The Sun.
London, England, 1846-05-13 00:00:00

,AILWAY COMMI'rrEES,I
(YESTERDAY.)

HOUSE OF LORDS.
1118—ML .STEHN ( TUNBRIDGE ..WrI2U LS,
HASTINGS, AND ItTZ).
otnmittee met again this day, the Duke of Leinster i 1 the

Ttl• Committee were occupied in hearing evidence on the trat le.
Who witness under examination was cross•examined by Mr. I tltn-
AID at great length as to the probe le ton4unt of trathe„ an, I the
mime from which he furnished his statistics atter which tho Com-
Inittee adjourned, at four o'clock, to eleven o'clock to•mort•oW.
UNOPPOSED RILLS.
The South-Eastern Ashton Stations Enlargement, the Eastern
Union and Iladleigh Junction, and the London and Brig; tton and
East Grimstead Branch Railways came before Lord She ftesbw,ry,
and the preambles having beeen proved, the /Sills were de,l,l3Ad, to
kayo passed through Committee.

HOUSE CiYmNIONS.
IMPORT AN T DECISION.

GROUP IV.

GREAT NORTH OF SCOTLAND. PET LTEC
- AND INVERNESS, AND INVERN riss
AND ELGIN.
The Select Committee appointed to consider the merits of if c Bills
comprised in this Group, reassembled at the usual hour this m °ening,
Mr. B. Hope in the chair.
The room was densely crowded, owing to this mornin g having
been appointed by the Committee f,r giving their decision upon the
engineering merits of the Perth anti Inverness line. Immediately
after the Committee had formed, the room was cleared, and after the
Committee had remained in consultation for about half an hour, the
parties were re-admitted, when"
The CHAIRMAN announced that the Committee bad oome to the
following decision :
The Committee are of opinion that the preamble of Vie Perth and
Inverness, and the Inverness and Elgin Junction Railroad Bills, are
not proved.
The Committee have come to this conclusion, with reference to
the proposed altitude and engineering character of the proposed Perth
and Inverness use, as compared with those of any other line of
railroad now actually completed and in operation.
The Committee, in coming to this conclusion, have not omitted to
consider the suggestion that the Perth and Inverness line might be
laid with a double line of rails instead of with a single one, as now
projected.
The Committee, however, wish it to be understood that they have
arrived at this result solely on the present state of experience as to
the severe gradients of considerable length over great altitudes, and
are not to be taken as giving any opinion against the formation of
the Perth and Inverness line, should experience of the working of
railways now in progress of formation, or of others of a similar cha-
racier, support the principle on which the Perth and Inverness is
proposed to be constructed. Neither is it the intention of the Com-
mittee in any way to prejudge the question—whether, if a line be
constructed from Aberdeen to Inverness, the northern counties of
Scotland are not entitled to the benefit of a second line from Perth
to Nairne.
Mr. Sergeant BLUM'S wished to know what course the Com-
mittee intended to pursue now.
The CHAIRMAN stated they intended now to proceed with the proofs
in favour of the Great North of Scotland Bill.
Mr. Sergeant BELLASIS begged to state then that the promoters of
the Perth and Inverness Railway had evidence to produce in relation
to the nature and extent of the traffic which would be acconnno-
dated by the railway proposed by them, which evidence, in their
judgment, would fully justify the engineering peculiarities of the
line, and they tendered such evidence to the Committee.
Mr. CRAUFOILD, on the other side, stated that they were prepared
With evidence to prove that there was no such traffic.
The Cuairtmen said these facts would be noticed in their report to
the House.
Mr. Sergeant Mcarny applied to the Committee to be heard on be-
half of the Aberdeen, Banff, and Elgin, as a competing line to the
Great North of Scotland Railway. He was prepared, he said, to
prove that the Aberdeen, Banff, and Elgin line, was infinitely su-
perior to the Great North of Scotland
The roo was cleared for considering this request, and after a
short consultation the Committee came to the resolution to hear air.
Sergeant Murphy It his clients were determined to proceed after
the declaration of the Committee in favour of a particular line of
railway trom Perth to Inverness, being in the route of the Great
North of Scotland, but the Committee must call upon Mr. Sergeant
Murphy to open his case at once.
ABERDEEN, BANFF, AND ELGIN.
Mr. Sergeant MURPHY accordingly proceeded to open the case for
the promoters of this line. He said he should be able to show by
evidence that the proposed line between Aberdeen and Nairn was
infinitely superior to the Great North of Scotland, while its construc-
tion would involve the expenditure of a sum considerably
less than the estimate for the Great North of Scotland. It
would give more accommodation to the localities and dis-
tricts through which it passed ; and if he were correctly
Instructed, as he had no doubt he was, the majority of the inhabitants
of the three counties which the line intersected preferred the Aber-
deen, Banff, and Elgin line to the Great North of Scotland. The
Learned Counsel concluded by stating that they had been taken by
surprise by the decision the Committee had come to in the early
part of their sitting, and the consequence was they were not prepared
with their witnesses.
The Committee under these circumstances consented to adjourn
till to-morrow, when the engineering evidence will be gone into.

