The Sun.
London, England, 1846-06-23 00:00:00

GROUP XX,

The Committee met tc(-day at eleven o'clock in Room Xo. 31
(Grand Corridor). Present, Mr. Sotheron (chairman), Lord William
Bentinck, Mr. Pigott, Mr. 'Miffed, and Mr. Ross.
Theyydsumgd the consideration of the
SURREY: IRON RAILWAY (nsscix.vaNG):
Additional evidence was received in support of the petitions
against tine dliSolution. The object of this evidence was chiefly to
show the amount of injury which the petitioners would- sustain by
the abandonment of the line. . - -
The Cli.tiammi observed that it was needless to go into details of
the amount of injury, as that would be a que,tion for the.arbitrator,
if the Committee should ultimately come to the opinionthat the peti-
tioners were entitled to any compensation at all.
The evidence of the opponents having been concluded, the Com-
mittee postpotied their decision.
ZONDON,'HOUNSLOVI, AND WESTERN.
Mr. COCKBUUN'S gumming up of the- eVideuce in support of this
line occupied the Committee through the remainder of the sitting,
when they adjourned till two o'clock to-morrow.
•

GROUP XXXI.
BrasToL 2111 D BIRIMNGHADT (BATH
BRANCH).

The Committee re-assembled this morning at about half-past
twelve, and proceeded with the examination of witnesses in favour
of the aboVe :
Mr. Baeheler and other witnesses were examined, and gave
general evidence in support of the Bill, and the Committee then ad-
journed. •

- GROUP
The Committee on this peep Met this day at AWAX4,,,SQg olslL. in
Room No. 24 (Grand Corridor). Present Sir Robert Ferguson (calf::
man), the Marquis of Worcester, Viscount Newry, Mr. Smollett, and
Mr. Fellowes.
They proceeded with the Warwickshire and London Railways
(three branches).

•
WORCESTER AND 'WEED ON,
HAMPTON AND A.SHCHUIZCH,
HAMPTON AND tzNEURY.
Mr. WHATELEr, Q.C., for the opposing landowners, put in additional
evidence against the Bill.
Mr. Williams, brother-in-law, and land agent to Lord Willoughby
do Broke, stated that the Hampton and Banbury line would pass
through the Noble Lord's property, to which it would be absolutely
destructive. The chief value of the property was in its ornamental
character, which the proposed railway would altogether annihilate.
Other valuable property, within the limits of the line, would be
similarly damaged. Witness was secretary to the Warwickshire
Hunt, and he knew that the sporting gentlemen of the county were
greatly opposed to the Hampton and Banbury line, and as much in
favour of the Birmingham and Oxford. The general opinion was,
that the latter railway, by a short line from Fenny Compton to
Warwick, would meet all the wants of the company, without inter-
fering injuriously with private property.
Viscount Villiers and other witnesses gave similar evidence against
the lines, chiefly on the ground of the injury that would be done to
property in the district to be traversed, in consequence of the inter-
ferenee with the fox-hunting pleasures of the county of Warwick.
The Committee adjourned at four o'clock till twelve to-morrow.

GROUP XXXVIII.

WAKEFIELD TO LEEDS (MIDLAND EX-

TENSION).

Several witnesses were called this morning, who gave evidence in
favour of this extension scheme of the Midland Railway. The evi-
dence was brought to bear upon the present inefficient mode of com-
munication between the important towns of Wakefield and Leeds.
The Committee adjourned till twelve to-morrow.

GROUP LIII.
This Committee re-assembled this morning in Room 26 (Grand
Corridor), at the usual hour. Present, the Bon. E. Lanelles (in the
chair), the Earl of Arundel and Surrey, Mr. Hildyard, Captain
Dalrymple, and Mr. R. Clayton.

XIZIMINGHADT, DUDLEY, AND IVOLVZIL

11.a./Y.EPTON.

The lion. Mr. TALBOT, Q.C., opened the case on behalf of the pro-
moters. After a few remarks, he contended (and he said he would
be able to show by evidence) that the parties whom he represented
had a preponderance, and under the circumstances a most remark-
able preponderance of the opinion of merchants in the manufacturing
districts through which this and the rival lines proposed to pass.
_ .

