The Bridgewater and Taunton Canal Company are to continue their works, but the expenses are to be reimbursed by the English and Bristol Channels Ship Canal Company. The purchase money to be paid by three equal instalments; the last of which is to be paid at the end of nine months from the passing of the above-recited act, or within three months afterwards; in default of which, the agreement to be void. And, in case it is paid, the monies are to be applied to carrying into execution what remains to be executed of the Bridgewater and Taunton Canal; and after the residue, if any, is distributed among the shareholders, they are to be dissolved, and be no longer a corporate body; and are henceforward released from all obligation to maintain the said canal, which is by this act transferred to the English and Bristol Channels Ship Canal Company.
TONNAGE RATES.
| Hay, Straw, Dung, Pests, and Peat Ashes, Chalk, Marl, Clay, Sand, Lime, Lime-stone to be used for Manure, and all other Articles intended to be used as Manure, and all Materials for the repair of Roads, Coal, Culm, Coke, Cinders, Charcoal, Iron, Stone, Bricks, and Tiles | 1d per Ton, per Mile. |
| All other Goods, Wares, or Merchandize | 3d ditto. ditto. |
Fractions to be taken as for a Quarter of a Mile, and as for a Quarter of a Ton.
For the Purposes of this Act Forty Cubic Feet of Oak, Ash, Elm, Beech. Larch, Mahogany, and other heavy Timber or Wood; and Fifty Cubic Feet of Pine, Fir, Deal, Poplar, and other light Wood; and Forty Cubic Feet of Goods which shall not weigh Twenty Hundred Weight, of One Hundred and Twelve Pounds each, shall be deemed a Ton.
If any Vessel pass along this Canal for any less Distance than Ten Miles, and shall pass through any Lock, shall pay, in Addition to the above Rates, One Penny per Ton upon One Hundred and Fifty Tons at the least, upon passing the first Lock upon the Canal, and One-half of such Amount at every succeeding Lock.
For every Vessel, whether Laden, Unladen, or in Ballast, passing the Tide Locks at either Extremity, and which shall not have passed the whole Length of the Canal, there shall be paid Two-pence per Ton upon the Registered Tonnage of such Ship; and in no case shall less be paid than for One Hundred and Fifty Tons.
For Vessels Unladen or in Ballast, (except such as are used for Agricultural Purposes,) which shall navigate a Distance of Ten Miles or upwards, One Penny per Ton per Mile, as upon One Hundred and Fifty Tons at the least; if less than Ten Miles, and shall pass any Lock, (except the Tide Locks,) One Penny per Ton per Mile; and also a Rate of One Penny per Ton for passing such Lock, upon One Hundred and Fifty Tons at the least, and One-half of such Amount for every succeeding Lock.
As the canal company intend to construct harbours, or ports, with piers, jetties, lights, and other works at the two extremities of the navigation, it is enacted, that they shall be entitled to the following harbour dues, to be paid by all ships or other vessels which may use the said harbours, &c. without navigating the said canal.
