The Proposed Belfast Central Station and Railways. 43 



understood to be in contemplation to transfer to that quay the 

 berths of some of the cross-channel steamers. Arrangements 

 will thus be perfected for carrying passengers through from the 

 central station, and from all the railways running into it, to the 

 cross-channel steamers and vice versa^ and for the transfer of 

 their luggage from trains to steamers, and from steamers to 

 trains. 



By reference to the maps, plans, and diagrams exhibited, the 

 lecturer demonstrated the mode of construction of the proposed 

 tunnels and subways. The tunnel from the central station to 

 the harbour station under the river will be formed of two cast- 

 iron tubes, put into position by means of a shield that will be 

 forced forward under Berry Street, Rosemary Street, Waring 

 Street, and Albert Square. This mode of construction will 

 entirely prevent the extraction of moisture from the subsoil, 

 and, therefore, will not in any way endanger the streets or the 

 buildings on either side of them during the progress of the 

 works by sinking or subsidence. The harbour station will be 

 constructed under the river by means of a coffer dam, and as it 

 will be in solid clay for more than half its height, there will be 

 no difficulty in constructing it absolutely safe and watertight, 

 all the work being executed in open cutting. The subway 

 connecting the Northern Counties line with the central station 

 will be formed of concrete between waterproof sheet piling, 

 which will prevent any danger of injury to the streets or houses ; 

 it will be "cut and cover" work. The Great Northern Railway 

 connection will be altogether open cutting, except where streets 

 cross over it by bridges. The ventilation and lighting of the 

 whole system has been most carefully worked out ; the main 

 station will be ventilated by means of top ventilators in the 

 roof, and by the open ends ; the harbour station will have 

 specially-constructed canopies to carry away the fumes from the 

 engines when under the river, and these will rise up into ven- 

 tilating towers some 40 feet above the street level. These towers 

 will also ventilate the extreme ends of the station ; while the 

 main arch will rise, in one span of 90 feet, to a height of above 