This line would possess this great advantage over its rivals, viz., that
it would not be amalgamated with the London and Birmingham and
the Grand Junction, thus securing to the manufactures of that dis-
trict and tke public at large the advantages ofcompetition. This was an
entirely independent company, devised by the principal ironmasters
of the district. Unless the Committee were prepared to establish
in the hands of the parties named, as it seemed to him, one of the
greatest and most overpowering monopolies that could ever be con-
stituted by the cupidity of companies coalescing for the purposes of
profit, they could hardly assent to the propositions of his Learned
Friend. The Committee might grant the line which he re-
presented without a single qualm as to the effect which it
might produce upon the dividends of the existing canal. They
might legislate with perfect freedom upon this point,
for the proprietors had already provided against any loss
which they might sustain in this respect. In fact, this railway had
been laid out for the purpose of preserving the proprietors of the
canal perfectly harmless. A man could not, by the proposed
Shrewsbury and kirmingham, pass from Shifnall to Dudley. No ac
commodatiou was given by It between Walsall, Bilston, and Dudley,
er West Bromwich and Walsall, all of which were crowded and
most important towns. In order to remedy the defects of his
line, Mr. Stephenson proposed to unite with' the Oxford, Worcester,
and Wolverhampton a line which he abominated, and spurned, ami;,
one too, which the promoters of his line said they believed:would
never be made. And then, as to the al'-important question of the sta.
_lion at Wolverhampton—whether it should be on the high or the low
level —Mr..Brunel and Mr. Locke entertained the opinion, that the
low level was the better plan, whilst 31r. Stephenson entertained a
contrary opinion. Now, he thought, that his (Mr. Talbot's) clients
ought to be right, a priori, anti for this reason, that they had the
sanction of Parliament. It the Committee decided that the high level
was the better of the two, they would make the -decision of ..Parlia-
ment on this question appear to be an absurd one. If they sanc-
tioned this, the Shrewsbury and Birmingham would have two lines,
and a canal running the length of six miles between Tipton and
Wolverhampton, at a distance of five-eighths of a mile. Why, nei-
ther in " l'unch"—(Laughter) —nor in Bradshaw's map could they find
a similar case. The witnesses who had been brought for-
ward in support of the Shrewsbury and Birmingham
as far as regarded the accommodation which it would afford be-
tween Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury, did not live within ten or
twelve miles of Wolverhampton; and, therefore, were not locally
acquainted with the district which they were ealled to speak of.
He complained that by statements in local newspapers the
promoters of that lime had attempted to mislead the public
with regard to the accommodation which their line would
afford. Their line would cause an enormous destruc-
tion of property, and it would block up the access to all the
principal works of Wolverhampton. All the advantages which they
proposed to afford to the people of Wolverhampton would be afforded
by the line which he represented. Tile evidence of Mr. Stephenson
with regard to the advantages of a high level at Wolverhampton had,
in Lis (Mr. Talbot's) opinion, been shattered to pieces. In-
stead of having absorption of momentum, Mr. Stephenson would
have acceleration by his high level station, which would form a sort
of pinnacle, which would be in all respects highly objectionable.
The Learned Counsel then proceeded to enter into"a comparison of the
proposed stations at Birmingham. He admitted that Mr. Stephen-
son's would be central, but he also maintained that his (Mr. Talbot's)
clients' station was still more central, whilst it would afford infinitely
more accommodation to goods and passengers arriving from Wolver-
hampton. He contended, too, notwithstanding the evidence that had
been laid before the Committee, that this company's stations would
be as near to the banks, post-office, town-hall, &c., &c., as that of
the Shrewsbury and Birmingham. He then pointed out, by the aid
of a most excellent model of Birmingham, the situations of the pro-

posed different stations there, the property which would hy.ve to be de-
stroyed by each, &c. The gradients of the Shrewsbury and Birmingham
line as it entered Birmingham were of a most difficult description, and
. • .

