The Sun.
London, England, 1845-05-08 00:00:00

lE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY linIENING, MAY 8 184 5

ssocaiations which are the most dear to its affections,
she did not hesitate to set out very considerable parcels
of land in these allotments. She calculated, wisely, that

to give to the tenant-labourer, through easy or rather
nominal rents, and other such advantageous arrange-
ments, that direct local interest in the district which can
only spring, perhaps, from an interest in the productive-
ness of the soil, was to knit together, in the most accept-
able as well as the securest manner, the bonds of that
connexion between servant and master of which mutual
good-will and the true reciprocation of service and pro-
tection are the elementary principles. We can speak
from our own knowledge to the comparatively easy and
fortunate position of the labouring poor who have parti-
cipated in the advantages of Mrs. GILBEFtT'S system, in
a county where the general condition of labourers in
agriculture and husbandry, not enjoying the same ad-
vantages, has been for years past of a most deteriorated
and distressing kind.
Now, we have heard a great deal of late from the
Duke of RicitmoND, and other wealthy landowners.

about the bard: ips sustained by the great landowners
and the farmers, in consequence of nothing been done.
as they say. for the relief of agriculture. But we hear
little or nothing from them about the necessity of "doing
something" for the vast community of agricultural and
husbandry labourers. In almost all the great districts
of the kingdom their number is redundant, and their
wages scanty in the extreme. Their families are largely
domiciled in poor-law union houses, or are the recipient,
of a miserable amount of out-door relief. But this has
been the case, with all submission to the Duke of Ricu-
MOND and his pattern farmer friends, for many year,
past ; in those very years in which they themselves at
least must be supposed to have been prosperous, for they
made no complaints in Parliament. Now, there should
be a reciprocity in these ca-,es. If they were fortunate,
they should have allowed a share of their prosperity to
fall upon their neighbours. how to accomplish such an
object, if they ever entertained it, Mrs. GILBERT'S gene-
rous example must have taught them. We will not rsk
whether his Grace acted upon such a precedent when he
succeeded to the magnificent GORDON property; but in
Sussex, in the same county in which Mrs. GILBERT has ac-
complished so much good in the way we have lescribed,
we should be glad to learn that his Grace of RICHMOND,
upon his far ampler domains, had conferred as much, by
the same means, on the same most meritorious classes. We
could then listen with patience to the Duke's Jeremiads in
the House of Lords. But why, let us ask, in these times of
agricultural distress, when both Houses of the Legis-
lature seem to abandon in apathetic despair the notion
of relieving the distress of an entire section of the
labouring poor, as if it was something utterly hopeless
—why is not this allotment system—this appropriation
of garden fields, as they have been called—pursued by
our landowners on a scale commensurate with its bene-
ficent effects, with the magnitude of the interests to be
embraced by it, and with the enormous area at their
disposal for such a purpose ? The truth is, that with
the millions of acres of waste and common land in the
midland, home, and southern counties of England alone,
after allowing an ample margin for those purposes
of healthful recreation and sport for the poorer classes
of which we shall always be the consistent advocates.
this scheme of allotments for the purposes of domestic
subsistence to the poor labourer, carried out upon a
scale of corresponding dimensions, but in the same libe-
ral spirit which guided the views of that excellent
, woman, whose death is deplored by all who came within
their influence ; " the prevailing distress" of our agri-
cultural labourers, of which we now hear so much and
so incessantly, ought to be a solecism in the statistics of
our social economy, and a fallacy as a practical fact. Is
there no man to be found in either House of Parliament,
Whig or Tory, Radical or Young Englander, who,
spurning alike the " Inclosure" encroachment legisla-
tion of Ministerial or Opposition Lords—your LINCOLNS
or your WORSLEYS—wiII boldly step forward to vindicate
some such scheme of allotments as the champion of jus •
tice to the industrial million of English agriculture?

We have received Madrid journals of the 30th ult.
In the Chamber of Deputies the discussion on the Minis-
terial plan for arranging the public debt was renewed,
but it led to no result, and was again adjourned. The
file given by Queen CHRISTINA was, from all accounts,
on a magnificent scale. In the gardens there were games
of various kinds, in which the young QUEEN joined.
Senor MARTINEZ DE LA RosA drove a light vehicle in
which her MAJESTY sat and enjoyed the gay scene.
The QUEEN has conferred on this Minister the Grand
Cross of Isabella, the Catholic ; and he has received
from Louis PIIILIPPE the Grand Cross of the Legion of
Honour. _ _

The Three per Cents. closed at 34q for cash, and 35
7-16 at 60 days ; the Five per Cents. at 25i, at 60
days ; and the Debt without interest at 9 1-16 at 60 days.

