Page:History of the Fylde of Lancashire (IA historyoffyldeof00portiala).pdf/96

 While Jarvey in stupid astonishment stands, Upturning both eyes and uplifting both hands, 'My nags,' he exclaims, betwixt laughing and crying, 'Are good 'uns to go, but yon devils are flying.'"

The fares on the Preston and Wyre Railway at its commencement were:—

1st class. 2nd class. 3rd class.

Preston to Fleetwood or Blackpool   4s. 6d. 3s. 0d. 2s. 0d. Preston to Poulton                  3s. 6d. 2s. 6d. 1s. 6d. Preston to Kirkham                  2s. 0d. 1s. 3d. 0s. 9d. Preston to Lytham                   3s. 0d. 2s. 6d. 1s. 6d.

Until the opening of the branch lines to Lytham and Blackpool respectively, in 1846, passengers completed their journies from Kirkham and Poulton to those watering places by means of coaches. Three trains ran from the terminus at Fleetwood to Preston on each week-day, and one on Sunday, a similar number returning.

In consequence of the severe distress prevailing throughout the country, a proclamation was issued by Her Majesty for a General Fast to be held on Wednesday, the 24th of March, 1847; and from the public prints of that date it is evident that the occasion was observed with great solemnity in our division—the shops of the different towns were closed during the whole of the day, the streets were quiet, the hotels deserted, whilst the churches were crowded even to overflowing. This distress was caused by an almost complete failure in the potatoe harvests; and at that time these necessary articles of diet were sold at 26s. per load in the local markets, whilst meal, also scarce, rose to 52s. per load.

In September of the same year, the Fylde was honoured by a passing visit from Queen Victoria and the late Prince Consort, who arrived at Fleetwood in the Royal Yacht on their return journey from Scotland to London. An address was presented by Sir P. H. Fleetwood, bart., the Rev. St. Vincent Beechey, Frederick Kemp, esq., James Crombleholme, esq., and Daniel Elletson, esq., on behalf of the inhabitants of Fleetwood, and received by Lord Palmerston, who promised that it should be laid before the Queen. In the course of a few days an acknowledgment was received from the metropolis. In Her Majesty's book, published in 1868, and entitled "Leaves from our Highland Journal," these diarian entries relating to the