The Sun.
London, England, 1846-08-07 00:00:00

, LEEDS AUGUST 6.

STOCK EXCIIANGE.—The sales are—Eastern Counties, York Ex-
tensions, 395. p.—East Lancashire, 8% p.—Great Grimsby and Shef-
field, Quarter Shares, 3s. 6d. dis.—lluddersteld and Manchester, 2%
p.—Ditto, Extensions, 7s. p.—Huddersfield and Sheffield, 8% p.—
Leeds and Bradford, 45 p.—Leeds and Dewsbury, 6 p.—Ditto
Extensions, 3s. Gd. dis.—Leeds and Thirsk, 2% dis.—Manchester
and Leeds, Fifth Shares, 9% p.—Ditto, Extensions, 3% p.—New-
castle and Berwick, 14 p.—Newcastle and Darlington Junction Ex-
tensions, 1111 p.—North British, Carlisle Branch, 2% p.—Amber.
gate, Nottingham, and Boston, par—East Lincolnshire, 2s. 6d. dis.
—Grand Union, 6s. dis.—Great Eastern and Western, 295. dia.—
Great Kent Atmospheric, 15s. 6d. dis.—Lancashire, Yorkshire, and
North-Eastern, 265. dis.—Leicester and Bedford, 10s. dis.—Liver-
pool, Ormskirk, and Preston, 3% p.—London and York, % dis.—
Malton and Drlilleid Junction, 15s. 6d. p.—Manchester, Buxton,
Matlock, and Midland, 255. 6d. p.—Midland, and Thirsk Junction,
17s. 6d. dis.—North Staffordshire, 4% p.—North Western, lie. 6d.
p. —Sheffield, Rotherham, and Goole, % dis.—Shropshire Union, %
dis.—South Midland, 14s. p.—south Midland Junction, % dis.—West
Sliding Union, 5% —Yorkshire and Glasgow Union, 15& dis.
HULL, AUGUI3T 6.

STOCK ETCHANGE.—The sales are—Eastern Counties, York Ex-
tension, 2% —North British, Half Shares, 14%—Ditto, Carlisle
Branch, 775. —Blackburn, Darwen, and Bolton, 81,4—Ditto, New,
48—Ambergate, Nottingham, and Boston, 2%—Armagh, Cole-
raine, and Portrnsh, %—East Lincolnshire, 17s.—Grand Union, 235.
6d. —Leicester and Bedford, I Is. 6d.—Leicester and Tamwerth, 335.
9d.—Liverpool, Ormskirk, and Preston, 3U,—London and York, 21.
4s. 6d.—Malton and Driflield Junction, % p.—Manchester, Buxton.
Matlock, and Midland, 26s.—North Western4Bs. p.—North Stafford-
shire, 414 p.—Rugby and Huntingdon, 225. 6d.—South Midland, 150.
p.—Shrewsbury and Birmingham, 3%—West Riding Union, 57i
SHEFFIELD, AnousT 6.

. -
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Grimsby and Sheffield, Ex-
tension, Bs. dis.—Leeds and Thirsk, 1U dis.—Ambergate, Notting-
ham, and Boston, % dis.—East Lincolnshire, 6s. dis.—Manchester
and Lincoln Union and Canal, 17s. dis.—North Western, I Is. p.—
Sheffield and Lincolnshire, par.
YORK, AUGUST 6.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Ambergate Nottingham, and
Boston, 2%—Eastern Counties, York Extension, I ls. 3d.—East
Lincolnshire, 1154—Grand Union (Nottingham and Lynn), I—Leices-
ter and Bedford, lls.—London and York, 21. 6s.—Ditto, Half Shares,
2%-31anchester, Buxton, Matlock, and Midland, 3%—Newcastle
and sBerwick, 29—Newcastle and Darlington, New, 12—North
British, Carlisle Extension, 3% —North Staffordshire, 6%—North
Western, 1 %—West Riding Union, 6 % —York and North Midland,
East and West Riding Extension, 13%.