At the meeting of the French Chamber of Deputies on
Tuesday, the Minister of Marine proposed a grant of
20,000,000 f. for improving the harbour of Toulon, and
2,500,000 f. for Port Vendre. The discussion on the
fortifications of Paris was continued on the preceding

day till the rising of the Chamber, but, with the excep-
tion of M. ARAGO, no speaker could arrest attention on
the subject. Ilis speech was rather of a singular cha-
racter, and, if he is correct in his views, the vast sums
spent and to be spent on the fortresses, might be saved
to the nation. In fact, he would have only two or three
great guns, a la Porkins, which, by an ingenious
piece of mechanism, could send forth enormous quantities
of balls in every direction. The Duke of WELLING•
TON, he said, who had examined pieces cf
that sort, had made use of the remarkable
expression, " Henceforward assault is impossible,"
" and, in fact," M. ARAGO added, " a single piece of this
artillery would mow down a whole regiment as it ad-
vanced. Such were the arms that ought to be fabricated
if the fortifications were to be armed. Why use inferior
ones, which, it was almost certain, must be thrown away
after a time as useless ? For his part, since the cannon
sufficient tz arm the fortifications of Paris could be got

ti9n."

ready in twenty days, he saw no reason why the mat ter
should be so hurried on." The Hon. Deputy then adduced
mathematical considerations to prove that bombs sent
from the forts must fall in various parts of Paris—in
fact, two-thirds of the capital, he said, could be
reached by the artillery from the forts. But this is only
a part of M. ARAGO'S plan. He suggested to the
Chamber a scheme which would tend to inspire the po-
pulation with confidence in the safeguard afforded by
the continuous wall, which was to fill the entire ditch
with water from the Seine, and, from the great im-
provements recently discovered in the science of hy-
draulics, this might be easily effected. The Journal des
Debate humourously alludes to these visions of the
philosopher, and says :—" It is impossible to listen
without interest and pleasure to scientific details so
clearly explained. But what, added to the interest
created by the discourse of M. ARAGO was, that the
greater part of it referred to other subjects than the for-
tifications of Paris. M. ARAGO spoke of inundating the
ditches, of barring the Seine at the Pont Neuf, and
of the means of illuminating the environs of Paris
from the heights of the ramparts—a fabulous mode,
which should first be tried within the walls. Ile

spoke of a steam gun which would fire so many
balls within a minute, and the effect of which would
be to render an assault against a town hereafter impos-
sible ; and many other subjects certainly highly in-
teresting in the mouth of H. ABACO." The discussion was
resumed on Tuesday, but it possessed no interest. The
Constitutional sap, " a report prevailed in the Chamber,
that M. Rossi had failed in the mission with which he
was charged at the Court of Rome, the latter taking de-
cidedly the part of the Jesuits. This news, which
reached Paris on Sunday, had the effect, it was said, of
causing M. MARIIN (DU NORD) to send in his resigns

The Three per Cents. closed at 85f. 75c.; the New
Loan, at 86f. 15e. ; the Five per Cents. at 120 f. 95c. ;
Orleans shares, 1,208 f. 7cc. ; Rouen, I,oBof. ; Havre,
867 f. 50e. ; Avignon, I,OIOE ; Basle, 262 f. 50c.; Spanish
Actives, 40* ; Spanish Three per Cents., 42 ; Spanish
Passives, 728,
The following are the quotations of shares for the
new lines of railroads :-
Orleans and Bordeaux, 2251. premium ; Boulogne, 1601,
ditto ; Tro) es and Montereau, 75f.; Paris and Lyons (La-
fitte), 20f. ; ditto (Calon), 2f. 50c. ; ditto (Ganneron), 131.
75c. ; Northern Line ( Latitte), 32f. 50c. ; ditto (Rosamel),
Bf. 50c. ; Tours and Nantes (Mackenzie), 15f. ; ditto (Drouil-
lard), par; ditto (O'Neill), 171. 50c. ; ditto (Jaques Le-
fevre), par; Lyons and Avignon (Lecointe), 31f. 25c.; ditto
(Talabot), 351.; ditto (Campagnie Meridionale), 15f. ; Bor-
deaux and Toulouse (Mackenzie), 6f.; ditto and Cette (Espe-
leta), 171. 50c ; Ci elle and St. Quentin, If. 50c.
MARSEILLES, MAY 6.-Marseilles and Avignon, 1,060 f. ;
Boulogne, 600 f. ; Orleans and Bordeaux; 6751. ; Vierzon,
8001. ; Avignon and Lyons (Talabet), 5321. 50c. ; ditto (Se-
bastiani), 532 f. 50c. ; ditto (Compagnie Meridionale), 515 f.:
Bordeaux and Cette, 517 f. 50c.; Toulon, 5001.

