The Sun.
London, England, 1846-03-25 00:00:00

:n:a11 pieces of land and some small houses. The land is ♦ery' bad

drained. Has offered Mr. Stephens to take the valuationth. and' •
respectable person, and double it on the part of the Company. -The
land
„altogether is about 10 acres, and the demand made for it was s'.'o
preposterous that witness could not for a moment comply with it:
The case for Mr. Stevens is only a case far compensation. With re-
gard to property of Sir T. Wilson, near Woolwich, it is not materially-
injured by the line. The property of Sir Wm. Gossett is more injured.
by the line than that of Sir T. Wilson, and he has at once accepted
the compensation efrered by the Company. Mr. Roupell has also
accepted the suns offered. •
Mr. AUStIN, on the part of the promoters, said that lie saw by the
minutes that his friend Mr. Sergeant Wrangeturi had asked yester-
day afternoon for leave to re-gamine Mr. Vignoles. Re was sorry
to say that the request had been made in the absence of all the
leading counsel. He conceived that the Committee would not de-
clda on so material a point without allowing it to be discussed. The
usual course in these Committees was that where there were two
competing lines evidence should be at first taken hi favour of the
first hue and against the ee.cend line, and when that case was con-
cluded the second line should bring forward evidence in their own
favour and against • the first line. When their evidence had con-
cluded they were not to be allowed to recal the witness and go
through their own case stain.
Mr. Luxe's', on the part of the South-Eastern line, said that he
hoped that the Committee would not depart from the decision they
had given the previous day. The permission to recal the witness
had been already given.
After some further discussion,
The Committee retired to consider the point. After an absence of
twenty-five minutes, the Committee returned.
The CHAIRMAN said that the Committee had decided to adhere to
the practice of former Committees, and should allow the North Kent
line, when the time came, to produce any evidence they might please
against the South-Eastern line.
Mr. Vallence, cross-examined by Mr. G.:smuts% stated that he is
solicitor to the Greenwich Railway Company. In 1844 be received
a proposition from Mr. Vignoles, and a similar one from the South
Eastern Railway Company. Was in possession of the proposition of
the North Kent Railway before the South-Eastern Railway.
Mr. Miller stated that he is a civil engineer, and has had a good
deal of experience in the construction of railways. His attention has
been directed to North Kent, with a view to the formation of it
railway. sllas examined the line of railway proposed by Mr. Vig-
noles. Thinks that it is laid out so as to meet the wants of the
district. The stratum through which cuttings will have to tie made
is favourable. The estimates made by Mr. Vignoles appear to be
amply sufficient for the work. The line passes within 180
yards of a powder-min, but did not consider that it .e
dangerous. Is constricting a line In Scotland which puss!
much nearer to a very large powder mill. The Lord Advocate has
examined that part of the line, and, aided by competent advisers, has
pronounced it to be quite safe.
By Mr. At-STlN—Went down to view the line on Saturday morn-
ing, and returned on Sunday evening.• If the work of the line is of the
kind Inserted in the estimates, the prices are amply sufficient. The
line he is constructing in Scotland passes quite close to the powder
mills on both cuttings and embankments.
Mr. Locke stated that he had been over the North Kent line, and
hail examined it rather particularly. Is of opinion that the line is
very well laid out, and passes through geed soil. There is no diffi-
culty in the works, and the estimates appear ample fee the works to
be executed.
By Mr. Cocknuate, who appeared on the part of the South-Eastern
Railway—lles examined the line about three weeks ago,
and was
engaged two days in the survey. There is some clay on the surface of
the soil, but not much. It does not go to any depth. Balton-
hill is the place where the heaviest works are on the line. The gradient
on the North Kent line there is I in 132, but It is worse on the
South-Eastern, where it is 1 in 80 or 90.
By Su' W. RIDDLE (who appeared for the promoters)—The works
near the fortification at Chatham are rather expensive, but very sub-
stantial. _ . _

James Henry Andrews stated that he made some boring near
Balton-bill, to examine the strata. On the west side of the hill wl3,
nine feet'of yellow clay, then twenty-seven feet of black clay, then
six feet of sand, a thin layer of sandstone, a thin layer orgravel,
six feet of blue sand, seven feet of red sand, twenty-three teet Of
sharp sand, and forty feet of blue sand. The total depth of the shaft
was 121 feet.

