WILTS & BERKS CANAL TRUST

Our post box to The the Editor of the Noreth Wilts Herald 7 May 1897

Sir.- May I ask you to allow me a few lines on this subject in your next issue.

I have been connected with the Wilts and Berks Canal over 50 years, and should consider it a calamity to the whole district through which it passes, and especially to the farmers if it were closed, as nearly every farm adjoining the canal is more or less dependent on it for water, particularly in a dry season. A neighbour of mine tells me he would not have it closed for £50 a year, as he is entirely dependent on it in the summer.

I am sorry to say very few of the farmers have supported it as they ought, or it might have been kept open, but I am perfectly satisfied it cannot be kept open under present circumstances. I believe if it was taken over by the county authorities it could be made to pay its way, and I wonder no petition has been promoted with this object. Nothing can beat water for heavy, slow traffic, and omitting mention of the advantages of the canal for the carriage of coal, grain, timber, and other heavy stuffs, and if only the large quantity of road stone used in the district was carried by it the result would be a considerable revenue, and also a considerable saving in carting, as the stone could be discharged at any landing near its destination.

Another very serious matter to consider is the fact that should the canal be closed there would be "only one shop" and every one knows what that would mean.

I am perfectly satisfied if the working of the canal was taken up in the right quarters and energetically pursued the waterway would be a public benefit, and would maintain itself.

It will be a great mistake to have it closed.

Yours respectfully,

A FARMER.