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CARNARVONSHIRE RAILWAY''

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CARNARVONSHIRE RAILWAY'' PUBLIC MEETING AT CRICCIETH. Another prbllc mooting, in furtherance of the above projected line of railway, was lield at the White Lion Inn Criccietli, on Tuesday last. Oreat interest was mani- fested by the inhabitants of the southern and eastern districts of this county, for the resnlt"of that meeting, inasmuch as the success of the undertaking was said to depend upon the communications that would he niado thereat, by or on behalf of those landowners who had not then consented to give their l»nd for that purpose. How far the promoters succeeded in obtaining the encouragement necessary to enable capitalists to embark in the undertaking our reaaerS will learn, with some regret, 1"0111 tho following report. The meeting w.is mast numerously and influentially attended. Amongst thoso present we noticed the Right lIon. Lord Newborough Hon. Col. -E. G. 1). Pennant, M.I\ Major Nanney, Gwynfryn Charles "lynne, E'j., Cd'n ,\mwlch; G. A. "iluddart, lis.]., Brynkir S. O. Priestley, Ksq., Trefan X, Mathew-, Esq., Weni It. W. Mathow, Esq., do. I. J. Walker, llendreg.'vlrodd Cupt. Iremougfr; J. K. Parry, Esq.; Rev. J. Williams Ellis, Glusfryn 15. Kllis, Esq.; G. Jones, Es<i„ Mayor of I ,11 el i H. Hunter Hughes, Esq. J. Jones, E"h Ynysgain J. Lloyd Jones, Esr¡., Broom Hull; llev. W. lliehavds, Penmorfa Uev. J. Jones, Hector of Criccietli; He v. T. Lloyd Owen, J3"r!fean; Hv. J. owc,), Lloniestyn S. Holland, Esq., J. W E. J. on, Esij Eo Preston, Esq., N'antlle Railway o. Jones, Esq., Cefuiwrch D. Ilomfray, Esq., Portmadoc J. De 'inton, Es' C. Eo SpOOllH, Eq., C. 8.; O. Mnssey Jones, Esq. E. Breese, Esq.. Ynystowyn J. S. Jones, Esq. Uev. I), Pugh G. P. Jones, Esq. H. Pugh. Esq., Pivilheli; W. Watkins, Esq., Murinn Messrs..J. Owen, Sully, ]>. Williams, Talawn; W. Price, J. Edwards, and R. Griffith, Pwllheli R. I. Jones, Trumadoc ami H. Thomas, Plasdu, &c., Sic, The lion. Col. 'Penu:uit,M. P. for tho county, w.L I voted to the chair. The Cliainnan said, that having been called upon to occupy the position then assigned to him, he felt him- self very much like a lawyer who had a brief just put into his hands, but h"d no tmw to read it. (Laugh- tcr). However, lie apprehenJed that the obj.ct of the meeting was to givc the landowners on the !ine an op- portunity of coming forward to state their intentions with regard to their lands, and to come to such an ar- rangement as would enable the Provisional Company t) proceed further with the undertaking. He was not limself prepared to tnko any steps whatever to influ- ence or d'Cta'e t> landowners, individually, as to what they should do with their own lands. Each person had his own private interests to consider, of which lie was the best judge. (Cheers). There was no question as to tho utility, and the various advantages that would accrtie to the county generally, from having a railway communication between Carnarvon, Pwllheli, Criccietli, and Portmadoc; but as far as he understood the ob. ject ot the meeting was not so much to dilate upon those advantages, as simply to hear from the landed proprietors gClIerally their intention, with regard tu this proposil. (Applause.) A map of the proposed line, was then handed to the Chairman, with a statement of the acreage giveil, and the replies of tilo landowners, received up to the day of that meeting. N. Muthew, Esq, explained to the meeting a little de- viation made from the original plan, in consequence of strong objections being urged by the proprietor, through a slI1,,1I porti,m of whose property the line went shew- illg at the same time,that the grounds of such objections, might he more easily remove J and avoided, than if they had emanated from owners of large domains on the line. The Chairman hope, I that any unnecessary remarks would he avoided, and that all would strictly confine thcffisehls to the ohjeets of the meeting. He also 1)(:- lieved it would be of no use referring to any line aban- doned. (Cheers.) Mr. Mathew fully agreed with the gallant chairman on those points. The map produced would shew the new position taken. The Chairman inquired if all were aware of the riule on whieh th" line was proposed to be constructed? Mr. Mathew