GROUP XIII.
'This Committee met to-day at twelve o'clock ; Sir William Clay
In the chair. Members present—Earl Jerilyn, Lord Shelburne, Mr.
Ainsworth, and Mr. Curteis.

CALEDONIAN (EXTENSION AND
BRANCHES).
The further evidence in support of the Dumfries branch of the
Caledonian and against the Glasgow Dumfries and Carlisle scheme
now resumed on the re-assembling of the Committee.
Mr. Adam Anderson, of Sanquhar, examined—raid he had consi-
derable experience of the coal-field of Sauquhar. It was a very
-troubled field, having several trap rock intrusions. It was also of
limited extent. He had a plan before him which showed the various
trap rocks that intersected the strata. From the troubled
character of the strata there was a necessity to sink a
great number of pits in proportion to the area. He had
himself sunk eighteen pits to realise but a moderate
supply of coal. The coal war of an inferior character. He did not
-think that tee field would ever be extensively worked to pay. Ile
did not think that Dumfries would be supplied to any great extent,
as the inhabitants of that town could be better supplied from Canonbie
and Glenbuck. in Ayrshire, both of which points would be traversed
by the Caledonian scheme. Hea•lid not think the Sanquhar coal would
dad a market at Dumfries, as it could not be delivered there under
9s.•ld. a ton. Canonbie coal could be supplied at Dumfries for 9s. 2d.,
and Glenbuck coal at 95.6 d., but they were 2s. aJton better. He did not
consider there could be any supply of the gas coal—
whieh bad been estimated for by the Nithsdale Company—got
from the Cumnock fields, as that kind of coal had been nearly cx-
- haunted. He considered also that the Nithsdale Company had
overstated the amount of coal traffic on the Canonbie branch. The
Caledonian had a similar branch, and they had estimated the traffic
of it at 10,000 tons less. The whole amount that should be taken
from the tablet for all these deductions was 6,6841., leaving them
8,9721., instead of 15,656/., which they estimated. He had found
clay at Sanquhar, having sunk sixty feet through it. Bricks had
been made there. Clay had also been found near Thornhill. He was
setisßed that clay would be found throughout the whole valley of
the Nith, with but few exceptions. lie had furnished Mr. Smith, of
Deanston, with information about the clay.
Cross-examined—He had two pits, and raised about 4,000 tons
Yearly. It went principally to the district around Thornhill. Very
little he believed went to Dumfries. He struck out all the coal
coming from Cumnock southwards to Dumfries. The importation of
coal into the port of Dumfries for the last few years was about 13,000
tons, at an average price per ton of 13s, The population or Dumfries
was 14,442, and the country around it about one-third more.
Re-examined—He thought the west division of the Caledonian
Extension line the best one for the supply of minerals to the south.
With regard to gas coal, Lesmahogow supplied the best in Scotland,
and it was close to the Caledonian Extension line. Regarding the
t2rawick branch, the utmost he would allow for its mineral traffic
Was 379/.
Mr. Nicholas Wood, civil and mining engineer, examined—He
had had extensive experience in the coal trade, and on dif-
ferent occasions examined the Scotch coal fields. He had
examined both the Cumnock and Sanquhar coal fields. As
far as he could learn the Sanquhar field was but limited
in extent, and troubled whh faults. The coal was inferior to both
that of Cumnock and Canenbie. The plan of the s:rata before the
Committee he believed to be an accurate representation of the bed.
Re had not been down the pits, but the information on the plans he
bad received front Mr. Anderson. He had gone over the field with
several other mining engineers, and having heard their explanations,
besides noticing the works that rose on each side of the basin, and
Which Underlay the strata, he came to the conclusion that the field
Was about six miles long and one mile te oal. lie had examined the
traffic-table of the Nithsdale Company, and thought it much too
high. He had made out another table of the traffic, which he would
bard over. He had divided the traffic into three heads—one from
Cumnock to Dumfries ; another for the Canonbie branch ; and a
third for the Crawick branch. He did not think any coal would be
taken from Sanquhar to Dumfries. He set down the whole of the
Mineral traffic of the Nithsdale scheme at 10,2941.
The CHAIRMAN called the attention of the counsel for the Cale-
donian line to the fact of there being considerable discrepancy be-
tween the estimate of Mr. Anderson and that submitted by the
Present witness.
Mr. Anderson was recalled, and stated that, from some tables
Which he could produce in a short time, he would be able to explain
the difference satisfactorily.
native r. Geddies, of Glasgow, examined by Mr. }ilexes':t—He was a
of Kilmarnock, and had been twentyc years a calico printer
there. lie now was engaged in soilingstuffs for the Kilmar-
nock market. The principal printing at Kilmarnock arnock was mouseline-
. de-laines. Glasgow was the market from
goods
cons
gn:vd. enlcte the new goods were
..i.ivLo.uld still continue
brought, and the finished
the great mart. The unprinted mouseline-de wereeam woves
Manchester, and sent to Glasgow by the Liverpool at
the dye stuffs were sent to Kilmarnock from Glasgow. He did notAl
think if a direct communication was had from Kilmarnock to Eng-
land, that the line would be used to bring dye stuffs. There were
four carpet manufactories at Kilmarnock, and the goods made were
exported. Both the carpet and the bonnet %trades were decreasing.
The shoes made at Kilmarnock were principally shipped at Glasgow
for South America. but it was likewise a declining trade,
Cross-examined by Mr. MARTIN—AII the trades were not decreas-
ing, for the 'printing trade was increasing very much. That trade
he set down at about 350,000/. He had collected this from inquiries
he had made and conversation he had held with parties who knew
the town well.
Mr. Robert Sanderson, merchant, of Glasgow, formerly engaged in
the carrying trade in the west of Scotland, deposed as to the carry_
ing trade of Kilmarnock. He knew the trade of Kilmarnock well.
The course of trade was almost exclusively with Glasgow. The
tonnage at present between Glasgow and Kilmarnock by the Ayr-
ahire Railway, was 20,000, The whole of this that came from or
water. Out
went to England was 2,900, which went principally by
of this 2,900 tons 1,000 tons were seeds, that went by sailing vessels
destined far the east of England. If a railway was formeds
woulddirect
with England, he did not think any of the leather or seeds
be sent by it. The utmost that went at present by the
steamers was 1,000 tens. Glasgow, at the present time, was the
great smart in Scotland for English goods, and was becoming more so
every year. He had looted at the Nithsdale Company traffic tables,
and he thought the amount exaggerated. He did not think that all
the Ayrshire passengers went to Ardrossan for England, as a great
number went by the Glasgow steamers.
Cross-examined—He had ascertained from the carriers between
Glasgow and Kilmarnock that the amount was 10,000 tons. The
English trade he ascertained from traders in Kilmarnock.
At the desire of Mr. Ricamme, Mr. Anderson was called, and ex-
plained that lie made a mistake in partly adding up the figures when
Called on by the Committee to do so, which led to the discrepancy
between his evidence and that of Mr. Woods. He now explained
this, and begged leave to say that he entirely agreed with the table
of Mr. Woods.
Mr. Robert Farquharson, merchant and manufacturer, of Paisley,
deposed that from his knowledge of the Paisley trade, derived during
40 years' experience, he did not think any other traffic would go by
the Nithsdale line. It would either go by the Caledonian line, or by
Sea. He tnought as through lines the Caledonian and the Nithsdale
lines could not co-exist, and pay at the same time. If they were
both made it must soon end in an amalgamation. From his know-
ledge, them was but little traffic through by the Nithsdale route.
The cross-examination of the witness did not elicit any point of
material importauce.
The Committee then adjourned till to-morrow at twelve o'clock.