MORTALITY IN THE METROPOLIS.— The number
of deaths has how fallen below the average. The total number
during the week ending May 3, was 883, showing a decrease of
5, as compared with the average of five springs, and 80, as com-
pared with the average of the year. There has been a marked decrease
in the deaths from diseases of the lungs and other organs of
respiration, bronchitis only being much above the usual number.
The deaths from small pox were 19, and occurred at the following
ages:—three under 1 year, eight 1.3, twe 5-10, one 17, three
20.30, and two 30.40 years. Violent deaths 27, of which six were
suicides, one by execution, and two from burns.
WEST INDIA MAILS.—A notice was yesterday
posted at the Post-office, St. Martin's-le-Grand, that the Trent,
Captain Boxer, will sail from Southampton on the 17th inst., with
the mails of that day, for the British and foreign colonies in the
West Indies (except Honduras and Havannah), Venezuela and
Madeira, Bermuda, Now Granada, and San Juan de Ricaragua,

RAILWAY COMMITTEES.

(THIS DAY.)

Group V.
MIDLAND RAILWAY EXTENSION.
The Committee, consisting of the O'Conor Don (Chairman).
Mr. Hope Johnston, Mr. J. Davies, Sir Denham Norreys, and Sir
John Rae Reid, took evidence furnished by the opponents of the
_ _

NOTTINGHAM AND LINCOLN LINE.
Mr. John Hassell, land agent to Lord Chesterfield, was first
called, to prove the injury done by the proposed line to the estate
of Gedling. The evils of the line would be to interfere with the
view from the lodge, and to approach so near the river Trent u
to render the land between the railway and the river perfectly
valueless. He was of opinion that the railway could not carry
lower than the Trent Navigation Canal.
Cross-examined by Mr. MACAULAY—He had known the Canal
impeded, but it entailed no inconvenience on the public, as there
generally was a stock on hand of the articles carried. It was
sometimes stopped altogether by floods, and less frequently by

frosts.
Examined by Mr. Sergeant CLARKE—He was sure that if the
railway were made to-morrow the canal would carry as usual.
Frederick Simpson was examined by Mr. Sergeant Clarke, to
prove that considerable damage would be done to Lord Chester
field's estate, and that it a deviation of 60 yards were to be made in
the proposed line it would greatly lessen the evil.
The cross-examination of this witness elicited neithing material.
plan of the proposed line, and thought that the de-
Joseph Locke, the eminent engineer, was examined—He had
examined the
viation requested by Lord Chesterfield might be granted without
any injury to the railway.
Cross-examined by Mr. MACAULAY—He had not been over the
ground, and had, therefore, no knowledge of the character of it, but
he understood it was a dead flat.
Edward Woollett Wilmot proved the injury done to the game
preserves at Geding.
John Richardson, clerk to an innkeeper at Newark, proved the
limited coach traffic.
Cross-examined—The people at Newark were anxious to have
the railway.

Group E.

NORTHUMBERLAND ATMOSPHERIC RAILWAY.
The Committee continued this day to hear the evidence in
favour of this projected line, and In opposition to the proposed
Newcastle and Berwick Locomotive Line.
Mr. B. D. Gibbons the first witness called, on examination by
Mr. Sergeant WRANGIIOI, stated that he was the engineer
of the Dublin and Kingston Railway. That line, which was
constructed on the atmospheric principle, was worked with a
very great degree of regularity. It is a single line, and having
been made without Parliamentary powers, was nevertheless met
with warm expressions of approbation from all who inspected it.
The expense of the apparatus was not a shilling beyond that given
in by Mr. Samuda.

