The Sun.
London, England, 1846-03-28 00:00:00

THE "TIMES" RHPORT.

Sergeant WRANCILIM then said he felt it necessary to observe before
their Lordships, on the inaccuracy of a report of yesterday's pro-
ceedings in that Committee, by which a Member of the • other
Ironic of Parliament felt his character was seriously affected.
Their Lordships would recollect that Mr. Blakeney, a solicitor,
was examined ,yesterday, and that some of his statements referred
to Mr. Blake, M.P. In reference to that, the Times' report had the
following paragraph :---
"An important fact came out on the cress-examniation of Mr.
Illakeney, a solicitor, who gave strong evidence in support of the
Mullingar lin2. Ile said that his name was down for 100,0001. to the
deed, but he had not a share in the line, and he merely acted as the
agent of Mr. Blake, M.P. for Galway. It was proved yesterday, with
a reference to this part of the case, that Mr. Watson was down as a
subscriber for 10,0001., and had not paid any deposit money."

sow, the facts which came before their Lordships yesterday were
these —that Mr. Blake bad sent to his solicitor, Mr. Blakeney,
to purehase 10,0001. worth of shares in the Mullingar line, and
sent the money ; but Mr. Watson's case, which was very
different, was pat by the reporter of the Times In such apposition with
Mr. Blake's as to imply a very serious Imputation on his character,
and that Ile had been speculating to the amount of 100,0001. It was
enough for him (Sergeant Wraugham) to observe upon the mistake
'before their Lordships.
Lord SETAIRX said the Committee he the most distinct recollection
of the facts put in evidence yesterday, which were as the Learned
Sergeant had represented them; but ha (Lord Selkirk) could not
wonder at errors being made by the reporters when such a noise was
created in the room.
his Lordship ought to tave, added "especially as no accommoda-
tion whatever had been provided for the public press." In fact, the
reporter must stand, and stand in a crowd of impatient clients,
huddled and jostled about so as to be effectually prevented from
writing while the evidence is being given. If he report it must be
from memory, and to do that with perfect accuracy, In the case of
details, is next to impossible.
The Committee adjourned till a late hour in the day, that counsel
might have an opportunity of consulting on certain clauses in both
Bills, which will then be read and passed, with a view to their being
reported to the House to-eight.

No. 9 Room.
This Committee commenced its sittinge this morning at the cus-
tomary hour.
THE DUBLIN, DOWN, AND CALLANDRA RAILWAY,
rITIE INVERNESS AND ELGIN RAILWAY,
THE SURREY GRAND JUNCTION RAILWAY, and
THE SCOTTISH SOUTHERN TERMINAL RAILWAY,
were allowed to Joe proceeded with.

The Committee on

Tam DUBLIN AND ENNISMILLEN.

met to-day in the Rolls' Court

The promoters of the Irish North Mi.lland Railway, as a com-
peting company, opposed the Bill.
Mr. Sergeant 3ltaenv appeared for the promoters of the Bill, and
briefly stated their case, from which it appeared that the line would
be strictly a line frem the city of Dublin to Enniskillen. If their
Lordships would look to the map they would find that the line started
at Collinsillegis, that it would afford railway accommodation to the
important town of Navan, which fact lie submitted was a most
prominet feature of recommendation in behalf of this line, in
preference to the scheme of the competing companies. It would also
connect the town of Trim with the county town of Meath. It'then
proceeded to the town or Kells, and went on to a town called lir-
ginia, and thence to Cavell, till it joined the line of the Dundalk and
Enniskillen Railway Company, and front Newry it proceeded 10 the
town of Enniskillen. The line of the Irish North Midland COM-
panics on the other hand started at Kilcock, 22 miles from Dublin,
being the point where the Mullinger line started. It then proceeded
to the town of Trim, and from. Trim to the town of Kells. It then
ran to Virginia, and thence to Cavan. It then deflected a little to
the west, and -crossed (as he understood) the waters of Lough Erne
three times, until it reached a juncticn with the Newry and Enniskillen
Railway, and so proceeded to Enniskillen. Their Lordships would,
therefore, see by the frame of the map that the line
of this Company was far more direct than the project of the
Irish North Midland Company. She Met of there being two compet I g
lines showed that some one line was necessary. lie would, there-
fore, call their Lordships' attention to the prominent feature it) be-
half of this Company— vlz., that of there being a line of railway
already from Dublin to Drogheda, which was thirty .two miles in
length, and had been in operation for the last two years. A Bill
had been obtained for the purpose of enabling the directors of thst
line to continue it so as to connect the important
bays of Newry, Dmidalk, and Carlingford. fie was ex-
ceedingly glad that their Lordships had so far agreed with him
as to reject upon discussion the petitions which came from those dif-
ferent lines which were presented to their Lordships that day; and
he also rejoiced at the contest which had taken place between him-
self and his learned friends, because it nabied him to show their
Lordships the animus in which the contest on behalf of the opposing
schema was to be carried on. The promoters of the line were about to
carry out that kincipte of forming a great central trunk of railway
for the north of Ireland, a principle that had an much received the
sanction of the Legislature during the last session. He would ask
their Lordships whether they could not infer, from the petitions that
lay before them against this line, that the ground of the opposition
was merely to annoy this Company ? And lie would ask their Lord-
ships, whether it was not • fair to infer that, even if the Le-
gislature sanctioned the scheme of the opponents, they
would not fail to make their proposed line ? Judging
from the nature of the petitions and statements of the North Midland
Company, he should say that it would be incompatible with the in-
terests of the north of Ireland to grant them power to construct their
line. The promoters of this Bill proposed to give a direct communi-
cation to the town of Navan with the City ofDublin, whilst the line of
the opponents would be a most circuitous one—being in fact about
eleven miles longer than that 'of this Company. They 'also
proposed to give a direct communication between all the, important
towns of-the north of Ireland. - They had no. engineering difficulties
of any extent— they had only a small tunnel-near the town of Cavan ;
their gradients were most favourable, in point of fact their deepest
grailient was I in 104, and their sharpest curve was 2 furlongs and 2
chains, which. their Lordships would see was by no means a sharp curve.
Mr. Winter, a magistrate of the counties of Cavan and Meath,
was then called in support of the promoters' case, and stated that
the feelings of the inhabitant, of these districts were universally in
faveur of the Dublin and Enniskillen, inlireferencO to the project of
the Irish North Midland Company. Ile' believed that it would give
ample accommodation for the traffic, and passengers having business
between Dublin and Enniskillsn.• ' _ _