Mr. Stephenson, in order to get out of that difficulty, said that aim
lar gradients existed in some of the lines entering London, Manches-
ter, and Liverpool, but he (the Learned Counsel) trusted that would
not be accepted as a sufficient reason for their approval of his scheme.
The Shrewsbury and Birmingham would also pass over a burial
ground in Birmingham, which might have been very easily
avoided. They were all fiercely opposed by the trustees
of the roads to pass, and however important the con-
struction of a railway might be in that district, he conceived
that it was the duty of the Legislature to take care that, by their
decisions, they did not deprive the public of the advantages of the
existing highways, which the Shrewsbury and Birmingham pro-
posed to destroy. Mr. Fowler, one of the witnesses called in sup-
port of that scheme, is his evidence, stated that it would afford ac-
conunodation to a greater number of works than either of its
rivals, but lae made this most serious omission—he forgot to' state
that, although it might accommodate more numerically, it would not
accommodate nearly as much as this did the most important works
of the district. There was one point, and one point only, upon which
his clients pleaded guilty to something like omission, which had been
of course made the most of on the other side. Their line
went nearer to Darlaston, which contained a population
of 8,244. His defence was this, that the Grand
Junction ran within three-quarters of a mile of that very
town, which was very inconsiderable when compared with the other
towns which the lines would accommodate, its principal business
consisting in the manufacture of hinges, b.its. Bre. But, as regarded
the difference of accommodation proposed to be afforded by this line
and the Shrewsbury and Birmingham to the people living between
those two places, the rival companies had made use of the pot and
kettle argument. If lie were to be toad of freaks of management, '&c.
he could most successfully retaliate on his Learned Friend. The wed-
lock of the Shrewsbury and Birmingham with the canal in that
district would entail the most serious consequences as regarded the
interests of the public. The cost of that line would be 1,200,0001.,
whereas the whole of the line which he represented would cost ne
more than 11,0,000/. His clients would have to construct
only 15% miles of railway in common with the South
Staffordshire, whilst the rival line would involve the expense
of 26 miles. This line would be the freest, the moat independent,
and the best ; it would not be under the influence of a council sitting
at Euston-square, who could have no interest in the district. The
Learned Counsel having concluded his speech, of nearly three hours'
length, and resumed his seat, rose again in a few minutes, and stated
that since he had the honour of addressing the Committee
he had the happiness to hear.that an arrangement had been entered
into between the Trent Valley Midlands and the South Staffordshire
junction, which would have the effect of assigning all the lines on
the south of Walsall (which would Include Dudley) to the former
Company.
Lord Hatherton was then examined by Mr. Sergeant KneeLSXE,
on behalf of the Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Dudley line. His
Lordship stated that he was a landowner and mineral proprietor in
South Stafforshire, and that it was of the very greatest importance
that that district should have the advantage of having a direct railway
communication with Birmingham and other large towns. Those ad-
vantages would be best afforded by the scheme under the consideration
of the Committee. The London and Birmingham Railway had
not been of the slightest advantage to South Staffordshire. The
greatest landed proprietors of the district through which this line
would pass, as well as the principal ironinasters, were the priimoters
of this scheme. If the proposed amalgamation of the Shrewsbury
and Birmingham with the Grand Junction were carried out, to say
the least of it, a great and permanent evil—in fact, the moat extensive
monopoly that Parliament had yet sanctioned—would be inflicted
upon the district. He conceived that the high level adopted by the
Shrewsbury and Birmingham at Wolverhampton would be most in-
convenient, and would entail a serious destruction of property.
All the lines entering Wolverhampton ought to meet; it was
an exporting town, and would be decidedly best accommodaedebhylele
Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Dudley.
Cross-examined by Mr. HOPE—He had no recollection of having
given instruction to agent to sell land to the Shrewsbury and Bir-
mingham Company on the erection of their high level station atWol-
-verhatnptOn. He could not say of his own knowledge whether that
station would cause great destruction of property, but he had
heard several say so, and being a Chairman of this
Company's line, he believed the rumours. This line would have the
advantage over its rivals of being on the broad gauge, which, in late
opinion, was the best and safest. He believed that the amalgamation
of this Company with the London and Birmingham would be benefi-
cial to the public and the parties concerned. About half-a-dozen of
the principal ironentasters were in favour of the Company's line, and
there could be no doubt that several of the most Wealthy and re-
spectable iron-masters were in favour of the Shrewsbury and Bir-
mingham.
The Committee adjourned at four o'clock until twelve to-morrow.

GROUP
mixota.a.ND naxviwr (runcHikss OF
OILICHAIVZ CANAL).
The Committee were occupied during the greater part of the day
on the clauses of this Bill.

GROUP LIX.
This COmmittee, consisting of Mr. E. Buller (chairman), 3lr. Padre,
Hon. E. Gore, Mr. Conies, and Mr. Plumptre, assembled to-day, at
one o'clock, in Room 16.
The following 131115 have been referred to this Committee, viz. :
Huddersfield and Shcffield, and M4licileSter and Leeds Railway
and Amalgamation.

