exception of a few words which he
wished to have from Mr. 'rite, on the subject of the valuation of land
along the line. Mr. Tile was not then present, tier could he lie im-
mediately called. Under these circumstances, he proposed to close
his case, reserving to himself the right of briefly examining Mr. The
to-morrow morning, and also of producing a letter which had been
received from the Boat d of Ordnance.
After a short discussion,
Mr. DAWSOS (who appeared in support of a petition against the
proposed line by Sir John Evelyn), then proceeded to address the
Committee very briefly.
The promoters of the Korth Kent line here requested permission to
add the evidence of Sir Frederick Smith, as to the safety of the
trains passing the powder mills.
Sirr F. Smith stated that he had examined the course of the pro-
posed line last year. It passed very close to the mills, but was not
unsafe. The dani,er, if any, might be prevented by covering the line
with Iron roofing.
By Mr. MEIIREWETHER (for the South Eastern line.'.—lf a line rf
railway were at a distance of 200 yards from a powder-mill, the
explosion of 40 barrels of powder would give a concussion,
but would not occasion any serious damage. The powder in that
state called the " green charge" is nearly as strong as the powder
when quite prepared for use. The powder-m its are generally very
strongly built, and there would be very heavy materials thrown in
case or an explosion. Remembers an explosion which occurred last
year at Dartford or Hounslow. The stones which were split were
very massive, but they were not moved far. Thinks that the rail-
way at Chatham would be better if under the fire of the guns from
the fortification. Cannot say whether the station should be
under the fire of the gulls. At Gosport. there is a stolen both inside
and outside the works, and the one Inside is safer, though not under
the fire of the battery. The station outside the battery is under the
fire of the cannon, but is not so safe.

BRIGHTON AND CHICHESTER (noGNort.
AND LITTLE lIADIPTON nizaNclins).
BOGNOR AND CHICHESTER.
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition.)
Mr. JOHNSON NEALE opposed the Brighton branch to Bognor on
behalf of Mr. Richard Clarke, landowner at Bognor. and called evi-
dence to show that the Brighton Company had been guilty of a breach
of faith and agreement.
Mr. Rastrick on his cross-examination by Mr. NEALE said, that
Mr. Clark had projected the present Bognor branch previous to the
Brighton Company taking it up, and that he (Mr. Rastrick) con-
sented to become engineer of the line, and had the surveys made
and paid for. lie (Mr. Rastrick) thought afterwards it would he
more advisable that the Brighton Company should make the pro-
jected line, and made use accordingly of the surveys already taken
to make up the sections and plans for the Brighton Company.
Several witnesses were called on the part of the Chichester direct
branch, to show that the vreat preponderance of public feeling in
Chichester and in Bof.,nor was in favour of the Chichester and
Bognor line.