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It would materially assist the manufacturer in the execution of his foreign orders. I am unable to execute an order for a vessel which sails on the 14th of July; I cannot get the goods for the 10th, which is the last day on which a boat sails from Birmingham.
9. If you had a Railroad, could you execute the order?
If I could get twenty-four hours more time I could execute the order.
Mr. Richard Purkess Westall.—p. 88.
1. Are you a linen-draper at Birmingham?
I am.
2. Where do you get your silk mercery, haberdashery, and drapery goods from?
The bulk of them from London.
14. If the proposed Railroad was to take place, would that be an advantage to you, and persons concerned in the same trade?
A very decided advantage.
15. Both in point of rapidity and cheapness of conveyance?
In both points.
16. Is expedition in the execution of an order in your trade of great importance?
Of considerable importance.
17. Is it of that importance that you have goods such as you mention conveyed by coach at so heavy a cost as you allude to?
The majority of goods received from the London market we have by coach; in consequence of the necessity to have them delivered at an early period, in consequence of the change of fashion, we prefer paying treble or quadruple to get them by coach.
18. Are you obliged to make frequent journeys for the purpose of purchasing?
Yes; we go twenty-four times a year.
