THE PORTSMOUTH RAILWAY.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE MORNING HERALD.
SIR,—I observe a letter from a Mr. Daniell, of Petersfield, in your paper, endeavouring to show that the new Portsmouth project is against the wish of the landowners. I simply beg to deny some of the statements made by that gentleman.
First of all, the gentleman charges the company with having stated that all the landowners were in favour of it, whereas the circular quotes nearly all, and I know of no objection being made by any others than Mr. Daniell and Mr. Coles.
Secondly,—The gentleman says, that the company intend taking his country seat, and he is in awful contemplation of the total destruction of two of his farms, and that the line would run through a mile of his land. Mr. Daniell ought to rejoice, rather than despair, when he considers how richly he will be paid for it; and it will pay him better than (in these free-trade times) it would let for agricultural purposes.
An observation is made respecting domestic bliss.
If the sufferings of domestic bliss always ended with the prospect of a golden harvest, our worldly pursuits would shine forth with lustre; but Mr. Daniell would not stand alone: many a lord, marquis, and earl has had to leave his mansion on account of a railway company.
One observation in particular is the frightful difference in the two plans. No doubt of it; one, the Direct Portsmouth Act of 1846, at a cost of 1,500,000l.: the present one, 400,000l.: and, as regards the engineering difficulties, I should advise Mr. Daniell to study the act a little more before he complains of heavy embankments; amusing slips of land, and upsets of passengers. The ground has, also, been surveyed by Messrs. Locke the eminent engineers; and three out of four tunnels in the former plan have been entirely removed, and the one near Petersfield reduced to one-third its proposed length. The project is supported by the people of Portsmouth, by the Mayor of Petersfield and the inhabitants by W. J. Evelyn, Esq., M.P. for West Surrey, and Ross D. Mangles Esq., M.P. for Guildford. Petersfield has upwards of 1800 inhabitants, and is more than 10 miles from any railway. This railway, if promoted, will save 22 miles from London to Portsmouth. and open a direct communication between Chatham and Portsmouth, when government troops and stores will be conveyed direct, which will save a great expense to our government, and almost an hour’s journey, in time of war. I feel satisfied the names of the gentlemen above-mentioned, who are on the board of direction, would not be in that position if they did not see the absolute necessity for it. I have property near Petersfield, therefore I am well acquainted with the neighbourhood, but I am not so fortunate as Mr. Daniell, as the railway will not pass through it.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
Z. A. F. MOLYNEAUX.
Bedford-square, London, Jan. 12, 1853.