Page:Rivers, Canals, Railways of Great Britain.djvu/267

 different towns and navigations with which it communicates, and to construct a reservoir of about twenty-four acres near the Hurlestone Locks, between the canal and the turnpike-road leading from Chester to Nantwich, for the purpose of catching the surplus water of the Upper Pound Locks, and supplying the Lower Locks in time of scarcity. They had further intended to make a short extension of their canal of a mile in length, from Pont-y-Cysylte Basin to the road leading to Plas-Kynaston Hall, in the county of Denbigh; this, however, they ultimately abandoned, and their act is in consequence entitled, An Act to enable the united Company of Proprietors of the Ellesmere and Chester Canals to make a Reservoir, and to establish Vessels for the conveyance of Goods from Ellesmere Port across the River Mersey; and-also to amend and enlarge the Powers of the said Act relating to the said Canal.

The estimate for the several works contemplated, including £4,000 for the cut subsequently abandoned, was made by Mr. Thomas Stanton, amounting to £55,200, of which, the reservoir was calculated to cost £31,200; and for purchase of proper vessels for the carrying trade, an additional sum of £20,000 would be required; the company are, therefore, empowered to raise for these purposes, and for completing their branch canal from Wardle Green to Middlewich, a further sum of £70,000, by all or any of the means by which the said company are authorized to collect any sum of money by virtue of the preceding acts.

This act also enables the united proprietors to purchase Dee Mills, in the city of Chester, for the purpose of avoiding any dispute which might arise respecting the use of the water of the River Dee, which supplies both the canal and mills.

For the carriage of goods and merchandize across the Mersey, the company are empowered to collect the following

TONNAGE RATES.
Fractions to be taken as for a Quarter of a Ton.