By Mr. ALEXANDER (whe appeared for the South-Eastern line)—
Has been occupied before in boring through zeclogical strata.
Sunk two shafts with a distance of 5-Bths of a mile between them.
The depth of one shaft was 121 feet and the other 100 feet. Both
shafts are in the ceLtre of the proposed tunnel. In the eastern
tunnel there is on the surface four feet of yellow clay, sixteen feet of
black clay, seven feet of white sand, five feet or veiny sand, five feet
red sand and sandstone, seven feet of sharp red sand, one foot of
iron stone, fifteen feet of sharp, clear sand, and thirty-eight feet of
blue sand.

Mr. Hawkshaw stated that he is an engineer. Mas been over the

ine ]aid down by Mr. Vignoles, and has found that it is well laid

Cross-examined by Mr. LAING (who appeared against the pro-
jected line)—Has had a good deal of experience in the management
of amalgamation in railway companies. Has expressed himself in
favour of having a number of railways under one system of manage-
ment. Thinks it generally advisable that short lines should be at-
tached to the most important line in their neighbourhood. The
North Kent line is one of more importance than the South-Eastern.
Does not think that any benefit caused by competition would be
equal to that of united management. Competion would make the
Company more active.
The CHAIRMAN intimated that this course of examination was not
regular.
Mr. Essen, examined by Mr. GOLDSMID—Is the solicitor to the
Bridgewater Railway Company. In 1844 received a proposition from
the North Kent Company. Had not at that time received any pro-
position tram the South-Eastern Company.
By Mr. COCKBURN—Became agent for the Bridgewater Railway
Company during last session.
By Mr. GoLtisstin—The Admiralty had gives its consent to the
bridge at Rochester, as proposed by the North Kent Railway
Company.
Mr. Brunel, examined by Mr. TALBOT in support of the line—
Has examined several points of the proposed line, particularly the
works at Chatham and the Bolton Tunnel. Has examined the strata
near Bolton-hill, awl there will be no difficulty in forming a tunnel,
Has observed lifeline between Chatham and Sittingbourne, and it is
very judiciously laid eat there. Had examined the country also last
year, and had observed that the line passed within twenty yards of
the powder mills ; it appeared safe then, and must certainly do so
now, when the distance is 180 yards.
By Mr. COCKBURN—Was about eight hours at Bolton. The powder-
mill may be passed safely by the trains. The trains would not affect
the mill at a distance of 180 yards ; nor would the explosion of the
mills affect the trains at that distance.
By Mr. TALBOT—No great length of time was necessary to ex-
sunine.the strata at the shaft.
Mr. Miller, examined by Mr. TALBOT—Is an engineer, and has
gone into the expense of the proposed bridge at Rochester. Has also
estimated the expense of a bridge for the bridge-wardens before the
existence of the North Kent Railway Company.
Mr. TALBOT then announced that the case on the part of tile North
Kent line was closed, with the exception of a few words which he
wished to have from Mr. Tite, on the subject of the valuatiOn of land
along the line. Mr. Tite was not then present, nor could he be ins-
, mediately called. Under these .circumstances, he proposed to close
his case, reserving to himself the right of briefly examining Mr. Tite
to-morrow morning, and also of producing a letter which had been
received from the Board of Ordnance.

