The Sun.
London, England, 1846-03-31 00:00:00

GROUP IX.

The Committee met to-day at twelve, Lord Wortley in the chair
all the members of the Committee were present.

WEST OF SCOTLAND JUNCTION.

Mr, Brunel, in t being obtainable this morning by the promoters of
the Bill, Mr. Hawkshaw, the engineer of the Manchester and Leeds
was called to give evidence :n his stead.
Mr. Ilawkshaw said he had had considerable experience in the con-
struction of raliw ye. lie had examined the plans of the present
scheme, as first laid down, and he was of opinion, with due precaution,
it could be worked safely. Th junction in the opening of the tunnel was
not more objectionable than tnaay that took place in deep cuttings.
here was a gradient on the Manchester and Leeds line at Manches-
ter terminating in the Victoria station, of one In 49, yet they run
100 trains a-day there without any aecident having aeon: red. This
inclined plane terminated at a bridge at which the trains diverged off
on to another line of rails, with no view in front, and yet it was
worked with perfect safety. By laying down an additional line of
rails the possibility of danger would be still further reduced. All
things considered, he thought the present scheme might be worked
without any danger.
The cross-examination of the witness did not elicit any point dif-
ferent from the evidence in chief. _ .

Mr. Cubitt, civil engineer, was next called, and examined for the
opposition. Ile had examined the plans and sections, and considered
that the scheme presented a combination of circumstances that
ought to be avoided, and such as could not be worked without con-
siderable danger. He thought the third line of rails proposed an
objection instead of an advantage, and in this respect he differed
with Mr. Robert Stephenson.

GROUP XIV.
SOUTII-EASTErtN.

The Commit' ee on this line Mt to-day at twelve o'clock. Present,
Mr. Protheroe (chairman), Lord Emlyn, Mr. J. O'Connell, General
Lygon, and Mr. Grogan.
Mr. J. O'CoNNELL said that before commencing the business of the
day he wished to say a few words with reference to an exc.edingly
improper letter that he had received. lie should have taken notice
of the letter yesterday afternoon, os it reached his tesidence then, but
owing to tLe pressure of business he did mot receive his letters until
eight o'el;,ck in the evening. the letter was from a landowner on
the line, and complained of Hp, great injury that would be done to
his property by the line. He should not then mention the name pt
Coe party who wrote the letter, but tie weal; hand it to the
chairman, for the consideratien of tile Committee at a suture period,
with reti.reuce to the steps that should be taken upoa it. lie should
only state that it was not written to him by any of the y,arties who
had come before the Committee to make obj,ctions to the line. What
was stated in the Committee in a public manner would become known
elsewhere by weans of the press, and he hoped that his statement
would have the effect of &telling others from so Improper a pro-
ceeding.
Time letter was then handed to the chairman.
Mr. MEEREwerusu said that he was sure that the statement of the
Hon. Member, which Informed them that tin, writer of the letter was
not one of the parties who had appeared before the Committee—he
was sure that all his brother counsel would join him in reprobating
such a moceedlng.