Report of the Knaresbrough Rail-way Committee | Page 7

their
respective rights if classed together for their amount of tonnage; the
amount handed to us is composed of returns made by such individuals
as are concerned in the trade, and although it does not form a
conspicuous figure, nor produce a great sum, still perhaps it is not the
less likely to make up its full share of increase; for with these, cast
metal may be classed, and recollecting the great wear and tear in mills,
machinery, and waggons on the Railway, the quantity is more likely to
be doubled, in a short period, than that of any named before; the
amount of revenue as at present calculated, would be 1250 tons, up to
Knaresbro' from Bolton Percy, being 18 miles, at 3d. per ton, per mile,
is 281 pounds 5s. 0d. And for the district of Pateley-Bridge, the returns
are 450 tons, taken at 12 miles, at 3d. per ton, per mile, amounts to 67
pounds 10s. 0d. per annum.
Another article of tonnage both ascending and descending may be
named, and on which some revenue may be expected to arise, although
the data for estimating it may be greatly clouded; it is that of

PASSENGERS.
The market of Knaresbro' is generally well supplied, and prices
moderate, as they are in other equally fertile districts, except in a few
articles, such as poultry, butter and eggs; but the increase of price in
these articles is the most felt during the Harrogate season, when large
quantities are in great demand for that improving place. Contemplating
the execution of this project, it would immediately afford a most
complete opening for all produce of this kind, coming to the market, in
an easy, comfortable, and cheap manner, from a neighbourhood which
hath not before enjoyed such an advantage, and would bring with it a
corresponding demand for such articles of merchandize as are sold at
Knaresbro', and in daily consumption in all farm houses.
Contemplating again the prospect of a steam conveyance from the
lower end of the Railway to Hull, which is highly probable, it is only
natural to suppose, that very few journies would be taken, by the
inhabitants of Knaresbro', and its vicinity, by any other conveyance to
Hull, because cheapness, expedition, and comfort would recommend it.
Having stated such as we can at present call the ascending tonnage, our
next duty is to say what there is which presents itself, that we can rely
upon for a descending tonnage, more than what hath already been
treated of.
Of these we find a tolerable variety, and of some articles a never failing
supply; viz. lead; stone for building; stone for highways; lime and lime
stone; slates; flags; oak bark; wood; cotton twist; Irish flax and linens;
ashes and several other kinds of American produce; which if we treat of
as they are respectively named, that of

LEAD
First takes our attention. This article from time immemorial has been
extracted from the bowels of the earth, at Greenhowhill, near
Pateley-Bridge, in large quantities, the greatest part of which, of late

years, has been carted to Ripon, a distance of twelve miles, and thence
shipped for Hull, at an expense of one pound per ton.
From good authority we are informed that these mines produce
annually, 3000 tons, out of which quantity 2500 will become tonnage
along the Railway, as below:--2500 tons, 33 miles, 1.5d. per ton, per
mile, is 515 pounds 12 6.
The advantage which the proprietors of these mines will derive from
this improved mode of conveyance, is made apparent, by the following
statement:--
From Pateley Pounds 1 0 0 Bridge to Hull, by way of Ripon and
Boroughbridge, per ton, is BY THE RAILWAY, From 4 1.5
Pateley-Bridge to Bolton Percy, 33 miles, 1.5d. per ton Rail dues, 33 4
1.5 miles, at l.5d. per ton, per mile Removing from 0 3 the waggon into
the boat Freight to Hull 4 0 0 12 6 from Bolton Percy 0 7 6
By this statement it appears there is a clear saving of 7s. 6d. per ton;
but should the freight and carriage at present be only 19s. instead of 20s.
as before stated, then the saving will be 6s. 6d. which is an object of no
small moment, and contributes its full share of recommendation to the
project.

STONE FOR BUILDING,
Next claims our attention: It is of various kinds and qualities, some
about Birstwith is of a strong coarse grit, will bear an immense pressure,
is well adapted for bridges, locks, wiers, &c. but is not to be had in
blocks large enough for pier works. There is another kind of stone at
Dacre-Pasture, of a much finer grit than the last, paler in colour, and
well adapted for finer masonry, such as columns, pediments,