more. He bought up the
existing contract, compromised and settled all existing claims and got
rid of all liabilities. The rearrangement, however, took a great deal of
time, and was later complicated by the dissolution of partnership between
him and Mr. Davies, while the works were proceeding between Welshpool and
Newtown. Not until July 26th, 1861, was it finally arranged that Mr.
Savin should relinquish the lease, and work the line on an amended basis,
under which he was to take the earnings, pay 4.75 per cent. to the
Company, supplementing the earnings of the line by a draft upon the North
Western, who granted rebates. {42}

[Picture: From left to right: The late MR. JOHN WARD, Mr. T. Savin's
partner in the construction of several of the Cambrian Railways; The late
MR. JOHN SAVIN, who assisted his brother in the construction of the Welsh
Coast and other Railways]

Still, it considerably expedited construction. The works came into the
new hands in October 1859, and so far as the chief portions of the
undertaking went, progress became quite satisfactory. As is so often the
case, in these affairs, it was an unexpected development over a detail
that caused the greatest perturbation. Another difference arising on the
board, this time regarding certain engagements entered into about the
site of the station at Oswestry, Sir Watkin, who appears to have had
certain misgivings as to the conduct of the business, being out-voted at
a meeting of the directors, just before Mr. Savin came into possession of
the works, in his turn left the room and a few days later sent in his
resignation. He was replaced in the chair by Mr. David Pugh, M.P., of
Llanerchyddol Hall, Welshpool, who continued to act in that capacity
till, on his death in 1861, he was succeeded by Mr. Whalley.

On the line, however, the navvies went doggedly digging on, despite
atrocious weather. By May 1st, 1860, the track was sufficiently complete
from Oswestry to Pool Quay to be opened for traffic to that point, and
advertisements began to appear announcing "cheap trains" for
excursionists to the "far-famed and commanding heights of Llanymynech
Hills." In the middle of the month a more venturesome journey was
attempted and, by the grace of God, safely accomplished. The last link
in the iron road had just been laid, a mile or two from Welshpool, and
one fine evening, "shortly after six o'clock" (as a local journalist
records) "the