Group B.
The Committee re-assembled at the usual hour this morning,
and proceeded with the evidence in the case for the
WEST YORKSHIRE LINES.
Mr. Nicholas Wood, a locomotive contractor, proved that neither
of the lines could be worked for less than Is. 6d. per mile.
Mr. R. Taylor proved that trains on the Leeds and Manchester
line cannot pass up the Victoria-place, with the assistance of a rope
worked by a stationary engine.
Mr. Locke, the celebrated engineer, gave it as his decided
opinion that the gradients and curves of the West Yorkshire were
much more favourable than those of the West Riding line.
Mr. R. Stephenson and other witnesses corroborated Mr. Locke's
testmony.

Sub-Committee, No. 1.
This Committee met at twelve o'clock, in room No. 7, present
Mr. Pakington: (Chairmar.), Mr. Beckett, Mr. Forbes, Mr. Clive,
Mr. Cavendish, and Mr. Compton.
THE SUNDERLAND, DURHAM, AND AUCKLAND
UNION RAILWAY.
This is a petition for a Bill to empower the promoters to im-
prove the existing line of the Durham and Sunderland Railway, and
to extend the line to Bishop Auckland, and to make various
branchas therefrom. Length of the line 24i miles. Estimated
cost, 236,0001. Engineers, Mr. John Blenkinsopp, and Mr. John
Murray.
Mr. J. J. Wright appeared as agent for the promoters.
There were two petitions presented against the Bill, one from
the owners and occupiers of land on the line, and one from the
Clarence Railway Company, in the County of Durham.
The formal notices having been put in and proved,
Mr. PRITT submitted the allegations in the petition of the owners
and occupiers of property on the proposest line of railway.
The first allegation was that a field marked No. 17 on the plans,
was improperly described in the books of reference.
The allegation was sustained.

Group X.
This Committee reassembled this morning, and proceeded with
the case of the
LONDON AND YORK RAILWAY.
Mr. T. Fountain was called by Mr. PAGET.He stated that he
resided at Leeds. He was called to speak to the accuracy of the
traffic tables which were handed in yesterday.
Mr. DARBY did not think that this evidence was necessary, as
he did not think the case before the Committee could be affected
by the manner in which traffic tables had been taken in other
cases.
Mr. V. LEE, for the opponents, supported this view.
The majority of the Committee, however, were in favour of the
admission of the evidence.
Mr. Fountain then stated that he had considerable experience in
taking traffic tables. He approved of the calculations made by
the witnesses who were examined yesterday. The witness then
handed in several tables of traffic taken in other cases, and these
were talun upon the same principle as that which had been adopted
by the witnesses in the present case.
Mr. Atkinson, of Peterborough, was next called and examined.
He was a magistrate of the county of Nottingham. The opinion of
the people of Peterborough was nearly unanimous hi favour of the
London and York project
Cross examined by Mr.V. LEE-He had heard that a petition had
been got up by the inhabitants of Peterborough in favour of the
Cambridge and Lincoln line. Did not know that the petition was
numerously signed. Both the Cambridge and Lincoln line and
the London and York line would pass through his property.
The witness was further cross.examined by Mr. JAMES, but
nothing important was elicited.
Mr. T. Hill, of Peterborough, examined—lle dealt in coal,
wool, timber, and corn. He used to carry on an extensive busi-
ness. It had fallen off lately. The reason of this was that he had
lost his partner.—( Great laughter.) He sent a great deal of wool
to Leeds. He sent it by sea, and the carriage was 455. per ton.
By the London and York line the distance to Leeds would be
ninety-seven miles, and the charge for carriage would be
twopence per ton per mile by the railway He sent
a great deal of grain to Leeds and Wakefield, and it
cost 11. a ton to send it. By the railway it would cost 10s. Id. He
preferred the London and York before any other scheme. It was
of importance to him in the carriage of his goods that the railway
should be under one management.
Mr. Richard Wallace, grocer, of Peterborough—He received a
great quantity of goods from London. By the proposed railway
he would effect a great saving in carriage.

Group N.
WEST CORNWALL RAILWAY.

