THE RIVER MERSEY. 15 



opened at a small expense ; — that its success depended entirely on the 

 column of water running out of the Mersey on the ebb tide, and to a mi- 

 nute attention to what was taking place in that region. 



He considers the natural formation of the Mersey admirably adapted for 

 scouring and keeping open the sea-channels, if encroachments are not 

 allowed to be made on its banks ; but he doubts the propriety of scarping 

 or removing rocks. 



We cannot venture to give an opinion as to the most practicable mode of 

 improving the navigation. The Conservators will (if appointed), as a matter 

 of course, consult the most eminent engineers as to the best means of 

 proceeding ; but we think the navigation would be much improved if the 

 plan of dredging with machinery, so successfully adopted in the Victoria 

 Channel, was followed up in the river. It is most desirable to make it ap- 

 parent to the Navigation Companies, to the landowners, and to all other 

 parties interested, that in appointing a Conservancy the public good only is 

 looked to, and that there is no intention whatever to interfere with private 

 interests, which will be duly preserved and protected. 



If the President and Lords of the Board of Trade be pleased to approve 

 of a Conservancy being established by Act of Parliament, we will prepare 

 a bill founded on the practice in the River Thames for their Lordships' 

 approval, making special provisions for preserving the rights of the Mersey 

 and Irwell Company, and those of all other Companies connected with the 

 River Mersey. 



We also beg to send a statement delivered to us by the Town Clerk of 

 Liverpool, with a map of the river (Nos.6 and 7), showing the rights of the 

 Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses to the Lordship of Liverpool, comprising 

 the River Mersey up to Warrington and Frodsham Bridges, and the Strand 

 at Liverpool, Toxteth Park, Birkenhead, and Wallasey, which the Corpora- 

 tion wish to be noticed in our Report ; from which it appears that the 

 I8th Section of the Act of the 2nd George III. cap. 86, authorizes them as 

 Trustees of the Docks, by authority from twenty- five of their body, to re- 

 move such nuisances as may be necessary for improving, scouring, and 

 keeping open the navigation from the sea as far southwards as the Lordship 

 extends; and by the Dock Acts of the 39th George III. cap. 59. sec. 29, 

 and 57 George III. cap. l^S. sec. 80, their water-bailiff and harbour-master 

 have special powers over vessels, wrecks, and obstructions. It would there- 

 fore seem that Parliament intended to give powers to the Corporation 

 which are not considered sufficient to constitute an efficient Conservancy. 

 We have the honour to be, Sir, 



Your most obedient Servants, 



(Signed) John Wilkin. 



Dennis Le Marchant, Esq, George Wilkin. 



