Jhe Proposed Belfast Central Station and Railways. 55 



of a brother chip. From experience in connection with the 

 Bangor extension of 1877 and '9, and the proposed extension 

 of the Northern Counties to the old Academy buildings in 

 Donegall Street, I have come to the conclusion that an overhead 

 line is not feasible. The cost would be too great, and I think, 

 if for one moment you follow me, it must be patent to everyone 

 within my hearing that what I say is true. As to Prof. Everett's 

 question regarding pumping, it will be almost unnecessary in 

 this case, because the use of the shield and its accompanying 

 air pressure would prevent water coming in, and also the 

 street piling would prevent water coming in ; therefore pumps 

 are not likely to be much required. Of course if we come 

 across streams they will have to be dealt with, either piped or 

 pumped out ; but as the gentlemen you have heard speaking, 

 Mr. Young and Mr. Gray, both leading authorities on this 

 question, have spoken about this clay or sleetch, I may tell you 

 it is a perfectly fine clay, and so stiff that when the boring tools 

 get into it they twist like a corkscrew. With regard to ven- 

 tilation, of course in the down line there will never be any 

 steam (in a down grade of i in 73 you won't require steam). 

 (A voice, " But there will be smoke.") Of course there will be 

 smoke in both, but the trains passing through will act as a 

 piston, they will drive everything before them, and the fresh 

 air will follow. I think these are the only remarks I have to 

 reply to, and again thanking you for the kind way you have 

 listened to me, I can only agree with you in wishing the 

 scheme every success. 



