Following received from a (nominally) non-railway list to which I belong. I
can't comment but I'll happily pass any input to that list. Thanks in
anticpation.
Ken (Smith) (with usual apologies for x-posting)
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ian Spensley <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Jan 25, 2008 2:22 PM
Subject: Re: Coal Mines and the Railway Monopoly
To: [log in to unmask]
>>Dear List,
Most books seem to suggest that the railways brought cheap coal, but while
trying to find an answer to how the small coal mines in the Yorkshire dales
remained in operation until the early 20th century, I found that the North
Eastern Railway Company was operation a monopoloy.
In 1853 the Northern-Eastern was formed with the?amalgamation of the Thirsk
and Leeds lines.
Prices of Coal at Richmond Station had been 8s per ton, but after the
amalgamation it was 14s per ton. The company were forcing to people to
either pay their price at the station (as coal merchants), or only supplied
coal to, approved merchants who agreed to sell at the price set by the
railway/coal owners. In the case of Richmond, supplies?were brought from
Shincliffe Colliery.
The monopoly also had the effect of rerducing the hours which some of the
pits could work as it reduced demand. One collier from Trimdon Grange pit
complained that his hours had been reduced in 1863.
There is mention of Manchester for instance being supplied by traction
engines, and this was suggested as means of avoiding the Northeastern's
Durham line, but the saving was marginal.
The House of Parliament?Commissions into the mater don't seem to have
resolved the situation.
Was the same thing happening else where in the country?
Regards
Ian Spensley<<
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