The Sun.
London, England, 1845-05-26 00:00:00

SHIRE RAILWAY.

Mr. Juhn Houghton, examined by Mr. CRIPPB—Is an exten-
sive farmer at Sunninghill, Berkshite. Is also agent to several
gentlemen in England and Ireland. Has travelled a great deal on
railways. The Great Western first-class carriages were the most
comfortable and commodious he had experienced. Had travelled
on the London and Birmingham line. The Great Western was far
superior in its accommodation. Salt was an article much used for
agricultural purposes. When the proposed Oxford Extension, or
Great Western line, was carried into the agricultural districts, that
article would double in consumption. Had heard of the broad and
narrow gauges ; gave the preference to the broad gauge. The traffic
in salt would be very large when the railway would enable it to be
brought into the light soil country. At present salt was at 2.85.
per ton, and this was almost a prohibitory price. The cause of
this high chaige was awing to the distance it had to be brought.

It had to come from Droitwich to Berkshire and the surrounding
districts, partly by railway and partly by canal. When the Great
Western line cams into use, the result would be that salt would be
soli at 1/. per ton, and this would materially add to the consumption.
➢b. William Hicks examined by Mr. Caters—ls a dealer in
manure and other articles connected with farming purposes. Re.
sides at Twyford, near Reading. Attended every market since
the opening of the Great Western Railway, and could say that
that railway was the means of increasing the business of
all the dealers in agricultural produce. Chipping Norton
was a very important place for a railway to come through.
A line through that place would extend its trade to
a very considerable extent. The Great Western line
would enable salt to be brought from Droitwich to the farmers of
the surrounding country. The speedy transit of that article would
double the consumption. The best line for the mineral traders
was the Great Western line. The traders of South Staffordshire
were almost all of the same opinion.

Mr. Bagnell examined by Mr. CRIPPS—I9 an extensive iron-
master at West Bromwich, near Birmingham. Has six iron-works,
and employs 2,000 workmen ; works 600 tons of pig-iron
and 600 tons of manufactured iron per week. Prefers the Great
Western scheme to that of the London and Birmingham line.
Was present at a meeting of the ironmasters of Wolverhampton,
and they were unanimously in support of the Great Western line.
Did not send ii on by the London and Birmingham line ; the
charges were too high, and the tonnage excessive. Great
advantage could arise to the merchants by a com-
peting line to the iron districts. Would not be
standing there if he was not of opinion that a competing line
would be of great advantage to the iron and coal-masters. It
would make the companies more civil, and ensure cheapness and
expedition in the transit of goods.
The CHAIRMAN—DO you think that when the parties got their
line they would be as civil as they are now Y
Witness—l think the Great Western Company would be as
civil.

Mr. Bayley examined by Mr. CRIPPS—Is a chemist residing a
Wolverhampton. Costs him 600/. per annum for the carriage o
goods on railway and canals. Found the charges very high on the
London and Birmingham line. Contracts with that line. Com-
petition was_necessary to bring down the rate of charge.
Mr. G. England examined by Mr. KINGLAKE—IS a malster at
Wolverhampton. The Great Western line would bring down the
rate of carriage on 60,000 quarters of wheat, at the rate of twenty
miles annually; that is, there would not be that amount in ratio to
pay after the reduction which would be caused by competition.
The Rev. H. Cartwright examined by Mr. CRIPPS—Is Vicar of
Dudley, and also a magistrate of Worcester. A large meeting was
held in the latter place last September, in favour of the Great
Great Western line. Was himself in favour of that line, because
it was adapted to the wa►ls of that part of the country. It
gives greater accommodation north and south than the London
and Birmingham line.
Mr. Paul Matthews, examined by Mr. KINGLAKE—is a large
brick manufacturer, at Stowbridge ; manufactures about 30,000
tons of clay annually. There are other large manufacturers of
the same article in the neighbourhood. There were in some of
the districts 1,680 tons of bricks, which would go on the Great
Western line, and only 5,050 tons on the London and Bir-
mingham.

Mr. G. Hickman examined by Mr. COCKBURN—Is a coalowner
at Worsely. The Great Western line was the best adapted for the
coal trade. The large trucks of the broad gauge would prevent
the coals being broken up, as they would not have to be piled up
so high as they were in the narrow gauge trucks.
Mr. J. Hill, examined by Mr. Coccsucx—ls town-clerk at
Worcester. Some time ago there was a line projected for the
Sonth Staffordshire district; this was in 1841, but money
being very scarce the scheme was not taken up, subsequent to that
date the Board of Trade issued a Commission to inquire
into the best line for the South Staffordshire districts,
and they adopted the line which had been abandoned
The present Great Western scheme comprised that line. There
was a meeting held at Worcester last September, it was called by
the Mayor, and there were but five hands held up against the
Great Western scheme; those persons have since joined in support
of it. It was decidedly the best line for the accommodation of the
South Staffordshire districts.
Mr. Alderman Evans, examined by Mr. COCKBURN—The Great
Western line was the best for the mineral traffic of the South
Staffordshire districts. It was the best line for the transit of goods
going north and south.
The Speaker being announced at prayers, the Committee
adjourned.