Kingston Chronicle (Kingston, ON), June 16, 1826

p.2 The Wellington, a Durham Boat, was wrecked in the La Chine rapids, last week; and that part of her cargo, which consisted of Ashes, was lost. The remainder, consisting of Flour, was, we understand, saved. - This accident may serve as an example of the imprudence of running such risk, when it can be avoided by the payment of a moderate toll at the Canal. [Montreal Herald]

p.3

Lower Canada Canals.

We have this week noticed the loss of a Durham boat in the Lachine rapids, belonging to a respectable forwarding company at Prescott - and in doing so, we cannot but think that the loss of property in those rapids is to be attributed solely to the very extravagant tolls demanded on boats passing through the Lachine Canal. The demand is so extremely high as almost to amount to a prohibition - and consequently forwarders are induced to risk those dangers to which they have heretofore been subject. The toll paid by a boat carrying four hundred and five barrels of flour, amounts to Four Pounds - and this for passing through a Canal nine miles in length! What will our neighbours say to this? But not content with this most extravagant demand, the Collector at Lachine (who is instructed by the managers) compels all boats descending, to pay the toll for returning, although they may with a favourable wind sail up the rapids, and thereby avoid the Canal. It is indeed a matter of regret that the transportation of produce from Upper Canada should be subject to such enormous charges - and more particularly when the prices of produce are so very low as they are at present - the prices quoted in the last Montreal Herald "to the contrary notwithstanding." We therefore hope that our Legislature will at their ensuing session, make such a representation as to cause a suitable reduction of those charges which are at present such a clog upon the agricultural interests of Upper Canada. The locks at the Cascades are another source of oppression. Ten dollars are demanded at Lachine for the passage through these locks - whether you use them or not - and we know that owners of produce would save a large sum of money if they were only to pay for the actual use of these locks - and moderate men think the charge double what it ought to be. We have always understood that Canals are intended to be a great public benefit - but the object is certainly defeated by the imposition of extravagant charges.