said they were, with the exception of the deviation aheady pointed out. Mr..Spooner—Every landowner has been furnished with the maps and the necessary particulars of the 1,?.p.d li,,e. J'reghl:;Hln-I believe there is no doubt about the line from Carnarvon to Elanllyfiii. Are there any objections offered on the part of the lessees of the antlle railway ? Mr. Preston replied that there were no objections whatever. They were willing either to sell or to make the line. The terms had already been commu- nicated to the .committep. They had stipulated that they were willing to take seven per cent of the present takings and neit income of the company, and if re- quired, to convert their own into a locomotive line. The Chairman-It is not intended that this meetinrr tritould stipulate as to the terms. Taking the line to Pwllheli, we next come to Penmorfa, the property of Mr. Iluddart. G. A. Iluddart, Esq—I give my land gratis.- (Cheers. ) The next was h. Lloyd Parry, who was said to he abroad, but that there would be no ditficulty to obtain his land. Major Xanney's pi-operty-Tlie gallant Major had not arrived when his name was calle Ii. Messrs. Ilenry Iluglus and John Jones, Hanllvfui, had given their consent to sell their land at a fair price. No reply had been received from the Rev. E. Davies, Clynnog. but it was stated to the meeting that he was very favourable to the railway. Mr. Rees, Clynnog, Mr. Wright and Mr. J. Evans, Penmorfa, had made no communication to the direc- tors Concerning their intentions. Mr. Ormsby Gore was willing to sell bis land at agricultuial value. S. U. Priestley, Esq., before he gave a decided an- swer as to his property, wished to know the exact route whid, \11" railwav would take ? Having been informed upon that point, Mr. Priestley said, had it passed under Ceniu, and diverging in a fail- way, with a direct line to Portmaù0C, he would have given the land but under the existing arrangements, he would expoct to have its fair value. Portmadoc un- doubtedly was the best line for Lleyn. The Chairman—Then there can be nothing fairer than that. In opposition to your own individual opinion you arc willing to part with your land for its fair value 1 Mr. Priestley—Exactly so. Had it gone the way I expected it ought to have gone, I would have given it for nothing. (Cheers.) Mr. Watkins said with reference to a portion of his land, he would not then give any decided answer, as he was only the mortgagee. He would, however, do all in his power for the linp. Mr. E. Jackson had also to consult his co-trustee upon the matter before he was able to give a definite reply. it. W. Price, Esq., Ilhiwlas, gave his land at agri- cultural value. Mr. J. Williams, Ysguborion, demanded full valne for his land. The propdctors of the Tremadoc Estate gave all their lauds ratis. Mr. John Owen, Gwindy, could not then give any definite reply, as he was in a treaty to sell his land. Mr. Priestley here inquired whether there was any clause to compel the formation of the two lines. He wished to be assured that both would be made. Mr. Mathew said there was a power by an Act of Parliament to deviate about 100 yai-tis but their ob- ject was to unite both lines. Mr. Priestley-But you do not unite them, Mr. MJthew- Yes; but there is a point of diver- gence. You should recollect that we have to deal with capitalists, and it is a niattti- for their considera- tion. They will be bound to make this line according to the plans laid dowr. The Chairman—Everybody must be anxious to se- cure the two communications. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Priestley—I should like to have a third com- munication—to connect Portmadoc with Pwllheli. The Chairman-l perceive it would be in the power of the landowners to compel the construction ot both. They give their lands, provided the two lines will be made. Tho meeting then proceeded with the list of the various lands through which the line of the Pwllheli branch would have to be made. Air. John Evans, Ghmdwyfacb, was ready to give ins land at a fair agricultural value. A question hero arose as to the meaning of the terms 11 agricultural and" fair "alue" of the lands. Air. lluddait explained, that the agricultural value meant a JO years purchase upe>r. the present value of the land and the" fair value the prospects of its future as well as its present value. Mr. LI. Jon. s,Bror:UJ Hall, consented to give his land at a fair value, but ni.