1869.] The Projected Mersey Tminel and Ilailway. 187 



satisfactory communication between the two sides of the river ; and 

 the immense resources of Birkenhead, developed at a cost of nearly 

 7,000,000Z. sterling for docks alone, are lying comparatively idle, 

 whilst the quays and docks on the Liverpool side are flooded with a 

 trade increasing daily, and already over- tasking their capabilities. 



More dock and quay accommodation must be found. On the 

 Liverpool side, to construct fresh docks either north or south, is to 

 place them miles away from the centre of trade — at the north, in 

 a very exposed situation, almost unapproachable in heavy weather, 

 at the south, only available for vessels of comparatively small 

 draught — what then so natural as to utilize the expenditure at 

 Birkenhead, now yielding but a nominal return, but which, with 

 the Mersey Piailway completed, would be placed in a very diflerent 

 position. The Birkenhead docks and warehouses would then, as 

 regards both passengers and goods, be placed within a few minutes, 

 in all weathers, of the heart of Liverpool. 



The immense traffic to be expected under such altered circum- 

 stances, may be inferred from the fact that, with the present imper- 

 fect means of communication, often brought almost to a standstill by 

 a fog, or a gale of wind, twenty millions of passengers, at least, 

 pass over the ferries annually. 



The Cheshire side of the Mersey abounds with pleasing sites for 

 residential purposes, and not only New Brighton, but many other 

 places, would experience an immediate increase if railway communi- 

 cation were established. Thousands of persons who would prefer 

 a residence on that side, are, at present, deterred by the difficulties 

 of the daily crossing to their places of business. 



The construction of this railway, and its extensions would, also, 

 place Liverpool in direct communication with North Wales and 

 Holyhead. 



Liverpool, Birkenhead, and their surroundings now contain at 

 least seven hundred thousand inhabitants, and the steady increase 

 of population renders means of communication every day more 

 urgent. 



If this railway be not soon completed, an immense expenditure 

 must be incurred to improve the approaches to the landing stages, 

 which will, after all, not get rid of the most serious inconveniences 

 connected with the ferries, which are chiefly caused by fogs and 

 storms. 



Those who have interested themselves in the Mersey Kailway 

 are in earnest in the matter, and if they meet with but moderate 

 assistance from those locally concerned, Liverj^ool and Birkenhead 

 will soon be connected by a direct railway. 