At the sitting of the Committee this morning, Mr. Rowe, who,
it may be recollected appears for Lord Vivian, said it was his in-
tention to examine Captain Moorsom on some matters of impor-
tance in relation to certain alterations which were to be made in
the present Hayle. Railway, and which was to be included in the
West Cornwall, now under the e consideration of the Committee.
He contended that the projectors of the West Cornwall Rail.
way had no power to include the Hayle Railway,
as new land would be required and alterations would
have to be made, which would render an application
to Parliament for such powers necessary, and this could
not be done until next session. So that, if the Committee sanc-
tioned the Bill for constructing the West Cornwall, no power hav-
ing been given for altering the Hayle line, an interregnum of
seven miles would exist (the Hayle Railway runs between portion.
of the new line). The case of the Croydon Railway was analogous
to this case. The works were suspended in 1844 until the present
session, because they required power to widen their railway and the
bridges running over it. Then, with respect to the opposition
of Lord Vivian to the Bill. If they would not make their terminus
on his land his Lordship would withdraw his opposition to the Bill.
Any consent, however, to that effect must be included in a clause
in the Bill.
Mr. Braciram, on the part of the promoters of the Bill, said
he did not intend to take any of the inclosed land.
Mr. Rows—On the enclosed land You cannot say the. you
are not going to erect your terminus on the piece of land opposite
Newham House. In fact, we do not want the terminus made in
front of that house on the property of his Lordship.
Much conversation ensued respecting his Lordship's property
being required for the purpose of the erection of a terminus.
Lord Vivian, it appeared, was willing to devote a portion of the
mud.bank referred to yesterday to that purpose; but the obstacle
of expense militated against an equitable arrangement.
It was said, on the one side, that he had demanded 9,0001. for
this land, whilst, on the other, it was positively asserted that no
such demand had ever been made.
Mr. BIRCII4II was willing to refer the ;natter to the arbitration
of two individuals, one on the part of the Company, and the other
on the part of his Lordship.
At the suggestion of the Committee time was given to effect an
amicable arrangement, if possible.

Group DD.
THE CALEDONIAN, AND THE GLASGOW, DUMFRIES,
AND CARLISLE RAILWAYS.
The Committee re-assembled at twelve o'clock this morning, and
shortly after proceeded to business.
A great deal of discussion ensued between counsel as to the mode
of proceeding to be adopted in further pursuing the inquiry into
the different schemes before the Committee. It was ultimately
decided by
Mr. Hors calling Mr. Black, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, the
eminent bookseller. He considered that the construction of the
proposed Caledonian line would cause a reduction in the price of
coals to the inhabitants of Edinburgh of upwards of 15,0001. 'The
diminution in cost would principally occur in the article of gas
coal, as at present it is rather scarce, but is obtain.
able in considerable quantities from the large coal.fielde
in Lanarkshire, through w h h the line would pass. There is no
direct communication at rresecnt between Lanark and Edinburgh.
A most extensive bookselling trade is carried on in that city, and
books are sent in large quantities from there to the west and mid-
land parts of England, which are principally sent originally to Lon-
don, and thence conveyed to their destination. Messrs. Chambers
transmit at least fifty bales a week of various publications, all of
which are first sent to London for circulation in the country. Next
to London, Manchester and Liverpool have the most considerable
markets for books. He had sent parcels direct to Liverpool and
Manchester, but received many complaints on account of the greater
expense of conveyance. Letters by
the proposed Caledonian line
would come much quicker from the western parts of England
to Edinburgh than by any of the present means of conveyance.
Farms in Lanarkshire have already risen 10 per cent. in value, in
consequence of the expectation of the Caledonian line being made.
The terminus of the railway is situated near the Lothian-road, and
is very convenient for the inhabitants of Edinburgh. He held no
share in any Railway Comprny whatever, and is distinct'y of opi_
nion that the proposed line would be of great advantage grnerally
to the citizens of Edinburgh, in which opinion he was confirmed
by the majority of the inhabitants.
Mr. ANDREWS cross.examined Mr. Black, but nothing material
was elicited with the exception that the Caledonian Railway was
approved of, as it would bring along
its line a supply of water to
the inhabitants of Edinburgh.
Mr. SANDFORD then examined Mr. Low, merchant, at Edinburgh.
There was a very increasing trade between Liverpool and Edin-
burgh in a variety of colonial produce'
LiveLrpool was
the best market for coffee and rice. also ob-
tained a considerable quantity of tea from there, and the ex.
pence of conveyance of these articles averages from 15s. to 17s. 6d.
per ton. The usual time occupied in the transmission of
goods, by sailing vessels from Liverpool, averaged from one
month to six weeks. If a railway were made all produce would be
carried by it. The Dumfries line afforded no facility for the con-
veying cf traffic, and he would prefer the present means of convey.
ance rather than send his goods by it.
Mr. M`Farlan corroborated the evidence which had been given
by the Lord Provost.
Mr. Muir, merchant at Leith, was next examined. He said that
the amount of exports from Leith to Liverpool was estimated at
4,500 tons annually. The expense of freight -Varies from 1 Is. to
25s.'per ton, and the cost of insurance averages from 7s. Gd.
to 15s.
per cent., according to the season of the year. The imports from
Liverpool amount to 10,500 tons per year. There is a very considerable
trade between Leith and Hull. Great quantities of lead were produced
from the Lead-hill Mines, in the neighbourhood of Leith. Up-
wards of 1,000 tons were annually lent away, the cartage of which