AUGUST 5.
STOCK EXCITANGE.—The sales are—Aberdeen, 10 1,4 —Caledonian,
17 —Ditto, New, 375. 6d.—Dlrect Northern, 50s. 6d.—East Indian
Railway, 19s. 6d.—East of Fife, 25s.—Edinburgh and Glasgow, 60s.
—Edinburgh and Northern, 10/. 145.—Ditto, Newport, 225. 9d.—
Edinburgh and Perth, 60s.—Glasgow and Belfast Union, 448:
Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle, 39s.—North British, 41—Ditto,
Extension to Carlisle, 87s.—Ditto, Extension, to Dalkeith, 8—
Perth and Inverness, 31s. 9d.—Shrewsbury, Oswestry, and Chester,
G/. Gs.—South Midland, 575. 6d.—Stirling and Dunfermline, 275.
GLASGOW, AUGusT 5.

STOCK EXCHANGE. -The sales are-Aberdeen, 101.-Caledonian,
New, 325. 6d.-Caledonian and Dumbartonshire Junction, 275.-
Caledonian Direct Northern, 425. 3d.-Clydesdale Junction, 231.-
Direct Northern, 475. 6d.-Dundee and Perth, 25 i-Eastern, Coun-
ties, 'York Extension, 475, Gal.-East of Fife, 245.-East Indian Rail-
way, I Bs. 6d.-Edinburgh and Northern, 111.-Ditto, Newport, 235.
-Edinburgh and Hamilton Direct, 4 Is.-Glasgow General Ter-
minus, 9% -Glasgow and Belfast Union, 455.-Glasgow, Dumfries,
and Carlisle, 395. 6d.-Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and Ardressan, 335. 6d.
- Glasgow, Airdrie, and Monkland Junction, 425.-Great North of
Scotland, 19s. 9d.-Great Indian Peninsular, 7s. 6d.-Great North of
India, 7s. 6d.-Lainut and Lothians, 455.-London Bristol and
South Wales, 245.-Manchester and Southampton, 345. 6d.-North
British, Extension to Carlisle, 925. 6d.-Perth and Inverness, 325.
6d.-Scottish Central, 19 -Shrewsbury and Herefordshire, Os.-
South Midland, 575. 6d.-South and Midland Junction, 245. 6d.-
Stirlhigshire and Midland Junction, 565.

ROYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION.—This intellec-
tual exhibition still continues to be crowded by eager in-
quirers after scientific knowledge. During the past week,
too, a more than usual treat has been provided in the ele,-
quent lectures of Dr. Bachhoffner, on the application of the
agent electricity to purposes connected with the economy of
every-day life. To use the professor's own words," that
strange agent which dances in the Aurora Borealis, and
sears and destroys in the lightning's flash, may be employed
in its more modified forms to move machinery—to transfer
through space the most rapid conversations—to explode
masses of gunpowder, and even to print a lady's dress." In
his excellent and particular mode the Doctor then proceeded
to illustrate each of these truths by practical experiments—
giving in one lecture, in epitome, all that has been done and
said on this mighty subject during the last twenty years.
ACCIDENT TO THE NEW MACHINERY AT THE
GENERAL PosT-orricE.—On Wednesday morning, at an
early hour, during the morning duty, an accident, nearly at-
tended with circumstances of a fearfnl character to several of
the letter-carriers, took place at the General Post-office. The
particulars of the case are these :—The revolving shelves of
the machine recently constructed for the purpose of raising
and lowering both bags and men, with trays of letters and
newspapers, and which is worked by means of steam power,
from the breaking of one of the cogged wheels saddenly re-
volved at a frightful rate while several men were upon it
with letters and newspapers. The effect was such that many
of the men were obliged to jump off at the hazard of their
limbs, while others were hurled from the shelving-boards
with great violence upon the floor. Suddenly the action
stopped, while others of the officers were upon the machine,
and before either they or the newspapers and letters could be
extricated, it was found necessary to force away the iron
work, a matter which occupied upwards of an hour and a
half, which delayed upwards of 4,000 of the City letters. For-
tunately no lives were lost, nor were any bones broken. This
is the third accident occasioned by this new contrivance since
its erection for post-office purposes.
THE LATE ACCIDENT ON THE EASTERN COUNTIES
RAILWAY.—Since the recent accident on the Eastern
Counties Railway, a set of signals have been put at all the
stations, consisting of upright posts, from twenty to thirty
feet in height, having two arms, which on the passing of a
train are raised. The arms are painted red, and at night a
red light is affixed to them. Near the Stratford station
the signal is placed on the opposite side of the line to the
old signal, so that it can be seen at a much greater
distance. With respect to the sufferers by the accident,
the majority are progressing favourably, but we regret to
state that Mr. W. Cotton, the Chairman of the Ilford
Board of Magistrates, is still unable to resume
.iffsmagis-
magis-
terial duties, in consequence of the injuries he received on
the 18th ult.
e h
Tarsi
sh givenArmns oßtiicl
le. of the inten-.
advantages have resulted from this
We shall be
rs it has been in operation, to
measurect iuo r nMi our fs. Idtoai
unhbri
iatui egrcrhst,
hev threoea: rthewrneeeeNsvyeeteti
justify its renewal.—Chronicle.

