The Sun.
London, England, 1846-03-12 00:00:00

WEST LONDON RAILWAY,

The half-yearly meeting of the proprietors of this rail-
way was held at one o'clock yesterday, at the London Tavern,
for the transaction of the ordinary business of the company.
But a small number of shareholders were present. H.
Grounds, Esq., occupied the chair.
The advertisement convening the meeting having been
read, and the seal of the company affixed to the register of
proprietors,
The CHAIRMAN said he had great pleasure in meeting
the proprietors, as the directors had succeeded
in bringing the affairs of the company into a very
small compass. They had indeed hoped to have had it
in their power to have reported this day that their affairs
had been finally wound up, but circumstances had prevented
the full accomplishment of so desirable an object. They,
however, fully expected that the two or three small out-
standing matters would be satisfactorily arranged in the
course of a few weeks, when, as he stated at the last
meeting, the expenses of conducting the business of the
Company would be reduced to the lowest limit consistent
with the proper protection of their property and interests.
He was happy to inform them that the lease of the line
to the London and Birmingham Company had
at length been executed, and that the counterpart
was then on the table. The delay which had occurred in
getting this important matter concluded, though it had
caused the directors a good deal of anxiety,
had been unavoidable. In the expectation of
being able to lay before them the award of Mr.
Hudson, Mr. Glynn, and Mr. Stephenson in the matter
of the reference respecting the shares, they delayed calling
the meeting until the last day allowed by the Act of
Parliament. It had, however, been found impossible
to get it ready in time. They were assured, however,
that it was in the course of preparation, and as
soon as they received it, a special general meeting
would be called for the purpose of submitting it to them. A
delay of no more than two or three weeks would take place.
A Bill had been introduced into Parliament for the
London and Birmingham and Great Western Companies
jointly, for the improvement of this railway and for
extending it to the Thames, and he believed that, not-
withstanding a temporary obstacle, it would receive the sanc-
tion of the Legislature. The line which had been adopted
was on the opposite side of the Kensington Canal to that pro-
posed last year, in order to avoid the estate of Lord Kensington.
As soon as this extension line was constructed—and they were
informed that the works would only occupy a short time—
they might expect a large traffic from both the London and
Birmingham and Great Western Railways over their present
line to the Thames. The traffic on the Kensington Canal
had greatly increased, and they were of opinion that a further
accession would take place, but they considered that it would
be necessary, during the ensuing summer, to expend a sum
of money in permanently repairing it, and as soon as they
had ascertained what surplus would remain out of the
60,0001. to be received from the London and Birmingham
Company, they proposed to call a special meeting of the
shareholders and to bring the subject before them.
The SECRETARY then read the report, which was simply
an echo of the Chairman's address.
A statement of the receipts and disbursements for the
twelve months ending 31st December, was next submitted to
the meeting, of which the following is an abstract :—Re-
ceipts to June 30, 236,740/. 3s. 71d. ; London and Birming-
ham Company, on account of purchase-money. 3,711/. ss. 6d. ;
interest on debentures due Dec. 18, 1845, received from that
Company, 497/. Bs. 1d ; calls on original and first-class
preferred shares, 10.5/. 16s, 10d. ; furniture and share
account, 81/. 171. sd. ; Kensington canal traffic and
canal and railway rent:9, 3971. 10s. 6d.; drainage 50/. I total,
261,584/. ls. 01d. Disbursements to June 30, 256,307/. 14s. 11d.
General disbursements, including land and compensation in-
terest on debentures and debentures paid off, gratuity of
5001. to secretary, &c., 5,0041. ss. 4d.; leaving a balance in
hand of 2721. Os. 91d.
On the motion of Mr. GUNTER, seconded by Mr. HENRY,

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the report was received and adopted.
In the course of a prolonged discussion it was elicited that
the Bill introduced into Parliament bad a twofold object,
namely, to carry the line on to the Thames, and across the
Great Western Railway to the Paddington Canal, where
it would form a junction with the Loudon and Birmingham
Railway. One of the plans which had been deposited at the
Board of Trade had beets lost. It specified the way which they
proposed to cross the Great Western Railway, and could not
therefore affect the proposed extensions. They had, however,
no reason to apprehend that this accident would prevent the
ultimate passing of the Bill . They would participate in the
benefits arising from - these extensions without contributing
anything towards their construction. Some disapprobation
was expressed at the execution of the plans of the line by.
Mr. Chappins, the draughtsman to the London and Birming-
ham Company,
.instead of .Mr. Goodwin, the gentle-
man whom they employed, but it was explaieed
apparently to the, satisfaction of the shareholders, that as
Mr. Chappins had executed similar plans for the Birming-
ham Company, which were approved of by that body, time
and expense might be saved by employing him to furnish
them with copies, and that Mr. Goodwin had seen them,
and was satisfied of their accuracy. However the plans
were ordered to be forwarded to that gentleman, in order
that he might go carefully over them again.
Mr. WHITE considered that the Queen would rather travel
in her journeys to and from Windsor by their line from its
junction with the Great Western to 'a station as contiguous
to Buckingham Palace as possible, instead of going . to
Paddington. By using the West London Railway, her Ma-
jesty would save several miles over her ordinary route.
On the motion of Mr. RIGBY, 595 shares, which stood on
the books in the name of the Secretary (Mr. Thompson),
were ordered to be merged in the undertaking.
Mr. GUNTER moved that the deed be printed, and the
plans annexed lithographed and circulated amongst the
shareholders, which was seconded by Mr. J. WIIITE, and
carried.
The retiring directors having been re-elected, and votes of
thanks passed to the chairman and directors, and Mr. Rigby,
for the assistance which he.rendered to the Company in the
preparation of the deed, and suitably. acknowledged, the
meeting separated. •