After a short discussion,
Mr. Dawsosi (who appeared in support of a petition against the
proposed line by Sir John Evelyn), then proceeded to address the
Committee very briefly.
The promoters of the Korth Rent line here requested permission to
add the evidence of Sir Frederick Smith, as to the safety of the
trains passing the powder-Innis.
Sir F. Smith stated that he had examined the course of the pro-
posed line last year. It passed very close to the mills, but was not
unsafe. The danger, if any, might be prevented by covering the line
with Iron roofing.
Hy Mr. MERIIEWETII£II (for the South Eastern line.)---If a line of
railway were at a distance of 200 yards front a powder-mill, the
explosion of 40 barrels of powder would give a concussion,
but would not occasion any serious damage. The powder in that
state called the " green charge" is nearly as strong as the powder
when quite prepared for use. The powder-mdls are generally very
strongly built, and there would be very heavy materials thrown in
case of an explosion. Remembers an explosion which occurred last
year at Dartford or Hounslow. The stones which were split were
very massive, but they were not moved far. Thinks that the rail-
way at Chatham would be better if under the fire of the guns front
the fortification. Cannot say whether the station should be
under the fire of the gulls. At Gosport, there is a station both inside
and outside the works, and the one inside is safer, though not under
the firs cf the battery. The station outside the battery is under the
fire of the cannon, but is not so safe.
The Connuittee then adjourned until twelve o'clock to-morrow.

CIIZOITP XV.
The Committee met at twelve o'clock, in the Bail Court. Present,
Mr. O'Connell (chairman), Sir It. Price, Captain HattEl, Mr. Hind-
ley, and Mr. Mackinnon.
ERIUIITON AND CHICHEETEn. !,300VOR.
AND LITTLEHARIPTON BRANCHES).
BOGNOR AND CHICHESTER.
Mr. J. J. Jontisow, counsel (with Mr. Clerk) for the Bognor and
Chichester que, intimated that engineers had gone down to Chiches-
ter last night to test the surveys. He said his Learned friend on
the other side ought not to proceed with the cross-exam:nation of
Mr. Hastrick, attempting thereby to establish a negative against the
line, which he opposed before the merits of that line had been proved.
Ile thought the Committee ought to take up each line on its Jrvn
merits, and on its own merits alone.
The 'CliAntatan intimated that the Committee, I.n a great measure,
agreed with hint.
Mr. Itsumvarsaa load that he submitted to the ivill of the Com-
mittee, and that his case was closed, except as to the cross-exami-
nation of air. Restrict, which he would feel himself at liberty to
proceed with at another time.
Mr. JOIINSON NEALE opposed the Brighton branch to rOgnor en
behalf of Mr. Richard Clarke, landowner at Bognor. and caltNi evi-
dence to show that the Brighton Company had beer guilty of a brCach
of faith and agreement.
Mr. Hastrick, on his cross-examination by Mr. NEALE, said, that
Mr. Clarke had projected thepresent Bognor branch previous to flee
Brighton Company taking it up, and that he (Mr. Bootlick) etn-
senteti to become engineer of the line, and had the surveys made
and paid for: He (Mr. Bootlick) thought afterwards it would be
more advisable that the Brighton Company should snake the pro-
jected line, and made use accordingly of the surreys already taken
to make up the sections and plans for the Brighton Company.
Several witnesses were called on the part of the Chichester direct
branch, to show that the great preponderance of public feeling in
Chichester and in Bognor was In favour of the Chichester and
Bognor line.
Mr. J. J. JoustsoN, previous to adjournment, submitted to the
Committee that the objection taken on the other side to the Chiches-
ter line, its tho case of error in the levels laid down in the sections,
was a "Standing order" point, and therefore that the Committee
was precluded by one of the standing orders from examining it. He
suggested that an inquiry should be made whether this was not so
in the, present.case.
Sir. .MEREWETIIER contended that it was not a standing order
obl.ctien, and it came within the province of the present Committee.
under tile 20th section of the Land Clauses Act, limiting the Cuttings
to 5 leer in the country and 2 feet in the towns.
The Committee adjourned till twelve o'clock trnmorrow.

