Malcolm Nixon wrote: > On Thu, 11 Jan 2007 09:44:18 +0000, Adrian Stott <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > wrote: > > >> It was not the rule during the waterways' freight days. It was >> introduced later as a convenience for the navigation authorities (and >> an inconvenience for boaters). >> > > Didn't it also have something to do with poorly maintained and leaking > gates. So the idea was to close both sets - as one set may be more > watertight than the other ???>
Leaking gates aren't only a question of maintenance, although that's one factor. Leaks can also be caused, and frequently are, by debris caught between the gates or between the gate and the cill. Ditto for leaky paddles. When there were lock-keepers everywhere that didnt matter because they could sort it out (no doubt usually by closing the gfates at the other end). But how may boaters nowadays check for that when they're leaving a lock and do something about it if there is such leakage? -- Mike Stevens narrowboat Felis Catus III web-site www.mike-stevens.co.uk Defend the waterways. Visit the web site www.saveourwaterways.org.uk