-hed it to be brought lower down than the bridge on his land, wlÍeh Mr. puoner said, would then bring it into Lord );ewLorou;;h,< property. Put Mr. Jones said he woulll not be any obstacle in their wai-, provided that no damage be done to the tenants. The Chairman—That cerfaiuJyought to be guaran- teed, as well us for any Haulages that Bright be done before the Act was obtained. The next property which the line was intended to go through was that of Lord Newborough's, who an- nounced that his land was to be had gratis. (Cheers.) J2. W, Mathew, Esq., read the following letter from I ?,?°1"'?"?' ?'? ''??'? to his property on thtf Ime '—- Carnarvon, Monday. l(iSl, y r dear Sir, — I am exceedingly sorry that absence from home will prevent my attending the meeting to- morrow which I should otherwise made a point of doing. I can only reiterate my deep interest in, and anxiety for the succrss of the undertaking and indeed I am persuaded that the immense and certain benefit which it will do the county in general, and the land. holders in particular, will prevent tho possibility of any wilful obstacle being thrown in the way of the company by any one through whose land the line wili pass. For my own part, as I stated at the beginning, I would willingly give double the extent of land, if re- quired, so convinced am I of its importance in the pre- sent day. I should have sent you my schedule signed, but have by mistake left it locked up at homo. I will have it forwarded to you immediately. 1 am. dear sir, very faithfully, T. Lovt; D. JoNI.S-PARItY." Lady Jones Parry was ready to give her land at agri- cultural value. Major Nanney here entered the room, and was loudly cheered. Mr. J. Roberts, Hcndre, had great objections to the lino passing through his lands; but would, upon cer- tain conditions, sell two acres for CIOOO. Rev. J, Evans consented, at agricultural value, and Mr. U. Pieton Jones hail already signed Schedule I). as did also Mr. 0. Evans, and Mr. J. PIlis. The Ciiairman, addressing Major Nanney, said, that before he had entered the room, they had carefully called over the names of the landowners, through whose lands the line was proposed to he iiiltde and that they were desirous of practically comiug to some definite terms, with the several Ian led proprietors, and an.ong,t others, his own name had been called. Major Nautiey —I have no objection to the railway. Hut the Chairman of the Committee informed me that the proposal of the persons who would have the con- struction of this line was, that the land must be given, otherwise it was at an end. Mr. Iluddart said that was not the way in which he had stated it The Chairman observed it was not well to refer to what had passed. But here is a proposition laid before us, and what we want is a decisive answer of the land- owners on the line. Major Naiiiiey. It depends upon them. The Chairman — But which schedule will you cig, t Major Nanney—I thought wo could have no railway unless the land was given. Mr. Iluddart—I said if you opposed we should never have a ivla,ior Nanney-Wt,ll, my answer is that I must have wmething for my laud. (Laughter.) Mr. Matliev.'—Name your price, Major. Major :anney-2\ly price is £ i(J00. Mr. Priestley inquired the number of acres required from Major Nanney. Mr. Mathew said they required 24$ acres from him, independently of the KJj which he held as trust pro- perty. Major Nanney-It. remains with you to tellllJe what you will givo for all that. 2\Ir. Mathew—The object of the meeting is not to ascertain the actual price of any land; but upon what terms gentlemen are willing to allow the line to be made through their property. Whether gratis, at agri- cultural, or a fair value, which would be decided by an impartial umpire. That meeting was to decide whe- ther the undertaking should finaTIy be abandoned, or further proceeded with. They we"e desirous to a roan to see the thing accomplished, but it was of no use "kicking again,t the wall;" and if the Major, who owned such broad acres, would state which of the sche- dnl:s hc would sign, it would greatly facilitate the project. Major N anncy- I never had them. Mr. Mathew—They werc sent to you. Major Nanney—I understand that the proprietors of the railway will not come forward unless they can got the Jand freo; and I suppose this meeting is en- tirely at an end. Small freeholders ought to be paid. The Chairman again desired that all should adhere strictly to the immediate objects of the meeting, and not refer to anything that previously occurred. (Cheers.) The hon. gentleman also inquired it the sum fixed by Major Nanney, included the trust property ? Major Nnnney- Yes; but indeed it is not propor- tionate to what you give to another. The Chairuian-That is more to your merit.