———
TaPANCEISHIRE ILIVIATAGAIVLEITION.
This Bill was opposed by the lessees and occupiers of the collieries
ie
in the district through which the railway proposed to pass, on
ground that the rate of tolls, namely, 1%01. per ton per mile, was eX
cessive, and that the same sisaulti be reduced on short distances to
the same rate as the Grand Junction Railway.
Mr. Crofts appeared in support of the petition against the Bill, anti
Mr. Coates (Parliamentary agent) on behalf of the promoters. •
Mr. J, Grundy, solicitor'of the line, was examined, mid state that
the proposed amalgamation \vault be most desirable.
Mr. Sinclair said that the line, in on engineering point orvieli,
was extremely favourable. • • -
Both witnesses were cross-examines, but without invalidating
their evidence on direct examination.
• •
The room was cleared; and' n our re• admisslim the Chairman an-.
-flounced that the Committee had decided that the preamble of the
Bill was proved.
The clauses of the, Bill mere then agreed to, and orderetf to be'
, .
reported. - 7• r

GROUP Lny. -
MIDLAND CZ E AT WES TENN (11TULLZNGAH
AND ATHLONE). • .
The portions of the subscribers' agreement which were non ett on
Saturday were produced. . „
The clauses of the Bill were then gone through- seriatim, and •
ordered to be reported. . . . •
Mr. AUSTIN, Q.C., said, he had to make a very important aPpltea
tion to tke Committee, namely, that they shonld re-consider the Irish
GreatWcstern Bill either in whole or part. - The decision of the Com.'
mittee had been most unexpected, as they had encountered no oppo-
sition in their passage through the House of Lords and the House of
Commons, and he entreated the Committee tore-consider their deci-
sion,
antilot deptive Ireland of the advantages which this railway,
Mr. Vexr:t.iiiiiTi'oti-thoitart-of tisa miatond Counties. enDeiied
application.
Tho room was cleared, and on our re-admission,
The Cumastast said that the Committee had decided, with respect
to the application of Mr. Austin, that such could not be entertained
by the Committee, except under an express instruction from the

[owe.
The Committee then separated.

GROUP XL 11.

Z.TV'ERPOOX., ORIVISKIRE., AND PRESTON.
The Committee re-assembled at one o'clock this morning, and were
engaged in hearing evidence against the Bill.
Mr. Skersbreck, Mr. Erie, agent for Lord Derby, and Mr. Cred-
well, were examined against the Bill, and the case for the opposition
was not concluded when the Committee adjourned.

GROUP XLV.
This Committee met this morning for the first time in Room No. I.
The Committee consisted of Mr. Bickham Escott (chairman), Mr.
Rashlelgh, Mr. J. Tollemache, Mr. Henry Berkeley, and Mr. Goring.
The lines comprised in the group were-
-Ist. The Lancaster and Carlisle Extension to the Caledonian Rail-
way, and the Lancaster and Preston Junction Amalgamation.
2d. Cockermouth and Working-ton Extension.
3d. Furness Extension.
4th. Caledonian (Carlisle Deviation).
sth. Whitehaven and Furness Junction (Whitehaven Extension
and Kirksanton Deviation).

The Lancaster and Preston Junction Amalgamation (the latter
part of No. 1,) was transferred to another Committee. The 3d and
sth 'Bills being unopposed, were referred to Mr. Greene. Of the
remaining Bills, the first taken into consideration was,
THE LANCASTER AND CARLISLE EXTEN-
SION TO THE CALEDONIAN RAILWAY.
The formal proofs having been given, and there being no opposi-
tion to the preamble,
The CHAIRMAN declared the preamble proved.
The clauses of the Bill were then passed,
Certain clauses on behalf of the Corporation of Carlisle, the on:}
opposing petition, were also inserted.
CALEDONIAN (CARLISLE DEVIATION).
The only opposing petitioner to the line was Lord Lonsdale.
Messrs. Forsyth and Boyle appeared on behalf of the promoters,
and Mr. Lyon on behalf of Lord Lonsdale.
Mr. FORSYTH opened the case. The Caledonian Railway was a line
connecting England and Scotland, and the object of the present Bill was
to facilitate the arrangement of having one station for all the railways
running into Carlisle. The present station of the Caledonian Rail-
way was half a mile from Carlisle, and the company wished to
bring it into the town to Crown•street. The length of the
extension was a mile and thirty-five chains, and the
cost 50,0001. There were no engineering difficulties.
After the examination of witnesses,
The CHAIRMAN declared the preamble of the Bill proved.
A clause was proposed on behalf of Lord Lonsdale, the further
consideration of which was postponed till to-morrow.
COC3ICERI EOUTBr BATA WORKINGTON
EXTENSION.
The formal proof In this Bill having been given,
The Cnafahrax declared the preamble proved.
The clauses were then passed.
The Committee adjourned till to morrow.

GROUP XLVI.