The Sun.
London, England, 1846-05-20 00:00:00

, r

to sanction this Bill, and, therefore, they would require no further
evidence on the preamble.
Mr. KNOWLES wished the Committee to confine their decision to
that portion of the scheme which was really objectionable, or at least
to defer the confirming of the whole resolution until he 11,1 had an
opportunity of conferring with his clients.
The Committee assented to this proposition, and adjourned.

GROUP XXII. .
The Committee re-assembled this morning at the usual hour, Sir
George Grey, chairman.
NORWICH AND SPOONER-ROW.
The morning was consumed in hearing local evidence as to which
of the two stations, the one projected by the above company in Nor-
wich, or that proposed by the opposing company, the Ipswich and
Bury St. Edmunds (Norfolk Extension), was the better one.
Other witnesses were called, who also corroborated the evidence of
the first witness, both as regarded the superiority of the station pro-
posed to be made by the company, and also to the inconvenience
generally felt in their neighbourhood in consequence of the want of
railway accommodation.
The Committee then rose, it having
Speaker was at prayers. been announced that the

GB.OIIP XXVI.
SOThe Committee on this ne assembled ITTE ESSE
.=
AND
mnledGitilat twlrelEvegoE'elglocnk;
h Mr. M.
O'Connell in the chair.
Admiralty Surveyor, testified to the ad-
Captain Bullock, Y..`7.,
lild.N.be" derived from forming an anchoring ground
vin thtaegrelvwehr Crouch, and the facilities that would be obtained by the
proposed line for the public interests, in the way of defence for oar
mercantile marine.
Captain rianowell confirmed this testimony, and described the
course of the river Crouch.
Mr. Richmond, a coal-owner and shipowner of Newcastle, spoke
to the convenience for the coal trade which this line would afford,
and stated not only that there would be a great economy of time, but
that there would be a saving of sinepence a ton in the carriage of coals
between Gravesend and London. There was much effort to shake
this gentleman's evidence, as also that of Captain Bullock, but it
was to no purpose.

Several farmers in the neighbourhood of Foulness were called to
show the advantage that would result from the more rapid and
cheap conveyance to London of their corn by means of this railway,
and that a great objection existed to using the South-Eastern line
from the necessity of crossing the Thames.
The Committee then adjourned till to-morrow.

GROUP XXVII.
This Committee met this morning at the usualhonr ; Sir C. Lemon
in the chair.

LEICESTER. AND BEDFORD.

The engineering evidence was proceeded with.
Mr. Joseph Cubitt was the first witness examined. Was a civil
engineer, and had surveyed this line. It commenced at Hitchin in
the north, and extended to the Leicester and Swannington Railway
in the south. It was 63% miles in length. After describing the course
of the line, he said there were no peculiar engineering difficulties. The
works were generally favourable. There were two tunnels, one 1,221
yards and the other 643 yards long. The gradients and cury es wer eof the
ordinary character, generally favourable, as was also the nature of
the soil traversed by the line. The estimated cost of the works was

_
1,500,0001.
Cross-examined—Was not awt-re that the Leicester and Bedford
line would cost 110,0001. morn than the South Midland.
The Committee adjourned at four o'clock.

GROUP Y.Y.X.
SOUTH WALES.

(Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.)