We understand that an expedition which promises the
most important results, both to science and commerce, is at
this moment fitting out for the purpose of navigating some
of the most unexplored rivers in South America. It is to
be under the command of Lord Ranelagh. Several noble-
men and gentlemen have already volunteered to accompany
his Lordship, and the enterprising and scientific band, it is
said, will sail as soon as the necessary arrangements shall be
completed.
THUNDER-STORM AT CHICHESTER, AND LOSS et
LIFE.—A dreadful storm of thunder and lightning occurred
in this neighbourhood about nine o'clock on Wednesday
morning. The thunder, lightning, and rain were so violent
and so alarming, that all the harvest folds were quickly de..
serted. One of the reapers was proceeding to a cottage for
shelter, with his reaping-hook upon his shoulder,
a was struck dead.
which attracted the lightning, and the poor fellow's clothes
ins_etanatrescorched
informed,up ed ,parensdenht
a shocking ap-
pearance.
wereis inbody,an instant
is
ROYAL THAMES YACHT CLUB.—This club held their
monthly meeting last evening at the Piazza Hotel, Covent-
garden, for the general dispatch of business. The Marquis
of Stafford was eleeted a member of the club.
[ADVERTISEMENT.] MEDICAL TESTIMONIALS.
SIGIIT AND HEARING.—The Messrs. S. and B. Solomens' newly-in-
vented Spectacle Lenses afford astonishing relief to extremoly imper-
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kind of Lens. The clearness of the transparency brings every ob-
ject very distinct, and enables individuals to view Vae most minute
particle with perfect accuracy. They are Particularly pleasant by
candlelight, as they appear cooling to the sight, and soften bright
and brilliant lights.—J. Blundell, Esq., M.D., 1, Great George-
street, Westminster; T. J. Pettigrew, Esq., P.R.S., 8, Saville-row ;
J. Ramsbettom, Esq., M.D., Broad-street-buildings ; A. White,
Esq., Surgeon, 3, Parliament-street ; George Cursham, Esq., M.D.,
5, Saville-raw; Frederick Leighton, Esq., M.D., 7, Upper Gower-
street ; 11. Golbuni, Esq., Surgeon, 28, Harieyford-place, Kenning-
ton ; Alexander Farquhar, Esq., Surgeon, 76, Cadogan-place, Bel-
grave-square; W. Day, Esq., Surgeon, Isleworth ; John Hooper,
Esq., Surgeon, 29, Newington-place, Kennington, &e., &c. Messrs.
S. and B. Solomons, Opticians and Aurists, 39, Albemarle-street,
Piccadilly (opposite the -York Hotel). Invisible and all kinds of
their newly-invented and improved Acoustic Instruments, to enable
individuals at an advanced age, and of forty and fifty years' stand-
ing of extreme deafness, instantly to join in general conversation,
and to catch the sound of a distant low speaker at church, theatre,
&c. They pour the conversation into the ears to such an extent.
that in most severe cases deafness cannot be observed. Also the
most powerful newly-invented Achromatic Opera Glasses and
Telescopes. Caution.—Messrs. S. and B. Solomons, Opticians and
Aurists, arc not in any way connected with a person of the same
name in their immediate neighbourhood, nor in any part of the coun-
try. To prevent mistakes, be cautious, and Observe—Only to be
had at 39, Albemarle-street, Piccadilly (opposite the York Motel).
[ADVERTIMMENT.] UNPRECEDENTED CURE BY
HoLLowAy's PlLLs.—Thomas Symonds, formerly of Chatham Docks-
yard, residing in Gravel-lane, Southwark, had been unable to do
his work for three years. His lungs were supposed to be affected.
having a distressing cough, with feet and legs swelling, besides, %%ion,
he could scarcely ever keep anything on his stomach. 4.117t1: Sre.
rally so weak and as to barely have power to stad! takfik,
months this poor man acquired almost a new constitution
ngnd well as to be
Holloway's Pills, and is now become so strong
on board a
able to undertake the laborious duatilet.s.o
The. Invaluable Pills are
vessel about sailing to New South ILI,
went
London
noway's Esta
sold at Professor lio
and by a dvalorre lu pnv4111•121!