from the mines coat 155, per ton. All the stores for the mining
population were principally obtained from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The Caledonian line was greatly to be preferred to the Dumfries
line, as it afforded the most direct communication to Liverpool.
This witness underwent a se vete cross•examination by Sir F.
Phillips, but the main points of his evidence remained unshaken.

Group G and G 2
THE SOUTHAMPTON AND DORCHESTER RAILWAY.
The consideration of this railway was resumed this morning be-
fore the Committee, when Mr. Gardner, of the firm of Pemberton
and Co., stated that the differences with the Woods and Forests,
for the decision of which it will be recollected the discussion was
adjourned yesterday, were adjusted. After this, without clearing
the room, the Committee of the Bill declared the preamble of
the Bill to be proved.
In entering on the consideration of the clauses, Captain Moor-
sorn was recalled, and stated that there were fourteen turnpike.
roads to be crossed, eleven of them by bridges, and three on the
level.
To an observation of Mr. H. R. YORKS, Captain Mcorsom
stated that it was necessary to make the crossing near
Wareham on the level, as if it were to be elevated or depressed, the
station must be removed to a considerable distance from Wareham,
which would be a great inconvenience to the town. It appeared,
however, that this principle was not to be universally observed ;
as for instance, in crossing the turnpike near Ringwood,
which the railway did three times, they would have to cross the
river, and if tr is were to be done at the level, the land might be
inundated, so the Company proposed to elevate the railway to ob-
viate this inconvenience. The railway on approaching the town
of Southampton passed over a quantity of lammas land, then
through a tunnel of 160 yards in length, and then with a facing on
to other lammas land ; but the Company were ready to make any
reasonable concession to the Corporation of Southampton.
The clauses proposed by the Woods and Forests, to secure the
rights of the Crown, were then proposed and agreed to, at also three
others, required by the Board of Trade.
Mr, MERREWETHER then proposed, on behalf of the South-
ampton Improvement Commissioners, a clause to the ef.
feet that the tunnel tinder the town of Southampton should be a
continuous tunnel, with a double line of rails. This clause
was necessary ; and that the length of the tunnel should he
640 yards, instead of 528., yards, as proposed by
the Company. That this railway also should he without any
shaft for ventilation, or other impediment to the enjoyment of the
ground. This was necessary en account of the line pass.ng through
the ground which was appropriated for public recreation ; and if
the tunnel was only to be of the length proposed by the Company,
it would come out just in front of a handsome row of houses, called
Portland-place; and the ground appropriated for public recreation
would be severed by a cutting ; while if the tunnel were to be of
the length proposed by the corporation, this inconvenience would
be avoided, and the tunnel would come out at Exmouth-street,
and be no impediment to the pnblic advantage.
Mr. HATHERTON, who appeared for the Southampton Improve
ment Commissioners, stated that the body for whom he appeared
coincided in opinion with the corporation of the town, on whose
behalf Mr. Merryweather had taken the objection we have just
stated.
Mr. MBRREWETIIER called Mr. Hill, a surveyor, to show that
the cutting, if so short as 528 yards, would come out at the
western extremity of Portland-place, and that it would sever the
Lammas land, appropriated to the recreation of the people of
Southampton. The houses in Portland-place would then look, in
fact, into the tunnel, and enjoy a sight of all the passenger traffic;
but if the tunnel were continued to the eastward of Kingsbridge.
lane, the whole of the difficulty would bo avoided.
Mr. AUSTIN took an objection to this evidence, in consequence
of the inhabitants of Portland-place not has ing petitioned.
(Left sitting.)