GROUT XVI.
CITZP.,TRITY AND EGNA.M 131ZANCN.
The Committee Oil the members of which were present) met at
twelve o'clock, when Mr. Wordsworth submitted a plan by which
the branch could be made Without interfering with his property, and
it was agreed that it should be submitted to Mr. Locke'. conaide-
re tion.
Mr. Briscoe, a magistrate and gentleman of property, gave evi-
deuce similar to that of Colonel Chatloner yesterday.
Mr. Edgin, who resides within half a mile of Eghani, stated that a
great advantage would be afforded by this railway, and that Colonel
Chalioner had understated the number of persons whose attendance
was required at the petty sessions it was 160 per annum en an ave-
rage, which information he had derived front the clerk. In conee-
quence of the obstruction of traffic, and the convenience enjoyed by
other places, the value of property had greatly declined, and there
were at the present time 67 houses unoccupied in Egham. lie
perfectly concurred in the opinion that a great advantage would be
derived from the cheaper conveyance of chalk to that district.
To Sir C. Di:melees —Mr. Edgill replied that the empty houses
were of the smaller size.
me. Whitton, a hanker at Egham, confirmed Mr. Edgill's etate-
ment resi4oting the disadvantage accruing
to Egham from the want
s( A
rlaitilt"l;asco..nvertiailos: Dien ensued respecting
Mr. Evans rests, sited Mr. le eZ the int on which
dswerth, on his behalf stated, that al,
he had ulterior designs, In evn;eh he should p ;ably show the
propriety and force of I& -
client's case, he should
not cross-examine ou the pUbile Peri° of the case.
The Committee then decided that it are.
A unnecessary to
call any farther evidence on the traffic merits Of the ieranch, but Ong,
the engineer and the surveyor should be called. Prior, however, to
the examination of Mr. ',Locke, a conversation took place between
that gentleman and Mr. Evans's surveyor, but the remit was a disa-
greement in opinion as to the avoidance of Mr. Evans's property, and
the plans were submitted to the Committee.
Mr. Locke was then called, and stated part of his evidence re-
specting the course of the line, and its engineering character. There
e
were three roads crossed at a level, bat he had preferred that
lit it better
of traverse in a flat country, because he Ilion
than raising embankments or bridge approachee, would
Ithiehf
Ch rt
have the further disadVantage of interfering with the town
be
soy. The estimated cost of the line, including the land, wome,
100,0001 e; the annual expenses were
estimated at 3,e971., as,il
the returns, 9,6301., leaving a rough profit of 5,6001., giving'
an average of five or six per cent. With reepect to Mr.
Evans's propetty, he was imuced to refrain from going Into
the opposition, because, in the first place, line, as leki mat,
lute:ferred less that it would otherwise do with the property both[
to the right and left ; and, secondly, because the Company were
pledged not to deviate towards Mr. Burnett's property, thirdly, it
would interfere with Lady alontford's property, and the deviation,
as proposed by the other side, would throw the railway into a village.
The distance from Mr. Evan's house was about 140 yards.
To the Cnetemee--air. Locke realied, that the engineering diffi-
culties occasioned by the alteration were immaterial, although the
change would be rather prejudicial than otherwise.
To Mr. Woanswoent —Mr. Locke stated that the change wean:.
effect the curves, and render the line more inadvisable than it was
as now laid out. The line would certainly interfere with the 'view
of the copse on St. Anne's 11111, which was an ornamental object, as
seen from Mr. EVAIIS'S house. The hence also would be somewhat
interfered with be the bridge near the property. The reason for
taking the course they did was, that the deviation would oblige the'
Company, not only to infringe on their engagement with Mr. Bur.
nett, but also with Lady Idontford's property, and the village he had
spoken of, in which, if the line were carried that way, at least half
a dozen cottages would have to be
,palled dawn; and other lands and
grounds, would be effected lie,ides. By sharpening the curve, perhaps
the village might he avoided, but the change would be inconvenient.
The deviation proposed by Mr. Evans would carry the line
through the parsonage-house, and there appeared to be no means of
avoiding that difficulty.
Mr. Crawler was recalled, and stated, that he valued the land
for the line, the varue of which land was 24,3351. 3s. 10d..
including eectional damage. Ile knew a Mr. Evans'S
house, which is a good. geittlelltafily reeldereee; lee it: floated' the
]sited awrtiir Ulu tic railway. PAX GAY 11 Is*

