The Railway Committee.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3560, 25 May 1880, Page 2

The Railway Committee.

A meeting of the above committee was held this afternoon. Dr Kilgour presided, and there were also present, - Messrs Br.odie, Carpenter, Alley, The chairman said that when the last meeting was adjourned, it was arranged that Mr Dean should obtain all statistical information so that the Commission would have the power of facts as well as that of oratory. Mr Brodie said he had brought Mr Alley to the meeting, and he had been all over the land through which the proposed line was to pass. Mr Doan said that with regard to the coal 6000 tons had been used in the Thames during the past twelve months. The Chairman expressed surprise at the smallness of the item, as a few years ago the amount was something like 18,000. Mr Brodie said that some time ago the Big Pump alone was using 350 tons of coal a month. He was surprised at the small amount. It was considered peculiar that the Commission were coming down by boat, as they could obtain a much better idea as to the capabilities of the country by coming overland. Dr Kilgour said that in the statement re the coal, the fact of the consumption of the coal by the Big Pump some time ago should be inserted, as the consumption previously amounted to 19,C00 tons per annum, and when the batteries resumed work, the use of coal would largely increase. [Left Sitting.] j