17 Oct 1839
Page 1
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Newspaper
Courier
Location
London, Middlesex, United Kingdom
Date
Oct 17, 1839
Page
1
Public notice in Courier lists schedule changes for London and Croydon Railway trains. Trains will stop at New Cross and other stations, with specific start times from London and Croydon stations. Names of officials and addresses appear in the announcement.
A report from the Constabulary Fates Commissioners compiles confessions of four depredators of migratory travellers. The thieves recount fairs and races across England from Nottingham to Birmingham, detailing pickpocketing, thefts of handkerchiefs and clothing, and multiple sentences. The account highlights roaming bands, disguises, and systematic plundering at fairs, with mentions of juries, gaols, and scattered trials.
A survey of American theatre from the New York Herald notes a rich winter in opera with stars such as Shirreff Inserarity Seguin and Wallack, while predicting uneven drawing for Park opera and a strong national stage led by Forrest Kean Vandenhoff and Wallack. It mentions Wallack’s move to Niblo’s, the Park’s weaker attendance, and other actors like Booth, Barry, and Davenport scattered across venues. The piece also covers related legal notices and shipboard praise for the British Queen.
A Railway Times summary refutes Post Office cost claims by showing the railway mail service costs are not higher than the old coach system. It explains that payments to contractors included duties and tolls, and that rail charges cover all expenses plus new sorting machines, with overall public benefit and reduced rev enues feared only if changes lag.
The Glasgow Chronicle reports trials on the Fort and Clyde Canal guided by Mr Macneill CE. The Victoria locomotive towed passenger and cargo boats at up to twenty miles per hour, with eight trading vessels linked behind. Trials showed increased tonnage possible with minimal speed loss, waves were manageable, and railway-like guidance reduced overturn risk.
An experimental voyage of the Archimedes from London Bridge to Gravesend in a screw driven vessel impresses Ship Propeller Company shareholders. The vessel, with no paddle wheels, proves water under stern and steady motion, raises questions on screw versus paddle power and shows safe passage in the Thames. Earlier trials occurred six months ago despite boiler failures, and the vessel can navigate with reduced danger to river traffic.
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