not a conclusion: the future
We have seen how the Driffield Navigation was incorporated as a public charity, not a profit-making venture. The early Commissioners took their responsibilities seriously and kept meticulous records.
Traffic was encouraged by the construction and leasing of warehouses at Canal Head, Driffield. The maximum cargo dues and rates were never charged and for many types of traffic such as fertilisers the rates were very low indeed. In his book "The Inland Wateraways of East Yorkshire" Duckham has argued that the existence of an independent navigation held down railway traffic rates and he quotes examples of canal traffic which actually increased.
Thus the early Commissioners saw their waterway as a benefit to the community. Whilst it was hoped that the region would prosper and whilst new industry was encouraged it was never envisaged that the town of Driffield would expand to rival the the growing cities of the industrial Midlands and Yorkshire; rather it was hoped that the new products of the industrial revolution would be more readily available to a greater cross-section of the community and the increased productivity from modern farming techniques would find a wider market.
So today the Commissioners accept their duties seriously, like their predecessors, to preserve and restore the Driffield Navigation as an amenity for all users. We still have a mammoth task in front of us but we look forward to the future when once again a Yorkshire Keel will be able to navigate to Driffield.
We cannot accomplish this task alone and we welcome any help towards achieveing our aim. Reference has already been made to the Driffield Navigation Amenities Association which represents all canal user interests and which has been particularly active; we also appreciate the financial and physical help of public bodies, private companies and individuals.
Responsibility for the Driffield Navigation will doubtless be passed to our successors. Meanwhile we hope that you have enjoyed reading this guide and that it will stimulate greater leisure time enjoyment of the Driffield Navigation.