GROUP XIV.
NORTU KENT DZSTRXCTS (SOV'TU-
Thenasiraniv
Committee tow hlch th3iso. district is referred met to-day at
twelve o'clock, in Room No.
crconreil:raensednmt,r3. IGrioPivrtont.heroe (chair-
man), Lord Emlyn, Mr. J.
Mr. AUSTIN On the part of
()South-Eastern Company) pro-
ceeded to call evidence In supp n f the South- 'Eastern Branch,
through Greenwich-park.
Mr. Stephenson stated that the nearest point at whichl the Green-
wich branch would approach the Observatory
to Taenvcilbtrvahtaletnefftheactt
tram it. Has made experiments wtth reference would
be 255 yards
cause in passiag through the teem
the trains will
they would have on the astronomical Instrumentisuel
The CHAIRMAN said that the Committee were
thevery anxious to hear
vibration of the
Mr. Stephensou's statement with reference to
trains, but the main point was, whether the consent of the Adn ralty could be obtained? Should they not consent the Committee
would consider the reason they bad for withholding their
ermission.
excusei his
Ch
Mr. AUSTIN said that the Committee would probably
taking the course he was then pursuing, but if
the Hon.
would recollect he won d find that the Committee had desired atontrilaanr
more evidence with reference to the line as between Greenwich
ande
Woolwich.
The CHAIRMAN said that the Committee were rather disposed at
present to take into consideration the probability of the consent of
the Admiralty being given. Still there were other parties to be
beard. In fairness to the North Kent their objections should be
heard, and the landholders also should have an opportunity of coming
before the Committee. If the South-Eastern Company had the con-
sent of the Admiralty then they were ready to hear what evidence
could be offered, and if they had not the consent of the Admiralty
the Committee would deliberate whether it would be worth while to
enter upon the inquiry.
Mr. Ausrix said that in obedience to the suggestien of the Com-
mittee lie had come prepared with full evidence as to the utility of
the branch. He would ask the Committee were they prepared to go
on if ho produced the consent of the Admiralty ?
The CHAIRMAN—We are. -
Mr. AUSTIN said that he had a letter from the Admiralty addressed
t• the Deputy-Chairman of the South Eastern Company, and was
dated the 9th of May, Saturday lust. 'I he letter was from the Secretary
to the Board of Commissioners, and stated that he was commanded by
the Commissioners to state that the opposition to the South-Eastern
Greenwich branch would be withdrawn on the understanding that
the railway 541114 Oe carried throgla the park in a tunnel, and