—(Ap- plause.) Mr. J. Jones, Ynysgain, as another landowner on the liue, was willing to sign schedule D. The following is an average list of the extent of the acreage required by the Pwllheli line:—31 acres, (gratis) It;, acres, (agricultural value); 3J- acres, (full value); 23! acres fixed price. The extent of acreage required for the Portmadoc line is 13(1;, of which !l1 are given gi-atis 11 j at fair value and 2H doubtful. E. W. Mathew, Esq., in reference to a question put by Lord Newborough, read a minute of a meeting of the Carnarvonshire Railway Company, held at Port- madoc on the first of February, 1858, of which the following- is a copy Mr. Dixon said that if all the landed proprietors on the proposed line of railway consent to give their land (excepting the very small holders, who shall be paid a fair value for their por- tions), and shall enter into an agreement with the said Company to that effect, he has through his friends the means of bringing forward a party who will find all the money to make the said line." Mr. E. J J. Dixun-It should bo known that it is coupled with a special condition and for further ex- planation, I shall read an extract of a letter received by me in May, from my friends, whom I have kept in- formed as to the progress of tho movement, which was to the following effect:— vVe regret to observe from the schedule you en- close, how few of the landowners are prepared to give their laud for this important object. Unless they put their ow n shoulders to the wheel, they must not expect other yanies to come forward to assist in this great wor k It must be made cheap, or not ma le at all. Persons are not disposed to give their money without some de- gree of a prospect of favourable returns. I am certain that Major Nanney's proposal will be a bar to the movement. The parties referred to, will never give 92000 for his land. Major iNatiney-Is what I ask more than the agricul- tural value 1 Mr. Dixon —I am not now prepared to say that it is. I repeat what was said before, unless the landowners are prepared to put their shoulders to the wheel, they must not expect others to comc forward to assist in tho groat work. This day is to decide the fate of the under- taking. It may be years again before we see such a favourable opportunity to commence it. Therefore, the question is, To be or not to be." (Cheers ) Lord Newborough said, there appeared to be about 7'J acres given altogether, and 15 they would have to pay for. If they thought no capatalist would come for- ward to construct the liue under those circumstances, then there was an end to it, and no use wasting more time about it. Mr. Ellis referred to some other persons, whom he understood at the Pwllheli meeting, were ready to come forward under certain conditions, to assist in the con- struction of the line. The Chairman said it was all very well to talk about persons who were willing to benefit mankind in gene- ral (laughter,) but the fact was, they were looking about to see what would be the most favourable to them. (Hear, hear.) If any one knew of parties who were willing to come forward at less favourable prospects, it would be well that they should be made known. There was not the least doubt as to the great importance of securing a railway communication to the county. (Cheers. ) llev. John Owen enquired if it would be of any practical use to advertise the proposal as it stood at present in the London papers 1 The meeting generally seemed to be of opinion that it would not. Major Nanney said that Air. Dixon should not have pressed so hardly upon him, when be was not able to answer the question he put to him, whether tho prico he asked was more than the agricultural value of his land. Mr. Dixon referred, as his answer, to the