•
btrb Vbition
SUN OFFICE, Seven o' Clock.

LONDON AND NORTH WESTERN
RAILWAY.—(TIIIS DAY.)
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition.)
Mr. BOOM then read the following report
" The directors are happy to report, repo the Act To con-
solidate the London and Birmingham, Grand Junction, and
Manchester and Birmingham Railway Companies,' receis ed
the royal assent on the 16th of July last.
" In meeting for the first time, the shareholders of the
London and North Western Company, the directors have
great pleasure in being able to inform them that the traffic
for the half-year, on the three lines which are:now under the
control of the amalgamated Company, exceeds considerably
in each: case that of the correspondeingto six months of
sions last
year, and that this observation applies the three divi
in which railway traffic is usually classed, namely, coaching,
merchandise, and coals.
"But while an increased traffic on all the lines indicates
the prosperous state of the concern, the proprietors will re-
collect that from the larger amount of capital entitled to divi-
dend, owing to fresh calls paid up, and other
stances,circumst
a larger sum is now required pay the same rate
dend, while, at the same time, the six months just ended
constitute the least productive half-year. It will conse-
quently be necessary to encroach, to some extent, on the re-
serve fund which the proprietors allowed the directors to lay
by; after providing for the last dividend.
By the accounts which will be laid before £ s. d.
the meeting, it appears that the nett
proceeds of the amalgamated concern
for six months are 543,929 4 4
To which must be added the surplus fund,
amounting
to

Making an available balance of £710,034 1G 7

The directors recommend a dividend of 4 per
cent. on the Manchester and Birmingham
capital of 1,440,0001., in conformity with
the provisions of the Act
And of 51. per 1001. share on the remaining
549,789 3 0
capital

Which together will amount to £607,389 3 0
And l eaving a balance of ........... £102,645 13 7
to be carried forward as a surplus fund to the next half-year's
account.
The directors will now beg leave to state to the proprie-
tors the result of their proceedings in Parliament, in the
session which is about to close. It will be seen that the ex-
tent of new works contemplated at the commencement of the
session has been very much curtailed.
"The Acts obtained this session for new lines are as fol-
lows, with the estimated capital required to carry them into
e Tect
LONDON AND BIRMINGI-lAAL
Euston Extension
Birmingham Extension 350,000
Stour Valley Line
Weetlon and Northampton
Rugby and Stamford 500,000
Rugby and Leamington 135,000
Leamington Extension 85,000
.--- £1,645,000

GRAND JUNCTION.
Huyton and Ashton, &c £1,150,000
lluyton and Warrington lBO,OOO
South Staffordshire
Showhill and Portobello lOO,OOO
1,617,500
Trent Valley .. About 1,400,000
Manchester and Birmingham

X 4,687,500
"The directors have taken into their consideration the most
expedient mode of providing the requisite capital for carry-
ing into effect these several works. And in confor
inity with the powers granted by the Legislature for
the purpose, they propose a creation of 25/. shares
to the extent of 4,687,5001., being the amount of capital
required as above stated, and that one new share of 251. be
allotted to the owner of every 100/. share or 100/. stock. But,
in order that this new creation may press as little injuriously
as posisible on the existing stock, it is proposed, in the first
instance, that a call of 21. per share be made, which shall
not be entitled to interest or dividend till a further call is
made. Second—That the remaining calls shall be made as
follows