from some of the bedroom windows at the back of the house. lie
also knew Lady Montford's house, which was not such a good one
as Mr. Evans's house but it looked, at the distance of about 100
yards, towaeds the railway. He was also acquainted with Mr. Ben-
net's property. Ilia house was a good family mansion, surrounded
by 400 acres of ground ; and, by a stipulation with that gentleman,
it was agreed that the line should net be carried nearer to his house
than as now laid down. Mr. Evans's house stood at the corner of
two roads, on which there was a considerable traffic, and the
ground In front of the premises belonged to Lady Montford.
To Mr. WORDSWORTH —The witness repeated his previous evidence,
and stated that lie had purchased the parsonage house on behalf of
the Company; but, at a previous meeting with Mr. Evaies's agent,
he had merely suggested the deviation which had been shown by that
gentleman. A plan had certainly been sent to him by Mr. Hunt, but
he did not know what had become of it.
To Mr. IlorE —The witness repeated his assertion that the 'railway
would tea Interfere with the line of sight between Mr. dames house
and the copse on St. Anne's MIL
To Lord l'ou,lNcToe and Mr BLEWITT— The witness replied that
the parsonage house was bought because a bridge was to
be erected, which would be close to the windows, and the
purchase had been made in order to avoid any difficulty
with the patron of the living. The land near Mr. Evans's house was
ornamental meadow, but he thought that the injury done to Mr. Ben-
nett's property would be g. eater than that suffered by Mr. Evans, as
the line went directly through the former gentleman's park.
This closed the case for the promoters, and Mr. WORDSWORTH
was aiaiut to open his case, when the chairman intimated that he
thought the feeling of the committee was to pass the preamble anti
din:cuss Mr. Evans's claims on the clause. On this suggestion the
counsel would have acted, bat a difficulty arose respecting the at:
rangement, and Mr. Wordsworth was about to proceed against the
preamble, when, atter some conversation between the several
parties concerned, a conference was held between them, the result
of which was that Mr. Bennett, having conceded part of his claims,
the company were enabled to take such a line of deviation as would
meet Mr. Evans's views, and the preamble of the Bill was declared
proved.
The Ccnunittee went through the clauses, after an alteration had
been made, which was suggested by Mr. Wordsworth, and the
Chairman was directed to carry up the report.

GROUP XIX.
This Committee commenced its sittings th7s morning in the dining-
room of the Slesion house, Westminster. The Committee consisted
of Lord Harry Vane, chairman ; Mr. F. Scott, the Earl of March,
Mr. Nerris, and Mr. Bennett.
EXMTETL, TOPSF.A. 7,n, AND zxra 0 TZI
This was the first Bill that was taken r,y the Cot tttce. The
line is a short one, being only seven miles in length. The estimated
cost is 100,000/.
The Bill was opposed by the corporation of Exeter.
There was a competing line called the Exeter and Exmouth
Railway. eared for the promoters
Sergeant Murphy alai Mr. Merrivale app
of the Bill.
Mr. INIERRIVALE having opened the ease, called Mr. Wilcock% a
member of the town council of Exeter, in support of the Bill. Fie
epoke of the general advantage to the neighbourhood of the line.
The witness was cross-examined on the part of the corporation of
Exete, with the cbject of showing that sufticient accommodation
would rbe afforded to the neighbourhood by the existing canal.