Mr. John Clayton Morris was next called, and stated that he was
a poor-law valuator far the district of Cavan, having superintendence
in that respect over 210,000 acres. A vast number a coashea plied
between Cavan. and Dublin, and this "line would afford railway ac-
cenuriodatiod to the counties of Derry, Tyrone, Donnegal, West
;Meath; Cavan, Fermanagh, and Meath, as well as more direct com-
munication between other districts and the city of Dublin. This
Ens *as far more preferable than the competing scheme.
-Mr..J..C. Morris, cross-examined by Mr. Bons—The grand jury
of Meaih preferred this line to that of the North Midland Company,
because it would pass through the heart of that country. This line
woukl accommodate 580,000 people. I see the name of Donnybrook
included in the list of parishes which it is said this line will accom-
modate.- Whydo you include it ?—Because there's a great fair there.
Yes fcr who has not • heard of Donnybrook fair, but they
cannot derive much traffic from that source?—There is a great many
horse7dealers who attend the fair. What side of Dublin is Donny-
brook on ?—On the south-east side. And on what side is Clonullagh,
the proposed terminus of this railway ?—On the not th-side.—(Laugh-
ter.) He did not think that Tyrcne was a grazing county. Some of
the parishes included in the list were much more distant than five
miles front the line. It was not a general rule In Ir.eland that, the
produce was sent to the nearest port. The traffic which was carried
trout the north of Ireland to Dublin was very great, and would
include more than agricultural produce. - •
Mr. Joseph Hill was next called on behalf of the promoters. Had
been employedify the Poor-law Comniissioners in Ireland as valuator.
Was n ell acquainted with the district-through which this line would
pass, and believed that it would afford the best communication to the
district.

Mr. Barnes, a magistrate of the county of Meath, was of opinion
that there would not be as much traffic and passengers on the line
through which-the North Nidland . would pass" as on that of this
Company. •Droglieda,' through which this Company's line would
Pass, was an export tovin.to the county of Meath.
- • Atter sothe further evidence' In favour of.the line In preference to
the opposing scheme, . „
Mr. ALENANDER; Q.C.: on the part of the opposition, applied to
their .I.Onithips to have the case • adjoufncd 'until Monday, on the
ground that the opponents wished to consult their engineer, and that
:Saturday uns the only day on which he was disengaged. If their
Lordships decided to proceed with the case to-morrow, it would be a
great inconvenience to the North Midland Company.
The- CHAIRMAN said that their Lord,hips would have preferred
sitting to-morrow, because on Tuesday they were afraid that they
would 'lot he able to sit.

It was ultimately agreed that the Committee should stand *ad-
journed until Monday.

Mr. John Farrell, another magistrate for the county of Meath,
atated that he was possessed cf considerable property near hells, and
was well acquainted with Meath. The amount of cattle produced
there was very great, and the owners preferred sending them to
Dublin for sale and exportation. Seven was a very important town'
and as this line passed through it (which the North Midland did no:s
he should much prefer it to the opposing scheme.

Cross-mtmined—This line would be more advantageous to the
people of Trim and Athboy than the opposing line, beeause it WAS
Lore direct.

Cros3-exarnined by Mr. ALCAPHY (of the Irish bar), who appeared
oil behslf of the Belfast Junction Extension Railway Company, who

r::tdaplate forming a branch from their main line, which should
t!amteet Navatt and Bells, and there join the North Midland. If
their Lordships sanction the• Belfast Junction bratich.to ;Cells, would
not that afford the" most direct: connection by railway with your
nearest port,"viz., Drogheda?—Certainly it would.

