The Sun.
London, England, 1845-10-11 00:00:00

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT.

Major Fitzgerald James Troup, Esq.
William Cremer, Esq. Warren Stormes Hale, Esq.
Samuel Phillips, Esq. William Slarke, Esq.
Daniel Ebbetts, Esq. William Pritchard, Esq.
(With power to add to their number.)
ACTING ENGINEERS —W. Rider, Esq. ; Mr. George Smith.
Soucizoas—Messrs. Potter and Collingridge, Basinghall-street

PARLIAMENTARY AGENTS.
Messrs. Cameran and Bain, 18, Parliament-street
SECRETARY—Thomas A. Corlett, Esq.
Be/muss—London and Westminster Bank.
The formation of this Company has originated with gentlemen
having extensive local interests, for the purpose of effecting direct
railway communication between London and Hastings, using a por-
tion of the existing railways to complete the most direct line, as well
as assist in extending railway accommodation in the south-eastern
district, " and will be the only direct line under local management
between London and Hastings." The line will be constructed for
working either with atmospheric power or locomotive steam-engines,
as may be proved to be most advantageous previous to the perma-
nent way being laid.
It is also proposed to make a line of railway from Tunbridge Wells
to Lewes and Brighton, by a junction with the coast line at Lewes,
and thus open lines of communication with the populous towns in
North Kent and the southern coast.
It is farther contemplated to establish a branch to the town and
port of Rye, or to connect the Direct Hastings line with the Hastings
and Ashford coast line, for which an Act was obtained last session.
To the inhabitants of Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Rochester,
Chatham, Sheerness, Gravesend, &c. it will afford direct and speedy
access to Hastings, Brighton, Eastbc:urne, Worthing, and the neigh-
bouring seaports, as well as the eastern and western parts of Sussex.
To the inhabitants of Hastings and St. Leonard's the advantages
to be derived from the formation of this line will be evident. Bring-
ing the Metropolis within a two hours' journey, it must of necessity
greatly increase the already well-established reputation of those
justly-celebrated watering-places, and bring to them an increased
number of visitors, who are now deterred trnm residing there by rea-
son of the absence of railway accommodation.
To the inhabitants of Lewes and Brighton the advantages are pro-
portionately great. Passing, as the proposed line will do, through a
great agricultural district, it will give increased facilities for the
transport of the produce of those districts.
In 1806 that eminent engineer, the late Mr. John Rennie, pro-
jected a harbour and dock, at Hastings; and subsequently, AI r.Cub? tt,
C.E., and Mr. Brooks, C.E., surveyed the coast, and projected har-
bours in the same situation ; there can be no doubt a considerable
portion of continental traffic must pass from Hastings to the opposite
ports on the French coast, the direct line between London and Paris
being through Hastings.
The existing trade and fishery of Hastings is ample to pay live per
cent. on the coast of the harbour, pier, and dock, and the natural
result of such accommodation opposite so many ports on the French
coast, must be that of threefold increase.
Strict attention to economy will be given in the expenditure of the
capital, thereby guaranteeing to the public low charges for the con-
veyance of passengers and goods, and there can be no reasonable
doubt, that when the traffic is fairly developed, the full rate of 10 per
cent. will be paid, and a surplus left for branch lines, or a reduction
of f res.

.„.
In drawing attention to the merits of this undertaking it should be
observed that the formation of a trunk line between the metropolis
an c! I lastings, one of the most healthy and fashionable watering-places
in 1 lie kingdom, which is increasing in estimation the more its valua-
ble r ,sources are developed, in addition to the formation of a harbour,
pie,. and dock—the great improvement in steam navigation—the
est.L.,lishment of railways between Paris and the ports on the French
co ,t opposite Hastings, " render this one of the most important, as
wA !l asdirect lines of communication between London and Paris," as
ref ronce to the map will clearly point out.
'am are no engineering difficulties ; and the lines are under
vey, for the purpose of depositing plans, &c., previous to the en-
g session of Parliament.
T!ie liability of the Shareholders will be limited to the amount of
thc r subscriptions, and in allotment of shares, a preference will be
gh ..n to landowners on the respective lines ; and power will be se-
etred in the Act to allow 4 per cent. on paid-up capital previous to
opening the lines.
Prospectuses and plans of. the line may be had of the Solicitors,
an ! of the Secretary, at the temporary offices of the Company, to
wi..,in application for shares may be made in the following form :
FORM OF APPLICATION.

To the Provisional Committee of the Direct London and Hastings

Shares of 201.