are incomplete". By early 1894 the LSWR, the Lee-on-the-Solent Railway company and the Board of Trade had been negotiating over the subject of through trains. Altered track arrangements at Fort Brockhurst would be needed and standard height platforms would be needed at the stopping places, and a porter and waiting shelter would have to be provided at the stations. The LSWR stood back from these discussions as far as possible. But the changes were made and on 28 March 1894 the Lee-on-Solent board informed the Railway Inspectorate that the line would be ready for re-inspection the next month. The plan was to open the line on 28 April 1894. They added that they intended to use the two engines belonging to the company, and that the two "American or tramcar-type carriages" had been fitted with continuous footboards at the same height as ordinary carriages. Platform heights had been raised to 3 feet and would be provided with lamps. If permission were given to using ordinary passenger stock in an emergency, an undertaking would be given not to stop at other than at Brockhurst and Lee. The re-inspection, again by Major Yorke, took place on 7 May 1894. He found that buffers were absent at Brockhurst on a siding; that the new platform ramps were too steep; and that fencing was needed at the rear of Privett and Browndown stations. He reminded the company that a 10 mph maximum speed would operate as they had agreed. On that basis he gave provisional sanction given for the opening with a further re- inspection in June. Opening The company arranged a formal opening on 12 May 1894. To operate the new service a locomotive was hired from the South Western, notwithstanding the previous remark about the company's own engines. White states that a contractor worked the line until 1909. The initial service comprised eight trains each way daily with three on Sundays, all services calling by request at the two intermediate halts of Browndown and Privett. Later the timetable was changed to afford a slightly reduced number during the winter months. The fact that the first train did not leave Brockhurst until 10:15 indicates the type of patronage the line wished to attract. From the time of opening up to and including 20 May 1894 total traffic receipts were £30 3s 5d. Wages amounted to £44 a month. Development of business was hampered