51. per share in July, 1848.
Si. „ „ July, 1849.
51. „ „ July, 1850.
51. „ „ July, 1851.
and the remaining 31. „ „ July, 1852.
Such calls being entitled to dividend at the rate of 4 per
cent. from the date when they severally become due, till the
whole amount be called, after which the holders of the new
quarter shares will receive dividends rateably with the general
stock of the Company. Should the foregoing scheme obtain
the sanction of the meeting, resolutions will be submitted to
carry the same into effect.
"In reference to the general management of the London
and North-Western.Railway, it is obvious that much advan-
tage may be expected from uniformity of system and concen-
tration of authority, on all matters of general policy or
-mutual arrangement—while,l at the same time, the directors
-will be anxious to obviate as far as possible in regard to the
northern division, whether in reference to shareholders, or the
public, any inconvenience which might be apprehended from
the principal office being in London. It is hoped, that the
Liverpool and Manchester offices will afford such information,
and .answer all such purposes of a central office, as may be
required by the locality. Transfers for registration, or certi-
ficatna for endorsement, if left at the Liverpool or Manchester
office, will be considered as delivered to the Company ; and
the transmission of documents, to and from London, being
effected in the night, it is hoped, that very little delay or in-
convenience will be experienced.
" The proprietors may be aware that the Grand Junction
Company, prior to the amalgamation, entered into an agree-
ment in conjunction with the Manchester and Leeds Com-
panp, for the leasing, in perpetuity, of the North Union Rail-
way. This agreement is now confirmed by Act of Parliament ;
and during the last six months the North Union line has
been worked conjointly with the lessee companies.
" This engagement of lease was undertaken by the Grand
Junction Company on grounds of general policy, and with
a view to the promotion of the Great North and South
traffic, with the risk of some temporary loss in the working
of the North Union line. The directors are happy to report
that the traffic of the line has considerably increased since
it has been under the direct management of the lessee com-
panies, as compared with what it was in the hands of the
common carrier, arising principally from the change of sys-
tem in the carriage of goods. They have reason to expect,
therefore, not only that their general anticipation of
benefit to the north and south traffic will be realised, but
that this result will be accomplished without loss on the
North Union lease, considered by itself. The directors are
glad of this opportunity of acknowledging the long and valu-
able services of the principal engineers of the two divisions of
the railway, Robert Stephenson, Esq., and Joseph Locke,
sq., and they are persuaded the proprietors will join them
in this feeling. They propose, accordingly, that two sums of
1,000 guineas each be appropriated to providing suitable tes-
timonials for this object.
"At this first general meeting of the London and North
Western Company, the directors are anxious to express the
high sense they entertain of the confidence which for many
years they have experienced from the proprietors, while
members of the several directions, now united into one board.
They aro sensible of the extended responsibility which de-
volves on them in on entering on the duties of so large an '
aindertaking, whether contemplating their obligations in re-
ference to the shareholders, or to the public. They will
endeavour to justify the trust, hitherto reposed in them."
Resolutions in accordance with the report were unani-
snowily adopted ; after which a vote of thanks was carried to
the Chairman and directors, and the meeting separated.

RAILWAY COMMITTEES

(THIS DAY.)

HOUSE OF LORDS.
Room B.

I..IVERPOOL, ORIVISXXXLIE, AND PRESTON.,
The Committee appointed to Inquire Into the merits of this 81l
met this morning for the first time.
The members of the Committee are Earl St. Germans (chair-
man), the Duke of Rutland, the Bishop of Durham, Lord Byron, and
Lord Beaumont.
ut in for a host of opponents, among them
Appearances were p
were —Mr. Scarisbrook, represented by Mr. Merryweather and Mr.
Kerr ; the Manchester and Southport R.tilwa3, Liverpool and Preston
Railway, by Mr. Hope, Mr. Monk, and Mr. Marshall, for whom Mr.
Selwyn appeared.
The counsel for the promoters were Mr. Austin, Q.C., Mr. Talbot,
Q.C., Sergeant Bellasis, n Air. Calvert.
Mr. AvsTIN, Q.C., opened the case for the promoters of the hill,
and in so doing, expressed his regret, that although this case had
during thoroughl sifted in ,
the Committee of the House of COMOIIS
the present session the promoters would still have to cot to
against the determined hostility of these parties who had been so
signally defeated before the Committee of the other House. lle stated
that it would be almost inipossible In a line of this lvngth to tind one
which yould afford such a vast toamoun benefit as the present ; it
would accommodate an immense local population, amounting, he
believeaty upwards or a million ands half. A variety of local details was
then gone into by the Learned Counsel, which the public are aware has
use
been given at considerable length in the proceeding before the hio
Of Commons' Committee. The total length of the line was
abort
thirty-seven miles. The main line was twenty-two miles in length ;
the Southport bray eh seven miles three furlongsSkelmersdale
branch '2!rG miles, and there was one or two other small branches
near Liverpool of about a mile in length. The estimated cost was
700,0001.
Mr. E. Eccles, cotton worker of Liverpool, was the first witness
examined.
Mr. MERREIVATIIEN was proceeding to
Rail en
on behalf of the Blackburn and Bolton Ralay, wh cross-examine the witness
Mr. AusTIN objected to his doing so, on the ground of his having
no locus standi.
After a short discussion the room was cleased, and the Committee
_
that the Blackburn, Ciitheroe, and Bolton Railway had no
locus ranch.
Mr. Eccles was then cross-examined by Mr. MOPE.
Mr. T. latter' land surveyor and agent to the Earl of Derby, was
then examined b 7 mr.lsrfanT on behalf of the promoters.
mr.
length. Mr. !Wen cross-examined at considerable

