History of Canal and River Navigations, 191 



be said to have been created, for in 1840 the British-owned 

 steamers entered and cleared 



TONS. 



Amounted to 663,048 



Foreign Steamers ... ... ... ... 128,507 



Total 79^555 



In 1889 British-owned steamers entered and cleared 



TONS. 



Amounted to ... ... ... ... 47,020,297 



Foreign Steamers 11,743,903 



Total 58,764,200 



The tons given are tons register, and, as a steamer 

 carries more cargo in proportion to her registered tonnage 

 than a sailing vessel, the increase in the tons of cargo dealt 

 with is proportionately greater than the actual figures shew ; 

 moreover the dead weight carried by all vessels is very much 

 in excess of their registered tonnage. 



Not one of the old waterways has secured its due 

 proportion of this enormous increase of traffic. As already 

 stated, some few navigations are largely used, but on many 

 traffic has dwindled, while lines of railway have been laid 

 along the course of a few and others have been completely 

 closed. The use of steam is confined to a few waterways, 

 while on many it is prohibited. 



It is a matter of extreme regret that the Select Com- 

 mittee on Canals, appointed in 1883, did not complete its 

 labours. It sat for 10 days, and heard the evidence of 

 some of the most experienced of canal managers, engineers, 

 and others, both those interested in and those unfavourable 

 to the development of waterways. The Committee was 

 not re-appointed, and did not report. The evidence was 

 printed, and has provided most valuable information on the 

 subject. 



