You need hardly be asked whether these improvements enable you to carry passengers at a lower rate than before?—Of course; it is the expense of the stock that is the great thing.
If the roads were generally improved, travelling would be cheaper?—Of course.
Veneris, 21º die Maii, 1819.
Mr. George Botham, called in; and Examined.
You keep the George Inn, at Newbury?—I do.
Are you a proprietor of mail and other coaches?—Yes.
To a considerable extent?—Yes, and have been for some time.
How many horses have you?—More than a hundred.
Your attention has of course been directed to the state of the road between Newbury and London?—Yes.
State any improvement that has taken place in that road?—There is a very great improvement between Marlborough and Twyford.
Under whose directions?—Mr. M'Adam.
In what state was that road before?—It was in a very bad state, and I mentioned it to lord Aylesbury, and he applied to get the materials, and offered to give up any quantity of his land for the widening of the road, which he has done.
In point of fact the road has been widened?—Much widened and much improved.
Can you state what improvement it would make in the draught of the carriages?—Not exactly, but I consider it a very great one.
You cannot state any proportion of the labour of horses in drawing a carriage?—No, not particularly so; I did not expect to be asked, but it is not very material.
