§ Order for Third Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."—(Mr. H. B. Sheridan.)
§ MR. PAULLsaid, he objected to proceeding with the Bill at so late an hour (a quarter past one o'clock).
§ MR. H. B. SHERIDANsaid, he had received a letter from Captain Tyler approving the Bill. It had been fully discussed on a previous stage, and he must therefore persist in carrying the Bill through its last stage.
§ MR. VANCEsaid, he was in favour of the Bill, but he should divide against proceeding with it on the present occasion, on the principle that opposed business ought not to be taken at so late an hour.
§ MR. SERJEANT GASELEEmoved that the Bill be read a third time that day three months.
§ MR. DILLWYNseconded the Amendment.
§ Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day three months."—(Mr. Serjeant Gaselee.)
§ MR. PAULLsaid, that on many lines trains succeeded each other at intervals of three and four minutes. Timid people would stop the trains if a means of communication existed, and thus a new source of railway collisions would be provided. There was the more need of caution, as no "ready and effectual" means of communication had been shown to exist, and the words had been struck out of the Bill. He understood that the railway directors were opposed to the measure, and he trusted that the House would carry the Amendment.
§ MR. DARBY GRIFFITHsaid, he would recommend the hon. Member for Dudley to consent to the postponement. It was clear from the appearance of the House that in a little time it would be counted out.
§ Question put, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."
848§ The House divided:—Ayes 43; Noes 5: Majority 38.
§ Main Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read the third time, and passed.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before Two o'clock.