conditions under which the capitalists were ready to coine forward, for which purpose the schedules were prepared. Major Nanuey believed the schedules were of no use at all. The Chairman repeated the observations he had mado at tho commencement of the meeting, when Major Nanney was absent, that they had not. met to- gether to dictate or to influence any landowner to givo his land, contrary to his free will. Mr. Dixon said it appeared to him that the railway was of greater importance to the landed proprietors than any other class in the county. They saw some few noble spirits amongst them, such as Lord New- borough, Capt. Jones-Parry, the proprietors of the Tremadoc etate and the Chairman of the Provisional Committee (Mr. Huddart) with liberal views coming forward to benefit their land and tho county in gene- ral. If the large landed proprietors withheld their land, then the small freeholder would come forward and say, I cannot give my land, since the large landowner refuses to give his." It was the means of remaining indecisive, and a clog to the whole affair. The Chairman did not think that the object of the meeting was to compel a person to do a thing which he was not freely disposed to do. Mr. Dixon merely wished te shew how gentlemen stood in their own light, and by their example, pre vented others from doing what otherwise they would have done. Major Nanney said that WIUI the very reason why he did not give his land. He wished to encourage small freeholders that they might get something, as it would do -,i great ,t i??tiatice to Mr. Dixon-But the very wording of the proposal, and the existence of different schedules, prevents the I occurrence of such a mishap. Rev. T. Lloyd Owen said that he was requested by Mr Bulkeley Hughes, the, me mber for the boroughs, to say he regretted his inability to attend the meeting on account of ill-health. 1 he Chairman said there was a letter received from Mr. Lloyd Edwards, Nanhoroo, regretting his inability to be present, which he read to the meeting. It was as follows — Nanhoron, May lfloU. "Dear Sir,—I regret much my inability to attend your meeting, and will feel obliged by your apologising to the gentlemen present for my unavoidable absence. Wishing you every success in your praiseworthy un- dertaking, "I am, dear sir, Yours truly, II R. LLOYD EDWARDS." Major Nanney—If some one thinks the price I have aske l is not u fair agricultural value, 1 wish they would say so. flit.. Mathew said it was but just to let the gentlemen who had come forward to promote this object know th it that day they" ould have to transmit to the capi- talists referred to the result of that meeting. Though it was not as favourable as they could have wished, it was such as they would have to submit to. Mr. Dixon—I wish to be understood that I am but the exponent of the views of a party. I have hitherto kept them acquainted with the progress of the move- ment, and I sh ill agtin report progress. Mr. Mathew—Then it will depend upon your report whether they wHIlle disposed to proceed further. lr. Dixon-It will, or conrse. I Mr. Priestley was still of opinion that a branch line from Pwllheli to Portmadoc would have been much better, instead of driving the farmers of Lleyn up to Glnudwyfach. Lord Newborough proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, who had come all the way down from London expressly to attend that meeting. Though he had personally very little interest in the proposed line, as his property in that part lay at Aberdaron, his anxiety to serve the interests of the county had brought him down amongst them. (Loud cheers.) Mr Priestley seconded the motion, which was carried by acclamation. The Chairman returned thanks in appropriate terms, and entertained a hofle that there was nothing wrong in his conduct, in the chair, and that he had not endea- voured to influenco any one in the defence of their personal interests. (Great cheering.) Re. J. Williams lillia proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Iluddart, which was seconded by C. Wynne, Esq aud carried unani. monsly. Mr. Iluddart, in acknowledging the vote of thanks, said he was very sorry the meeting, which was a final one, did not arrive at a more successful termination. The meeting then separated.

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