Mr. Brunel was then called, but as he was under examination in
another Committee, some evidence was taken with respect to the
Margem deviation.
Mr. Maylins, an iron manufacturer in Llynvi Valley, examined by
Sir Tuosfas PHILLIPS—The main road was so steep that the convey-
ance of his goods to it cost as much as the whole expense of trans-
mitting them to the sea, 13 miles distant. A railway would be an
immense saving to all the other manufacturers in the valley.
The deviation was a considerable improvement on the line of last
session. The majority of the largest manufactures was carried on to
the north of the deviation, whereas the old line was neither near
towns nor manufactories. In addition to this the line would give
direct communication to the ports to which they were desirous
of sanding their goods. It would also open up communication with
Staffordshire. Porthcawl, the only available port in the vicinity,
was most inefficient for the number of ships communicating with
that part of the country. It was too small, and the water was at times
extremely shallow. No ornamental ground on the property of Mr.
Talbot, at Margem, would be interfered with, and, in his opinion,
it would be of great advantage to that gentleman.
Sir H. De la Becher examined by Sir T. PHILLIPS—Is Chairman of
the Geological Society of England; had made a geological survey
of Glamorganshire. Llynvi Valley was extremely rich as it pos-
sessed a quantity of " black band" ore. The deviation line would
afford facilities for the transit of these minerals, which the original
line would not have afforded.
The Learned Counsel for the Severn and Wye Railway Canal
applied to the chairman to move for the production of the notes
of the evidence taken before the Committee on the Rugby. Worces-
ter, and Wolverhampton Railway in the last session of Parliament ;
and also for the report of the Gauge Commissioners.
Mr. AUSTIN held that the report of the Gauge Commission was not
binding or conclusive, inasmuch as no measures had yet been adopted
with respect to it by Parliament. Then the parties before the Com-
mittee this year had no connexion with the lines which the evidence
referred to The Learned Counsel contended that the report of
the Gauge Commissioners was conclusive as far as it went, and that
the parties in the Bills to which he had referred were the same par-
ties which were interested in the Bill before the Committee.
The CHAIIIMAN considered that such a motion, if made, should not
proceed from him, or from any other member of the Committee, but
from a member unconnected with the Committee. The Committee
would express an opinion whether the motion ought to be acceded
to or not.
Dr. Bowling, M.P., was then examined. He said he was a large
proprietor of iron-works in Llynvi Valley, and the Chairman of the
Llynvi Iron and Coal Works. It was a rich mineral valley. No-
thing could be more wretched than the present mole of corn -
munication as it was the worst in the Queen's dominions. The
deviation of the old line would be a great accommodation to the
district, as it would afford more easy transit to the various ports
in the Bristol Channel. The coal-owners of the valley suffered
immensely from the defective communication to which they were
exposed, and even their workmen had done them great injury at
times by combinations, because they knew the difficulty of obtaining
workmen and materials from other places.
Mr. P. Bowring, acting manager of the Llynvi works, corroborated
the preceding evidence.
The Committee then adjourned until to-morrow, when the engi-
neering evidence will be taken.

GROUP XXXVII.

SOUTH YORKSHIRE CO.AI. RAILWAY AND

(Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.)
The Committee then proceeded to hear evidence on the part of the
landowners against the remaining lines.
At four o'clock it was announced that the Speaker was at prayers,
and the Committee adjourned until twelve o'clock to-morrow.

