The act of the 7th and 8th George IV. entitled, An Act to amend and enlarge the Provisions of the several Acts relating to the Ellesmere and Chester Canal Navigations; after reciting the works executed in the several acts of parliament relating to this navigation, states, that the branch from Wardle Green to Middlewich, which the acts of the 12th and 17th George III. empowered the Chester Canal Company to make, has not been done; this act, therefore, enables the united company to execute this branch with some deviations from the original line; and to form a junction with a short branch of one hundred yards in length, which the Trent and Mersey or Grand Trunk Canal Company are required to make, by virtue of an act passed this session of parliament, from their canal at or near the Brick Kiln Field Bridge, or Brooks Lane Bridge, situate on the south side of the town of Middlewich. The deviation on this branch occurs near the Middlewich end, and is fifteen hundred and sixty yards in length, which does not materially alter the length of the line. The estimate for this deviation line was made by Messrs. Telford and W. A. Provis, and amounts to £14,009, 3s. 1d. The locks upon this branch are directed to be 77 feet in length, 8 feet 4 inches in width at the top, and 7 feet 1 inch at the level of the bottom sill, and the rise of each 10 feet 4 inches.
Although this act repeals all the previous acts relating to the united navigation, yet the original contracts remain in force, and the present committee are to be continued in the same way as though the acts had not been repealed.
There are clauses for the protection of Tilstone Mills, Darnhall Mills, Tattenhall Mills, Stoke Mills, and the mills belonging to Earl Kilmorey, in the county of Chester. The water of the River Perrey above Platt Mill, situate in the township of Ruytun of the Eleven Towns, and some other streams, are not to be taken.
Upon all the canals, branches, and railroads, belonging to the united company of the Ellesmere and Chester Canal, the following tonnage rates are allowed.
TONNAGE RATES.
| Coke, Culm, Lime.stone, and Rock Salt | 1½d per Ton, per Mile. |
| Freestone, Timber, Slate, Pig and Bar Iron, Iron-stone, Pig Lead, and Lead-ore | 2d ditto. ditto. |
| All other Goods, Wares, and Merchandize whatsoever | 3d ditto. ditto. |
