Page:Walker (1888) The Severn Tunnel.djvu/167



the 2nd November, 1881, I received orders from Sir John Hawkshaw to go on with the whole of the works as rapidly as possible. The contract had contemplated that for the first eighteen months only the work under the ‘Shoots’ should be proceeded with; but it took as nearly as possible twelve months from the date of signing the contract to clear the works of water. Twelve months more had been used in completing the heading under the river, securing the old shafts, sinking new ones, and commencing the brickwork under the ‘Shoots’ and under the Salmon Pool; but sufficient had been done to inspire confidence, and the order was therefore given to proceed with the whole of the works at once. I therefore purchased, at the end of December, an additional 4½ acres of land for various purposes, and leased a further quantity of 3½ acres for building additional houses.

At the end of the year 1881 about 60 yards of the full-sized tunnel had been completed at the bottom