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 Companies are the products of the amalgamation of smaller ones which have united and thus extended their influence and equalised their rates.

Freedom from railway control and amalgamation on through-routes are the first essentials for our Canal System, and this necessity was recognised when the report of the Joint Committee of the two Houses of Parliament appointed in 1872 was adopted.

It stated inter alia:—

(a) The most important method by which the railways have defeated the competition of canals has been the purchase of important links in the system of navigation and the discouragement of through traffic.

(b) That no inland navigation now in the hands of a public trust shall be transferred to or placed under the control of a Railway Company, and that if the trustees of an inland navigation or of a canal, apply to Parliament for power to purchase compulsorily a canal from a Railway Company, such purchase shall be favourably regarded by Parliament.

(c) That the utmost facilities shall be given for the amalgamation of adjoining canals with one another or with adjoining inland navigations.

(d) That no canal shall be transferred to, or placed directly or indirectly under the control of any Railway Company, nor shall any temporary lease of any canal to a Railway Company be renewed,until it has been conclusively