GROUP XLIV
On the meeting of this Committee at the Usual hour, in Room 25,
Lord Palmerston in the chair,
Mr. MORTI3IER, on the part of the
rx.mmTvrooon, PRESTON, AND WEST
RIDING JUNCTION,
said, he was instructed to say, that the part of the line from Clitheroc
to Elslack, as well as the Whalley Branch, had been abandoned, and
the only part retained was that from the Preston and Longridge line
near Preston to Clitheroe. lie would, therefore, withdraw all oppo-
- to the lglackburn and Clitheroe line.
Sir. Barszs opened the case of the
IMACIEBTJR.N, clarrximizom, AND NORTU-
VirESTMRN JUNCTION.
The Learned Counsel's address occupied the Committee for a con-
siderable time, and on its conclusion
Mr. William Pease, agent to Lord Balearris, who owns large coal
fields in the Wigan district, was called to give evidence on the sub-
ject of the coal traffic. In consequence of the low tone of voice
in whichhe spoke, some of the most important parts of his evidence
were lost, being quite inaudible. He was understood to say that
there were 30 or 40 coal-owners in that neighbourhood. He had
made calculations of the amount of coal that might be raised annually,
and would be aaailable for the traffic on this and the Blackburn and
Cheney (another proposed line)—we understood him to say that the
result was 46,000,000 tons. Twenty-five feet was the average thick-
ness of the stratum. The royalty was Bd. per ton. Mr. Pease gave
details as to the price of coal at the pit's mouth and in the market,
and other similar matters, and expressed his conviction that the value
of the coal-fields would be increased and the price of Wale diminished
by the proposed line.
Mr. William Withers, surveyor, ga':is engineering evidence in favour
of the line. Tn cross-examilletiOn by Mn BaEtcrD, he said that the
line passed through the ornamental grminde of Mr. Thompson, a
cotton and calico printer, who petitioned against the Bill, on an em-
bankment. A viaduct of 120 yards might be substituted.
Mr. Vignoles, the chief engineer to the line, was then called, and
gave the usual engineering evidence, describing the course
of the line; &c. The line started at Blackburn, at the
station common to the Blackburn, Chorley, and Liver-
pool line, and the Blackburn and; Prestee, (The former
of these is a projected line, which had been placed in another
group—the latter is sanctioned by Parliament, and is in course of
construction.) The junction, with these lines, would be effected in
sn'fn a rammer as to do no injury whatever to the property of th©
other companies. 'The three lines were laid down by him (Mr. Vig-
noles), and in fixing the site of the station of the Blackburn and Pres-
ton line, he had had in Vlim the formation of the Blackburn and
Chorley, and the Blackburn and Clltheroe. At Whalley there is an
abbey of great antiquity, near the banks of the Ribble. The line
would cross the .Ribble near this abbey, but it would keep clear of
the building itself, crossing the river on a viaduct at some distance
from it. At Clltheroe there were extensive lime works, to which
this line would give the best accommodation. A meeting of the
Blackburn and Chorley Company took place yesterday, and it was
agreed, by a majority of 10 to 1, that this line should be immediately
proceeded with, without waiting for the assent of Parliament. The
worst gradient on the line was 1 in 82, which occurred near Blackburn.
Near the point of junction there is a curve of a radius less than half
a mile, which is the only curve of se small a radius. The estimate
was 600,0001., watch was much more than lines which he was now
eenstructing actually cost, though they were as expensive as this
could be, as they passed through the same country.
In cross-examination by Mr. Beserrn, on the part of the petitioner
Mr. Thompson, the witness said that the company would have no
objection to make the line upon a viaduct instead of an embank-
ment, if Mr. Thompson wished it. They Would Use either the main
line or the alternative line, whichever he preferred.
Ile-examined—The use of the alternative line would lessen the n-
jary to the property of Yr. Tates, another petitioner.
By the CHADIMAII—We might, if necesssary, go 100 yards further
off from Mr, Thompson's property. We would thereby avoid his
ornamental grounds.
Mr. Mmearwrruza, on the part of the promoters, said he was
prepared to call Anther engineering evidence, if the Committee
wished it.
The CHAIRMAN—We are satiated that the line Is a good one in an
engineering point of view.
Mr. MERREWETHISI—Then my case is concluded.
The Committee gave no decision upon this Eli immediately, but
proceeded to the adjourned case of the
IPLIMMWOOD, PRESTON, AND NORTH
stanorlire 313-NOTXON.
Mr. Bidder, tu.
to this Bill. Th.itrrm 118. v. the nasal evidence With respect
mate 268,0001. sue Rue Ras sixteen miles, and the esti"
Mr. BRSNTD, on the part of the ateuft.
cross-examine Mr. Bidder, whto Jam. waa about to
Mr. CALvERT objected that the Committee havingeleelaren
the Clitheroe Junction Bill, his friend had no locus atandi.
"'lust
opTinhioenCtuheattatMhAe rcNpsalatabdthat although the Committee expressed an
they had reserved if of the Clitheroe Junction was not proved,
err final decision for the express purpose of giving
them an oyP'..-enmity of cross-examining the witnesses called; and
although (nee, were not likely to give them a line of rail-
Way , .tney would give them a line of argument.—(A laugh.)
,The cross-examination, which was of no interest, then proceeded.
The CHAIRMAN ordered the room to be cleared, that the Committee
might consult as to their decision.
On our re-admission, the Chairman gave the decision of the Com-
mittee on the Clitheroe Junction ; Black. ure, Clitheroe, and North
preamble of
Western Junction ; Fleetwood, Preston, and West Riding Junction.
Lord PALMERSTON.—The
.Committee are of opinion that the
urn,
pre-
amble of the Clitheroe Junction is notti proi ved; that of the Bloat)
NporrteshtolnV,eanstedniNvesunt cßidonings
is graved,
th,
soe
as it
Elslack and the branch to Burnley.
tare Fleetwood,
oaondd,
s
it relates to the line to
d the consideration of certain clauses
re-
lates to the line from Preston to Clitheroe, and not proved so far
they adjourned, it being ten minutes to
to which day
until Monday,
four o'clock.
The Committee
Postponed

