Page:Inland Transit - Cundy - 1834.djvu/114

 4. How are the great mass of the labouring population of Coventry employed?

Chiefly in the manufacture of ribands.

5. Do almost all these manufactures come to London?

A very large proportion.

6. What proportion?

Nine tenths, I should say.

7. In the article of riband, is a correct and speedy communication with the market desirable?

It is quite indispensable; it is a fancy article, and depends on fashion, so much so that they are always sent by coach, which is an expensive mode of conveyance, except by waggon or wharf.

8. Is it necessary to hold frequent personal communication with the seat of manufacture?

It is very desirable.

9. Have you ever been inconvenienced in consequence of the inadequacy of the present conveyance for that purpose?

We have been inconvenienced in this way: if we have an order for a general assortment of goods, and we happen not to have ribands, for sample, we are obliged to keep the whole of the goods until we write to Coventry; it now requires two days and nights before we can write to Coventry and get the supply that we require.

10. If you had the accommodation to write to Coventry and receive an answer in the evening, would that be a great advantage?

A great advantage to our business and to all our customers generally; a particular advantage to London, where the coaches leave in the morning and few in the middle of the day, to be able to receive an article from Coventry within the twelve hours; if it be only thirteen, one hour more, it compels us to wait till the next morning, the twenty-four hours.

12. From experience, you have no hesitation in stating