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March 15. — A self-acting plane was brought into operation for the purpose of conveying coals from Bewicke-main colliery to the Tyne. It was constructed and executed under the direction of Samuel Cooke, esq., of Ayton-house, one of the owners of the colliery. The length of the rope on this plane was sixteen hundred yards, and it was made to convey fifty chaldron wagons of coals, at the rate of ten miles in one hour. [LHTB]

April 23. — This being the day appointed by Simon Temple, esq., for opening his new colliery at South Shields, the morning was ushered in by the ringing of bells, &c., &c. Eight wagons being loaded with the coals, were, about one o'clock, drawn by one horse from the pit to the staith, preceded by the band of the East York militia, and followed by Mr. Temple, and a long procession of his friends, and two associations of shipwrights under their banners. Seven of the wagons in succession, were let down by a new inclined plane to the deck of the ship Maida, belonging to Mr. Temple, which was decorated with colours. The delivery of each was succeeded by a general discharge of cannon, and three times three cheers from the surrounding multitude. The eighth wagon was given to the families of the unfortunate men belonging to South Shields, who were then prisoners in France. The company then proceeded to Hylton castle, where one hundred and fifty gentlemen sat down to dinner. The high sheriff of Northumberland, the mayor of Newcastle, several of the chapter of Durham, and most of the magistrates of the district, were at the table. At eight o'clock the ball commenced. At one o'clock, near four hundred ladies and gentlemen sat down to supper; after which dancing recommenced and continued till near six, when all retired highly pleased with the entertainment and the respectful attention paid to them. [LHTB]

 

 

 

• LHTB — Local Historian's Table Book of Remarkable Occurrences Connected with the Counties of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Northumberland and Durham by M.A. Richardson. Published in five volumes in 1844.