The Sun.
London, England, 1846-05-04 00:00:00

GROUP VII.

The Members assembled at twelve o'clock in Room No. 24 (New
Houses of Parliament)—present, Mr. Palmer (chairman), and the
same Hon. Members as on Friday. _ _

They proceeded to hear evidence in favour of the
EDINBURGH .AND NORTHERN (DUN—
'. LiznixLiNE BRANCH).

Mr. Drysdale, a yarn and flax merchant of Dunfermline, Mr.
Burrel, a magistrate at the same place, and Mr. Wilson, also a
resident there, gave evidence which went to show that there was
no regular conveyance either for goods or passengers from Dundee
to Dunfermline, although it was very much wanted. If there were
a regular conveyance there would be a great traffic. The flax trade
was very much deteriorated by the absence of any efficient com-
munication. A vast number of the people of Dunfermline and its
neighbourhood were engaged in flax-spinning. There was a general
feeling in favour of the line throughout that neighbourhood.

Mr. WALKER, who appeared fOr several petitioners against the
Bill, cross-examined the witnesses, with a view to show that the
reason no conveyance had been established between Dumfernline and
Dundee was, that the traffic was insufficient to support even a carrier
or stage coach.

On the conclusion of the evidence as to the necessity for a line
similar to the one proposed, the probable traffic, and the general
feeling in favour of this line,
Mr. Grainger. the engineer to the line, was examined, and gave
the usual formal evidence on engineering points. The length of the
line was 14 miles 7 furlongs, and for 10 miles of its length it passed
through an extensive coalfield. There was no tunnelling. There
were no serious engineering difficulties, the gradients being all mo—
derate, and the works light. The estimated cost is 187,0001.
Mr. WALssa cross-examined the witness as to certain arches,
which were stated on the plans to be of six feet span, whereas it was
admitted that they must be made with a span, in each case, of
twenty-eight feet, for which span Mr. Grainger stated the estimate
to have been made.
Mr. CLARK objected t • this point being raised, on the ground that
it was a standing order objection, and ought to have been raised be-
fore the Sub-Committee on the Standing Orders.
Mr. WALKER replied that the standing orders only required that
the height and span of each arch should be marked, and if the span
were marked 3 feet 6 inches, that would be a perfect compliance with
the standing orders ; but in this case the objection was completely
one on the merit*, and could be taken before the Committee, as it
was—not as to whether the height and span were marked, but
Whether the height and span marked were sufficient,
The Committee were of opinion that they ought to entertain the
cddection, and Mr. Walker was about to proceed with the cross-
eXaMillatiell of Mr. Grainger, when
The Speaker being announced to be at prayers, the Committee
adjourned.

mbleGdit°thijiir mVolrlng
The Committee asse at the usual hour ; Mr.
Hawes, chairman.
NOW= ERITXB ILAzzawa..,z.
The several clauses in this Bill were read over, and the report to
the House agreed to.
MDINBITRGII AND Larva sTMoaraLsuc.
On this Bill being called, it appeared that the competing Bill, the
liedinburgh, Leith, and Grantors, had not received the permission of
the House to be heard to-day. The Committee determined to pro-
leaveceed with
ld be obtained the consideration tie Atmospheric Lime, in the hope that
wou to-nh
Arrowsi raised an objection with respect to the resolutions of
-- • - being complied with ; the Committee, therefore,
Duncombe not
could not proceed with the consideration of this Bill until both
parties were in a position to furnish the same.
This objection, however, the
this Bill.
overruled, and at once
proceeded to hear the merits of
Mr. Forbes was examined in conformity with those resolutions.
rs
Mr. Sergeant BELLAsiS epened the case on bes
hwalhfi ochf tweouplrdomacocrue
of this schema. lie pointed out the advantage
by the proposed line, uniting as it did, two of the largest and most
Topuierts towns in Scotland, affording the means of a quick and rapid
communication. The population of these two places amounted to not
less than 200,000 Inhabitants. The estimated cost of carrying out
this scheme wag 160,0001., 42,0001. of which would be expended for
land, houses, and compensation.
Mr. Blythe, civil enttineer, was then called and examined, who
Spote to the engineering character of the line as being the best
ad ipted for the purpose that could be selected between these two
places.
It being now four o'clock, the Committee adjourned until twelve
O'clock to-morrow (Tuesday).