In what state is that road, compared with the road from Twyford to London?—I consider the road from Twyford to be a little mended, but it is very bad at present.
Do you think by the adoption of the same system the road from Twyford to London might be equally improved?—I have no doubt of it; the materials are better.
Which of course would make a great difference in the ease of working your coaches?—Yes; I should think we could perform the journey from Newbury to Reading in a quarter of an hour's less time, which is seventeen miles.
Have you, as proprietor of mail coaches, had occasion to express any dissatisfaction to the Post Office, with regard to your present contracts?—Certainly, with very great reason.
Do you think that you should be enabled to continue those contracts at the present rate, if the roads are not put into a better state of repair?—That entirely depends upon the price of corn; we were very great sufferers till lately, that corn has fallen so much: or else my brother, as well as myself, intended to quit the mails, because we were losing a great deal of money.
Do you consider that the system of repairing roads, which has been adopted in that part of the road which you have described as under the superintendance of Mr. M'Adam, is superior to any other that you have seen adopted?—Certainly, I am sure it is, there is no question about it.
And that its general adoption would be highly beneficial to the coach proprietors, and to the public?—Most certainly.
Mr. Fromont being prevented by an accident from attending the Committee, it was resolved that the following Letter be entered on the Minutes:
Gentlemen, Thatcham, May 1819.
I think it a duty incumbent on me to present to you my opinion respecting Mr. M'Adam's plan of repairing and im-
