ENGLAND’S WATERWAYS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2698, 31 December 1909, Page 6

ENGLAND’S WATERWAYS.

REPORT OF ROYAL COMMISSION

United Press Association— Copyright LONDON, Dec. 29,

The Royal Commission appointed in 1906 to inquire into the question of inland naA'igation in Britain recommends the appointment of a central watenvay board, Avith the vieAv of unifying and transforming the existing canals and Avatenvays of Birmingham and South Staffordshire district into four main routes, the Thames, Mersey, Severn, and Humber, as the first step to any comprehensive scheme, and suggests a combination of free grants and loans over a long period in connection Avitli the issue of stock for the acquisition of properties. The report estimates the cost of improvements, including the cost of acquisition, to be £17,500,000, and after the Avhole capital expenditure has been completed, an annual diture tof £1,000,000. Mr. J Remliiant, M.P., Mr, Davidson, a rival engineer, and'Mr. R. C. Ingles, manager of the Great Western Raihvay Company, signed a dissentient report.

A PROPOSED STRATEGIC CANAL. . (Received December 30, 9.10 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 30. Mr’ Asquith, on behalf of the Committee of Imperial Defence, informed the Watenvay Commission that a canal for carrying Dreadnoughts from the Forth to the Clyde would.be of some strategic value) but insufficient to jus-- f tify considerate® State expenditure. It- would be wfrth ivhile, if promoted as! a commer' 1 -'*! scheme, to offer some Govcrnmc: .d.") The Commission suggests that ii Scottish and shipping in? terestg see a chance of raising funds, they should ascertain what the Govera--I'ient is -prepared, to. give. A