GROUP LIV.
The Committee re-assembled to-day at the usual hour; present,
Mr. Bannerman (chairman), and the other members.
MIDLAND (LEICESTER AND SVTANNING..
TON ALTERATION AND ExaNcuEs.)
The evidence respecting Mr. Harris (one of the petitiOner•
against
the Bill) was resumed ; but, owing to the absents of one of the nitea.
sary witnesses, the further c•usideratioilof ;iie
till to-morrow.
The Committee then adjourned. 13111 'Wag postponed

CROUP LT.
-asZEITEIL, SNEITIIILD, AND MID-
LAND 3-UNCTION.
'The Committee, Mr. Shaw in the chair, resumed its sittings this
morning, when
Mr. Vignoles, the engineer of the line, gave evidence as to the na-
ture of the earthworks, tunnels, and other features of its course, by
which it appeared that there would toe no tunnels of unusual character
as to the difficulty of forming them, though one was to be three miles
in length ; but there was to be a viadect carried through part of the
town of Sheffield, not, however, as he conceived it,. at all likely to
interfere with the property or convenience of the town. The cost,
including land on one of the main lines, would be abof it 50,0001., and
on the other 44,0001. per mile. The traffic would, on he usual data,
give a cleir 7 per cent. profit.
The Duke of Rutland, and several other witnesses, deposed to the
advisability of the line,
the property throu and the benefit it was liked to produce to
gh which it ran. The country was represented as
hilly, but the opportunities of improvement were A Teat, and the
people had sufficient spirit to employ any facilities they might obtain.
A person was called on behalf of the Woodhouse 'Branch of the
Manchester, Buxton, and Matlock, and stated the re are five seams
in the Handsworth coal-field of variable thickness but fit severally
for converting iron into steel, for refining steel, for furnace work, and
fir dometic Purpono. 'rho cputuy waggle:l in WOO MPS 14
- ••.

ne.aNr—

inTheothere,hiwreaslinaenfortohmerlybeododnhlonunsien,gafnocir
seislimmailtesedinatth3eoo,,oouoros,eoo.of ttohts
extending for a mile on each side of the line. This bed, allowing one-
fourth for faults, would, he thought, yield more than 90,000,000 tons
before it was exhausted.
After Mr. Jeffcock's evidence the case of the promoters was stated
to be closed, and,
Mr. JAMES, on beha of the Manchester, Buxton, and Matlock
CornPany, took an objeclf tion to the preamble, on the ground that an
agreement had been entered into by them with the Sheffield, Man-
chester, and Midland Junction, which precluded the latter from
issuing scrip, and in effect violated the contract deed, and conse-
quently rendered the project ineligible for Parliament.
Mr. TALaar, Q.C., contended at considerable length that this was
not so, and even if it were, that the question was one which the
Committee were incompetent to try, and that a court of equity was the
authority to which the complainants ought to apply.
Atter Mr. James's reply, the Committee decided against him, and
Mr. John Power, engineer, of the Lincolnshire Eastern Junction
Railway, was called to state that he had surveyed the country be-
tween Chesterfield and Sheffield in 1836,• after the North Midland
Company had obtained their Bill, and that after the submission of
his report to Mr. Locke and Mr. Leather, it was decided by those
gentlemen that there was no opportunity for a line in that direction.
At the conclusion of this evidence, the Committee adjourned till
to-morrow.

GROUP Ll7l.
This Committee met to-day for the first time, in Room 29 (New
Houses of Parliament). The members are Mr. Ewart (chairman),
Mr. Gill, Mr. Pulsford, Mr. Irton, and Mr. Heneage.
The lines included in this group are-1. The Eastern Counties Sta-
tions Enlargement. 2. London and Birmingham (Camden-town and
Euston Stations Enlargement) ; 3. London and Blackwell town ; 4.
East London Extension ; 5. Eilfleld and Edmonton ; 6. London and
Croydon (Thames Junction Canal) ; 7. Eastern Counties (Thames
Junction Branch) ; 8. East and West India Docks, and Birmingham
Junction.
The usual preliminaries were gone through, and appearances made
on behalf of all the above Bills and the petitioners against them. In
the case of the