Soon as your Committee had clearly ascertained the existence of this Act, and its consequent increase on the tonnage of flax, a deputation went down to the Wharfe mouth, to examine the river, as far up as Bolton Percy, and found from their own observations, but more particularly from the information they collected, that vessels of seventy tons burden can navigate the river, nearly always once in twelve hours the whole year; and that, if a little improvement was made in the river at three places, which are rather too shallow for vessels of this burden, they might pass at all times without interruption; the deputation were also of opinion that the improvement was
practicable at a moderate expense. This deputation also examined the line below Bolton Percy, (see the map [12]) and found it passed through the estate of Sir Wm. Milner Bart. near his residence, and over lands in his own occupation, consequently more likely to meet with his opposition than his approbation.
Under these accumulated circumstances, your Committee decidedly recommended a double Rail-way, to commence at a bend in the river, near Bolton Percy, (see the map) which will shorten the length of the original line about one mile and a half, and lessen the expense of the project at the same time; thence in a line, nearly straight, to Bow-Bridge, passing on the South side of the village of Wighill, and close to the North end of the village of Walton. Thence in a circuitous direction towards Wetherby;—but if the line was permitted to pass from the North end of the village of Walton to the North side of Ingmanthorpe, the seat of Richard Fountaine Wilson, Esq. distant from his residence about four hundred yards, it would pass over very suitable ground, and shorten the length of the line five-eights of a mile more. By either of these lines it would cross the great North Road, near the Drover’s Inn, then proceed on the North side of the village of Little Ribston, and by the banks of the River Nidd, sufficiently high to avoid the broken parts, crossing the said river by a bridge, near St. Robert’s Well, and thence proceeding along the Eastern side of the town of Knaresbro’, ascending, in an uniform manner, to the level of the bottom of the High-Street, commonly called Bond-End; where it will most conveniently pass behind, or on the West side of Mr. Wm. Clayton’s house; or, if more desirable to the owners of property at this point, it is possible to pass it under ground, and enter the valley of the Nidd without affecting or destroying any property, except two or three old houses belonging to Mrs. Stubbs. The line, for a single Rail-way, will then wind along the North bank of
the valley, till it crosses the Nidd by another bridge, the clumps of trees on Scotton Moor; from this point it will keep on very favourable ground along the South side of the river, passing half way between Killinghall village and Killinghall bridge; thence through the middle of Hampsthwaite village, and close by Wreaksmill crossing the Nidd again below the village of Birstwith; after which it winds along the North bank of the River Nidd to Pateley-Bridge.
Your Committee having stated their reasons for abandoning the project of a Canal, and recommending that of a Railway, and having also pointed out the adopted line, the next duty which presents itself to their notice is the Revenue;—the nature and quantity of Tonnage which is likely to come upon the line, and within the limits of its attraction;—and give to each such a charge as will equally benefit the various consumers. Such as we conceive to be of the most general importance, first attracts notice, which is the article of
COAL,
Wherein there is little doubt but a saving of eight shillings per chaldron will, on the completion of the work, be effected—a most material object for the poor, and the general benefit of commerce. The rule by which this computation is made, compared with others we have seen, is very much on the safe side, but should a trifling mistake occur, we confidently believe that the decrease in the price of this article will very much enhance its consumption, without anticipating any increased demand at the lime-works and bleach-grounds, arising from an increase of business, which naturally follows the cheapness of carriage, and the rapid transport of goods from place to place. The increase of population, while speaking of this article, must not be omitted, since, in the last twenty-one years it hath increased from four to near seven thousand, including Knaresbro’, Scriven-with-Tentergate, and
Brearton. The most correct statement we are able to give is below:—
| tons. | |
| Knaresbro’ and Scriven with Tentergate, including lime-kilns and bleach-grounds | 11,000 |
| Brearton | 100 |
| Flaxby | 50 |
| Goldsborough | 100 |
| Haverah Park | 25 |
| Killinghall | 350 |
| Plumpton | 100 |
| Harrowgate and Bilton | 3,000 |
| Ribston | 150 |
| Scotton | 200 |
| Stainburn | 200 |
| 15,275 | |
| Birstwith Township | 500 |
| Hampsthwaite and Felliscliffe do. | 600 |
| Clint do. | 260 |
| Darley do. | 400 |
| Hartwith do. | 450 |
| Thornthwaite do. | 200 |
| Dacre do. | 500 |
| Bewerley do. | 1,600 |
| Bishopside do. | 50 |
| Updale do. | 1,500 |
| Pateley Tonnage | 6,060 |
| Knaresbro’ do. | 15,275 |
| Total Tonnage of Coals | 21,335 |
From good authority we are informed that Kippax and Haigh-Moor coals can be delivered at Bolton-Percy for ten shillings per chaldron, or 8s. to 8s 6d. per ton.; and if any back carriage could be procured they would be delivered for less, hence the advantage of taking yarns, &c. from Knaresbro’, and the neighbourhood of Pateley-Bridge to Barnsley, and bringing coals back; but independent of