air. R. Bateson, of LiverPoo_l,,:otton-broker, examined by Mr.
CALVERT, upon the amount of LI me between Liverpool and the
towns to the north.
to show that tl
11r. Hope cross-examined, with a view
convennee. and that the saving
momieenptrohpiotsiedke
not Of any
line would not afford the necessary
of time to be effected by this line was
earriagcs of heavy goods and merchandise.
Earl Steltuersdale, examined by Mr. lIRANDT,b7ton the benefits
to be derived from such a direct communication
these townws." viewed
and Preston as the proposed line would afford, and ivi7cetr Liver
lii a favourable light by the persons inhabiting
Cross-examined by Mr. MERREWETUER—The proposed
not rug through any manufacturing (-Istria between Skline would
elmersdlile
and Liverpool.
Cross-examined by Mr. HorE—He was examined before the Com-
M:ttee of the House of Commens. lie viewed with equal favour the
two selierno which had been brought before that Committee ; but
the rival scheme having been rejected, ha noir supported the pro-
osed line, because he thought it better than none at all.
P Hy Earl St. GERMANS —lle thought that of the two schemes the
proposed line would afford the greatest amount of accommodation to
Ih., districts between Liverpool and Preston.
Sir W. Feilden, M.l'. for Blackhurn, chairman cf the Liverpool,
Ortoskirk, and Preston Railway, examined by Mr. ClALvera —lle
thom:lit tile proposed line most benefical to the trading interests of
the towns of Liverpool and Preston.i Was requested by his con-
Stituents to be the chairman of the company.
Cross-examined by Mr. Hoee—llid not know the course of the
Liverpool and Preston Railway, rejected in the House of Commons.
Mr. Faringdon, of Warden Ilall, near Penworthutn, examined by
Ir. TALBOT, gave evidence in favour of the line.
Cross-examined by Mr. Bore—Preferred the present line to the
one wich had been rejected in the llouse of Commons, on two
groundhs—first, because it would prevent the parties from possessing
a monopoly in the north traffic, and It would do less injury to his
property.
M
Mr. Blrbeck, examined by r. BRANDY, also spoke to the benefits.
Which the proposed line would confer upon the northern
would effect a
traffic.
Cross-examined by Mr. HoPE—Tice proposed line
saving o t twelve Miles ov r the e present
Parksid routee
fromßailwaysn' Pston to Liver-
pool by way of the North the and .
By the Earl ST. GEILILISS —Did not know the course of the re-
teeted line.
Mr. B. Moore, Chairman of the Liverpool Docks, examined by
Tglr. AUSTIN, Q.C.—Spoke to the immense and Increasing traffic ill
these docks, which he believed posedt to be equalled In the world.
'The present dock trustees propoto construct a line of railway
riQUiPide their 0:41(8, by meow of which Yokicls could ualocl At the

