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It will be observed from Mr. Stephenson’s Report, that he has advised the Company to endeavour to induce the Duke of Portland to alter the curves of the Troon line, and to relay it with edge rails, by which a complete communication would be made between Kilmarnock and Ayr. He has further advised the Company to form a small branch from Irvine to Drybridge on the Troon line, as also a small piece of Railway to connect the Ardrossan Railway more effectively with the main line. By this means a complete communication would be made between Ayr, Ardrossan, Irvine, and Kilmarnock, a communication no less useful to the main line, than beneficial to the inhabitants of these towns. Your Committee have already had the honour of meeting with his Grace the Duke of Portland, with the view of ascertaining his views in regard to the line passing through his grounds, and also of ascertaining as to ' whether he would be inclined to make the alterations on the Troon line as recommended. They are glad to say , that his Grace has entered on the consideration of these subjects with the liberality and frankness for which that Nobleman is distinguished ; that he has given permission to the Company to cross the Troon Railway on a level, or otherwise, as they see best adapted for connecting the h
arbour of Troon with the main line ; that he has taken into consideration the propriety of making the alterations proposed, with the consent of other proprietors on the Troon Railway line ; and that, as an earnest of the future arrangement likely to be entered into.