The Sun.
London, England, 1846-05-22 00:00:00

GROUP LIV.

This Committee re-assembled to-day at the usual hour ; presem
Mr. Bannerman (chairman) and the other members.
MIDLAND, BURTON—ON—TRENT TO
NUNEATON, AND BRANCH.

The Cuainmax said he wished to call the attention of the counsel
for the petitioners against the Bill to a eertain regulation that had
been agreed to by Committees, namely, that counsel should set forth
some of the general grounds on which they objected to the Bill. The
Committee, however, would not on all occasions adhere too rigidly
to this regulation.
The evidence for the Bill was then resumed.

Mr. J. Steene, examined by Mr. MacauLET—Was a corn and coal
dealer in Oxford, where he had resided for thirty years. From 50,000
to 60,000 tons of coal were consumed annually in Oxford, of which
30,000 tons came from the Moira collieries. They suffered consider-
ably in Oxford from the canal by which the coal was at present
conveyed. For one ton of Bedford coal there were 200 tons
of Moira coal consumed in Oxford. The cost of bringing coal from
Moira to Oxford was at present 13d. per hundred ; but by the pro-
posed railway there would, according to the calculation that had
IN en made, be a saving of 15,0001. annually. The railway would be
desirable for Abingdon and several other towns, where Moira coal
n-as consumed in large quantities. There was no doubt that the pro-
posed railway would be of the greatest advantage to Oxford.

Mr. J. Nadon, of Stapenhill, examined —The proposed railway
would be very desirable to his neighbourhood, as regarded the coal-
pits there. A large trade was carried on in the neighbourhood of the
railway in clay for earthenware, and a species of fine clay, which was
sent to Sheffield for the purpose of making crucibles. It would be
very desirable to have the southern communication which this rail-
way would afford.

Cross-examined—The proposed railway would be very beneficial to
Lord Hastings' property and the coal pits on the same side. The
principal traffic to the south upon whick they relied must go to
Rugby.

Mr. Thomas Gray examined—Was an earthenware manufacturer
at Gretusley. There were three manufactories there for a
coarser kind of ware. There were also eighteen manu-
factories for yellow ware, which article was used chiefly
by the poorer classes. The trade in both articles
might be considerably increased. Their ware was sent to Canada,
and there were strong expectations that a trade in the same would
be opened with France. There was a trade in clay for bricks carried
on there also to the extent of 150 tons a week.

Mr. W. W. Abney, of Masham-hall, was examined as to the gene-
ral benefits of this line, which he stated would be very advantageous
to his neighbourhood.

J. Kidyer examined—Was employed to take the traffic and survey
on the line from Burton to Nuneaton. The population on the line
was 114.000, and the traffic 89,0951.
Cross. examined —Was not prepared to go into the details on which
he based his calculations. He had put down the mineral traffic
rt Id. per ton per mile, and the other articles at
d. per ton. The net proceeds of the railway would
he 40,0001. He had made in his calculations on this point an
addition of 50 per cent. to the true traffic. He considered that at
least that increase would result from the railway. Wanted to sur-
vey the country to the west side, but was prevented doing so by Lord
Howe's agent. He was prevented from taking surveys on Mr.
Moore's estate. Did not include in his estimate any coals coming
from the east of the Moira cord-fields.
The CHAIRMAN said that the Committee were desirous to ascertain
the rates and tolls at present levied on the Ashby cana'.
Mr. MACAULEY said that ho would take care that this information
should be forthcoming.
The witness was re examined by Mr. MACAOLEY—It was of great
importance to the brewers of Burten to have this railway constructed.
There were no less than seventeen schemes which proposed to con-
struct railways in this district and all proposed to pass through the
estates of Lord Home and Mr. Moore. These estates were very
extensive and could not possibly be avoided by a railway crossing the
country.
After hearing some further evidence of the same nature, the Com-
mittee adjourned at four o'clock.

(;nour Lv.

MANCIIESTMR, surprxr.LD, AND 11IID.-

LAND JUNCTION.

The preamble of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Midland Junction
line having been proved, the Committee went through the
clauses to-day, and disposed of them in a short time. They then
entered upon the evidence affecting the Manchester and Hyde line,
which is a line of seven miles ; and also that of Staley-bridge, a
competing line. The cost of the former was estimated by Mr.
Vignoles at about 139,2001., cr 20,0001. per mile, and was to have
two small branches, and one viaduct of 3b2 yards, and the line was
to be a doable one.
M. Gee, Esq., was examined in opposition to the line, and in sup-
port of the Staley-bridge line. The latter was to be 12 miles long,
with two short branches; and he contended that the Staley-bridge
would be preferable to the Manchester and Hyde.
At the close of this gentleman's evidence, the Committee adjourned
till twelve o'clock to-Morrow.