Group F.
LONDON, WORCESTER, AND SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE
RAILWAY.
The Right Hon. F. Shaw, Chairman.
On the re assembling of the Committee to-day at twelve o'clock,
the examination of the witnesses was proceeded with.
Mr. Sparrow, an extensive coal proprietor of 'Wolverhampton,
was examined, and corroborated the evidence given by Mr. Wil-
liams the previous day. He considered the broad gauge was not
adapted to meet the wants of the district, but thought the narrow
gauge well suited for the purpose.
This witness was subjected to a lengthened cross-examination
by Mr. WHATELEY, in which he admitted that considerable sink.
ings had taken place in the district, but he did not think they
would interfere with the formation of a railway, as their own tram.
roads were constructed over these sinkings without interfering
with their working. The sinkings were generally gradual.
To Mr. WHITMORE—He considered that a better line of rail-
way might be formed than either of the proposed lines, especially
as a route to London. One along the Birmingham and Wolver-
hampton canal would be best for this purpose.
To Mr. ALLEN—The Grand Junction was not suited to the wants
of the district, from the charges on that line, and it being difficult to
get at. If tram roads were constructed from the Grand Junction into
the various parts of the district, and the tolls reduced, the accom-
modation might be sufficient for the London and Liverpool trade,
but not for the Bristol.
To Mr. Sergeant KINGLAKE—He had not sufficiently compared
the two lines proposed upon the broad and narrow gauges, to give
an opinion en their respective merits.
Mr. William Barrows of Dudley, was next called. He had
examined the two lines, and was decidedly in favour of the one
with the narrow gauge. As far as the valley of the Stour was con.
cerned the London and Birmingham line was the most accommo.
dating of the two proposed. In his opinion outside parallel lines
for the carriage of waggons with materials would be a great accom.
modation. A quadruple line of this kind was much to be pre-
ferred over a line with the broad gauge laid down double, and a
narrow gauge in the centre for the accommodation of waggons,

Group Q.
The Committee on this group met again this day at twelve
o'clock ; present Mr. Sotheron (North Wilts), Chairman ; Mr. B.
Escott (Winchester), Sir Thomas Colebrooke (Taunton), Viscount
Duncan (Bath).
CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD RAILWAY (MOLD
BRANCH).
As the cross-examination of the witnesses for the promoters of
the Bill was about to commence, the room was cleared, and on
our re-admission,
The CHAIRMAN said that the Committee had come to the
following resolution That as the object of the Bill is to carry
into effect an agreement said to have been entered into by the
Chester and Holyhead Company for the purchase of the Chester
and Birkenhead Railway, and further to enable the Holyhead
Company to make a branch to Mold, in the county of Flint, and as
it appears, from the statements of the counsel for the promoters of
the Bill, that the Birkenhead and Chester Company is not now an
assenting party to the proposal submitted to the Holyhead Com-
pany, the Committee have resolved not to receive any further evi.
dence in support of the preamble of the Bill."
Mr. RoarstsoN, for the promoters, wished that the Committee
in their report to the House, would add that " though they de.
dined to hear further evidence, on the ground stated, they would,
at the same time, express their belief that they thought sufficient
evidence had been adduced to prove the existence of the agree-
ment."
Mr. CALVERT. counsel for the Chester and Birkenhead Company,
dissented from this. He contended that the charges made against
his clients were utterly untrue--that there really was no agreement,
and if the Committee would permit him, he would show them,
by evidence already adduced, as well as the additional evidence he
would offer, that the other side were entirely in error.
Mr. Escorr (one of the Committee) here intimated that he felt
it his duty to state that he dissented entirely from the resolution
just read, and was proceeding to state the grounds of his dissent,
when
Mr. PUSHY rose to order, and said that they could not enter into
the subject before the meeting.
The room was again cleared to consider Mr. Robinson's proposi-
tion, and on our re-admission,
The CHAIRMAN announced that the Committee had come to
the resoluting of declining to accede to the proposition,
and for the same reason that they would not hear the evidence pro-
posed to be adduced by Mr. Calvert in support of the moral cha-
racter of his clients, which they considered was not at all affected
by the insinuations thrown out by counselon the other side.
,1 I (LEFT SITTING.)