Report of the Knaresbrough Rail-way Committee | Page 7

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, &c. Blocks of this kind may be had of large dimensions. Another kind of stone is found at Wilsill, in quality similar to that at Birstwith, but may be risen in much larger blocks. When the Ouse-bridge at York was building, in 1818, the contractors for, or the inspectors of that work, got some stone from this neighbourhood for the piers, and by a letter from Mr. William Craven, one of the inspectors, there is no doubt of its being fit for any kind of public works, as