The Sun.
London, England, 1846-04-02 00:00:00

GROUP XLI.

The Committee assembled this day at twelve o'clock. Present
Lord Harry Vane (chairman), the Earl of March, Hon. Francis Scott
Mr. D. Morris, and Mr. Phillip Bennett.

EXETER AND EXMOUTH.

The Cnaramarr said it was the opinion of this Committee that the
preamble of the Exeter and Exmouth line had been preyed, but
should insert this clause in the Bill—" Provided that the Bill now
before Parliament for the construction of the Exeter, Yeovil, and
Dorchester line shall receive the sanction of the Legislature during
the present session, •r that of next year."
The Bill was ordered to be reported.
BRIDGEWATER, AND DTINEHEAD.

Sergeant Murphy and Mr. Cockburn appeared on behalf of the
promoters of this line.
Mr. Talbot, Mr. Merivale, and Mr. Carrow appeared in support of
certain petitions front landowners against the projected scheme.
Mr. Sergeant Wrangham and Mr. Hoskins appeared on the part
of the Bridgewater and Taunton Railway and Canal, the opposing
scheme. _ _ _

Mr. Sergeant MURPHY then addressed the Committee in sup-
por of the pproposed line. He said that the primary and lead-
ing objects of the promoters of this line of railway was,
that it afforded a safe and convenient harbour in the port of
Minehead for vessels frequenting the Bristol Channel. Another was
connecting the port of Mineliead by a railway with Bristol and
London, which railway will proceed Immediately front the proposed
ports through a well-populated and rich agricultural district, and
join the Bristol and Exeter Railway at Bridgewater. The dangers
attending the navigation of the Bristol Channel w is, he believed,
considerable, but these dangers existed priMeipally above Minehead.
There was not a spot on the coast front the Avon to the Hartland
Point offering such advantages and conveniences as the port of
for a trading harbour and a Mine-
head. It was accessible at all times of the tide, and he
was sure no site could be discovered on that coast uniting
the advantages of a position
place of refuge for shipping in distress of 'weather. By this sele•me
passengers Irom the South of Ireland and Wales, and all
other parts of the world, would be afforded the most rapid an con-
venient means of reaching Bristol and London, and that there was
no such ineans of transit tor goods and cattle from the south of
Ireland and from the South of Wales, offering the same faci-
lities, having regard to the economy of time or expellee.
This line of railway would pass through, or near to,
thirteen considerable villages, with a population: afford-
from the pier. He was quite sure he need not
mention
ing a pros:iect of eminent utility and profit independent of tae
advantages
Li'gehead was situated in the midst of some of the
tha at
l
most superb scenery in the kingdom, and was in the summer season
the resort of large numbers of persons in search of health and
recreation The Learned Sergeant comluded his address by caliing
the Committee's attention to the numerous petitions from Cork,
Bridgewater, Taunton. Poole, Minehead, and other places.
Captains Parrott and Es:aus, both of the Royal Navy, were then
examined as to the depth water and soundings in theßristol Chan-
nel, and also the advantages that Minehead offered as a harbour 01
refuge.
It being past four o'clock, the Committee adjourned until twelve
o'clock to-morrow (I hursday).