, ... .
south end of the dock, and the goods could be conveyed
at once, without the expense of cartage, on to the pro-
posed line. Cattle could also be landed at this point _at
all times of the tide, and could be carried away without the incon-
venience of driving through the streets of the town which in general
are very narrow.
Cross-examined by Mr. HOPE—The Manchester and Liverpool
Railway had access by means of two junctions with the north and
south end of the existing docks at Liverpool.
Mr. Harrison of Newcastle, considered that the proposed line
would afford great aceommodation to the public and would open the
means of communication between Newcastle and Liverpool.
Cross-examined by Mr. Horg—The distance from Newcastle to
Liverpool by the Newcastle and Darlington Railway would be 148
or a saving of distance equal to 38 miles. The Newcastle traffic to
Liverpool was at present sent to Blackburn, in consequence of an
agreement with the East Lancashire line. The parties interested in
the Newcastle and Liverpool traffic were anxious now to have two
parties to deal with, for the purpose of effecting a favocrable arrange-
ment for the conveyance of traffic from Blackburn to Liverpool.
These two parties he considered would be the Bolton, Wigan, and
i Ormskirk Railway and the present Liverpool, Ormskirk, and Preston
Railway.
At this stage of the proceedings the Bishop of Durham, one of the
members of the Committee, left the room in consequence of an en-
engagement which he was unavoidably compelled to attend. By the
consent of all parties, however, the examination of the witnesses
was proceeded with in his absence.
Sir T. Heskeath, examined by Mr. TALBOT—WaS the owner of
considerable property at Rufford, which was affected for the distance
of four or five miles, and stated that he preferred the present to the
rejected lines.
Captain Bethel, of Preston, examined by Mr. CALvEßT—Consi-
dent' that the proposed line would be of very great importance to
the troops stationed at Preston, as it would afford them the means of
a direct route to Liverpool, and the Isle of Man new barracks were
In the course of erection at YTeStou, both for cavalry and infantry,
capable of containing 2,000 men.
Cross-examined by Mr. Hope—Did not think that Fleetvrood
id wouotuld
be a good port for the embarkathan of troops to Ireland. D
know the rejected line. Had not ,been connected with the move-
ments of any troops by railway.
air. Cherry, provision merchant, or .Liverpool, examined by Mr.
be of great advantage.
BRANDT—Thought the proposed line would
The CHAIRMAN here intimated that the Committee were quite
satisfied of the necessity of direct railway communication beta cen
Liverpool and Preston, and he thought it o,ieless on the part of the
promoters to offer any further evidence upon the point to which the
evidence had been so long directed, and suggel ted the propriety of at
once proceeding with the engineering evidence. She Committee
would of course be perfectly ready to, hear any evidence tending to
show the comparative merits of the two lines, and also evidence
which referred to that portion of the line between Southport and
Liverpool, and the opening up of the Lancashire coal fields.
Mr. Forster, agent and owner of mines in Skelmersdale, was then
examined by Mr. CALVERT—He considered that the Skelmersda.le
branch would afford the requisite means of conveyance necessary for
opening up the coal-fields in his neighbourhood, the principal con-
sumption of coals from the district where Isis naloes were situated
would be rincipally at Ormskirk lie thought there were about
140,000.000 tons of coals in the coal field referred to, which coulg be
carried by the Skelmersdale branch of the proposed railway. The
coals were of an excellent quality, both for culinary and manufactur-
ing purposes. The present consumption of coals in Ormskirk was
55,000, and by the constraction of this line a saving of 3s. lid. per
ton would be effected to the consumer.
Cross-examined by Mr. MERRENTETIIEN—Tho coal of Skelmers-
dale was not so good as that of Wigan. The scheme rejected in the
House of Commons gave communication to the coal-fields of Wigan.
The present line did not give that accommodation.
Cross-examined by Mr. Jim—The price of coal at the pit's
mouth was Bs. per ton. It was delivered at 12s. ~ t SkelMersciale
the price of coal at the pit's mouth was 6s. 81.1., and at Southport the
same coal was sold for 10s. Bd.
Mr. Farehurst, miller and corn-dealer of Ormskirk, and Mr. T.
Kershaw, chemist of Ormskirk, gave evidence in favour of the pro-
posed line as between Ormskirk and Southport, the former of whom
stated the amount of traffic between the two towns at 800 tons, and
the latter at 1,500. In consequence of the discrepancy, Mr. Fare-
hurst was recalled, and, in answer to a question put to him by the
Noble Chairman, stated that the amount he named referred only to
provisions and groceries, and not to a more general traffic.
The Committee then adjourned till 11 to-morrow.