Page:The Canal System of England.djvu/39

 Other Standard dimensions were proposed in the evidence before the Select Committee of 1883, but none have been adopted and no minimum fixed.

If examination is made of the dimensions of Continental Canals—a striking difference is observable.

The following extracts are taken from the Reports from His Majesty's Representatives in Austria-Hungary, Belgium, France and Germany, presented to both Houses of Parliament in August, 1903.

In Austria-Hungary—earnest attention on the part of the State has of recent date been given to river navigation, for it has become evident in the face of the ever-increasing traffic that the railways are not in a position to grant those cheap rates which economic interests demand, more especially for the carriage of bulky merchandize of small value.

By the Law of the 11th June, 1901, 250,000,000 kronen, or over 10,000,000l, were voted for the commencement of the construction of a network of navigable canals in Austria, and for the necessary river regulation connected therewith. Of this sum, 75,000,000 crowns, or over 3,000,000l., are to be devoted to river regulation works, and the remainder to the actual construction of the canals. The first period of construction is reckoned from 1904 to 1912, at the expiration of which, a new credit will be demanded for the completion of the scheme.