`_Jr. Lambert Disney, a steward of Lord Farnham's estate, near
Athboy, Was next examined in favour of the Dublin and Enniskil-
len line, which he considered by far the more preferable project. He
should oppose the line of the North Midland, inasmuch as it would
pass through the estate of Lord Farnham, and compel him to change
his residence. The county through which this line would pass was
a very important and commercial tract of country.
Cross-exaMined—Did not know that there was any particular traffic
between Athboy and Dunshoughlan, but he believed that it was only
to justify the formation of a branch from the main line of this com-
pany. He had never sent any cattle to Drogheda. He was more
particularly acquainted with the county of Meath, and as regarded
that county, he was certain that this line would be more advantage-
ous to the public than the opposing seems.
The evidence of this witness having been concluded, the Committee
adjourned until Monday.

Their Lordships' Committee on the Dublin, Waterford, Wexford,
Wicklow, Sandymount, Enniskerry, and Carlow lines and branches
met to-day, at eleven o'clock. Present, Lord Auckland, Chairman ;
Lord Kinnaird, Lord Sydney, Lord Rossie, and Lord Colville,
The expected business of this morniug was to go into the case of
Lord Palmerston in opposition to the Waterford and Dublin line.
lint It was understood, that his Lordship's opposition was withdrawn.
The opposition of Mr. Reid, witich was to be entertained on Mon.
day, has (it is understood) been also withdrawn.
The preambles of all the Bills were proved, and their Lordships
adjourned to eleven o'clock on Monday.

110I.TEM= OF COMMONS.
, GROUP ix.
This Committe,e met to-day at twelve o'clock, Lord Worsley in the
chair. All the Members of the Committee present.
WEST OP SCOTLAND JUNCTXOI7.
Mr. Miller, civil engineer, called, and cross-examinedi in continua-
tion from yesterday. He had an alternatve for c: t Mang the
Clyde, if the Admiralty objected to the crossing r., below
the present bridge. It was to crises the
bridg at an
elevation above the footpath, so as not to interfe with
_the bridge
the general traffic of the bridge. The ee.,,lertrsa of
were quite strong enough to bear the eight, as it
was ono of the best structures in Scotland. This alteration
would make the crossings of the streets worse, and interferemaol
with the street traffic than the other plan. The streets would
have to be crossed more in the skew, and the spans would be almost
Impracticable in two instances, being 220 feet each. In the tunnel
north ofßlythswood Holm there was a gradient of one in ninety, with
a curve of thirteen chains radius. The junction with the main tine
was to he in tumid, with a gradient of forty-two on the latter. He
was satisfied the estimates were quite ample enough.
The witness was cross-examined by .111 r. Foasi-nr, on the part of
the Glasgow and Greenock Railway, with the object of showing that
the Southern portion of the scheme wou'd take away the Greenock
line passenger station and the goods depot, and would interfere with
the proper working of the'r line. Witness admitted that a portion of
tie passenger elation would be gone through and the goods depot
touched, but he did not apprehend any inconvenience ; and new
acconnnodation would be provided, without much interference with
the ordinary traffic.
Mr. Sergeant llELLasis briefly cross-examined the witness with
the purpose of showing that one of the alternative branches would
Interfere at a crossing with the Barrhead and., Nellston Direct
Railway.
Mr. Wiesos, irenmaster of Dandyvan, near Glasgow, was next
called hi, end was undergoing examination as to the great advan-
tage the proi:osed junction would confer on the trade of the stir-
roundiag district, when
The CHAIRMAN interfered. He said he hail sent to the Admiralty
for Captain Washington, one of the Tidal Harbour Commissioners, to
be examined as to the crossing • of the Clyde ; and as that gentleman
had arrived, it would be convenient to take his evidence at once.
Captain Washington was then examined, and said his attention
had been called to the Harbour of Glasgow last year. He gave evi-
dence then against the proposed crossing of the Clyde, but be had
not attended to the present plan. (The plan was here produced and
placed before the witness.] Looking at the plan he considered it a
~.1c del the plan of last year, still he objected to it.
rievrOtild.ottititttrferewith the harbour, and rather than the smallest
./;.;1121r-11011etiletklai?e red to the navigation, he would prefer that
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the present bridge Le pulled down, and one of two or three spans built
in its stead. He would also prefer that it should be built further up
the river. •
A letter from the Admiralty was here produced, to the effect that
the Admiralty would not Interfere with the present plans, but leave
the matter to the Committee.
Captain Washington, in continuation, said he believed the Admi-
ralty would not put a veto on the plan, but submit the whole matter
to the discretion of the Committee ; still he was certain if the subject
was left entirely to theta they would decide against the proposed
plan.
At the close of the examination the room was cleared. On our
return,'
The CHAIRMAN said there was one point on which the Committee
required special engineering evidence. It was about the proposed
junction in the tunnel on the north side of the line. Unless the pre-
sent impression was removed about the danger of that junction, there
would be little use in occupying time with the other parts of the case.
Mr. Sergeant ANDREWS said they would be prepared with evidence
on that point on Monday morning.
The Committee then adjourned till Monday at twelve o'clock.

GROUP XI I.