Page:Report from the Select Committee on Steam Carriages.pdf/198



Mr. James Stone. 25 August, 1831. What do the Coaches charge?—Half-a-crown the four-horse Coaches, and two-horse Coaches 2s.

Travelling at the same speed do you think you could charge in the same proportion?—Yes.

There would be a saving to the public of more than one-half?—Yes.

Have you taken many passengers?—Yes, a great number, from February to June, between three and, four thousand passengers. I have a book containing an account of the number of minutes that each journey took.

The Committee have received a letter from the Surveyor of the Gloucester and Cheltenham road, stating that there is a very great noise proceeding from this Carriage?—I have not heard that observation generally; there is a little noise, but not much.

With red hot burning coals falling on the road continually, or whenever the fire was moved?—That has taken place when the ash pit has been burnt out, but that is not necessary; the Carriage I have recently fitted up will not be subject to that.

You are of course aware that the letting coals drop is desirable to be obviated?—Yes, and that I have guarded against.

He also states few animals will pass it without being frightened; and often the traveller was obliged to take his horses into the fields adjoining the road; and very many who did not use that precaution had been placed in the most perilous situations; and that a gentleman's Carriage, in the neighbourhood, was overturned from the horses taking fright at it?—Yes. I have understood that; but that Carriage has been overturned once or twice owing to the carelessness of the driver. I have seen the gentleman, and he did not think any thing of the accident, the Coach turned round, and the coachman jumped off, but I never saw any thing bordering upon an accident during the time I was with it.

He states, that persons have completely deserted that road?—I have never known but one individual that has been against it at Gloucester; but I have seen horses take fright at a Stage Coach and not at