The Sun.
London, England, 1846-06-05 00:00:00

MANCHESTER AND SOUTHAMPTON.

Mr. ALIXANDER intimated that the promoters would
first call evidence on behalf of the line, and reserve their
right to address the Committee until the close of their case.
Mr. Samuel Price Edwards, collector of the port of South-
ampton for the last three or four years, and connected with
other ports in a similar capacity for the last 22 years, was
then called and examined. He was acquainted with the
route of the proposed line, which ran from Southampton
ham, where it would form a junction with the Birmingham
and Gloucester Railway. Such a line would be of great
by Romsey, Andover, Marlborough, Cirencester,. to
commu-
nicationChelten-
ham,
from north to south, and thus connect the important
ts with a commodious exporting port
manufacturing district advantage to Southampton, as it would afford direct
in the south of England. The trade of the port of
Southampton had been trebled within the last five veors,
and was increasing. During the year ending the 6th of
January last, 150,956 tons were entered inwards, and 91,133
outwards. The imports consisted of foreign silks, Mohair,
worsted yarn, wool, gums, saffron, goats' hair, &c. The
value of raw silk imported was 700,0001. Out of 313 tons
would go to Manchester, which was the great depot of
raw silks, as also was Macclesfield. Wool went to York-
shire, and the other commodities principally to the
north of England. If the line was made the whole of these
300
articles would go by it as being the cheapest and quickest
mode of communication. Large quantities of coffee were
also imported, and 16 tons of cigars were imported per
month. Southampton was the principal packet station of
the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Packet Company, and
for vessels to all parts of the world. The importation of
coffee was limited, owing to the want of efficient and cheap
north, where the consumption was
greatermhn thanicetiienn the The
present expense of transit was
greater than the article could bear ; it was consequently sent
to the dearest market, London. The Peninsular and Orien
tal Packet Company intended shortly opening up communi-
ceh'it
shouththe
communi-
cation with several ports of the Mediterranean. Southamp-
ton was the fittest port in the country, and possessed
great pecuniary advantages over other towns in respect to
dues and other charges incidental to the navigation.
The circuitous route to the north was a great drawback to
the prosperity of Southampton. At present a ton of goods
to Manchester cost 31. ls. ; by the proposed line the same
quantity would not cost more than 11. He anticipated that
large quantities of corn would be landed at Southampton for
consumption as far north as Birmingham: The value 4,f ex-
ports last year, ending, the sth day of April, 184i',
was 2,192,0551. The opening of the Ronan and
Havre Railwa
yl would increase the general traffic.
60,000 persons, including those who attended them. em-
barked annually. Thewitness into detail with
then went
respect to other towns, and observed the
the proposed line would confer upon the town. With this
railway to the north the trade of Southampton would be
greatly increased. In 1844, the goods conveyed by railway
amounted to 4,225 tons ; in 1845, the quantity had increased
to 12,668.
The witness was subjected to a lengthy cross examination
by Mr. HILL, but his testimony was not shaken. He
considered that a railway, running along the pier, and com-
municating with the docks, would possess a double advan-
tage, as it would embrace them both. To get to the docks at
present persons had to cross the South-Western Rail way.
They would also have to cross the proposed line.
This witness was also cross-examined by Sir T. PHILLIPS
on behalf of the Great Western Company. He said he was a
shareholder in the Manchester and Southampton line, and
that the prospectus issued by the promoters correctly set
forth the advantages which it would confer on the districts
it was proposed to traYerse.