Wed 3 Aug 1853
Survey of Navigation, Brimscombe to Lechlade. Canal in good working order.
Coal trade to Burford from Lechlade could not be maintained against competition of Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway. Letter from Burford resident, Mr Street, thought Company unable to compete with railway if whole of tonnage charges on Thames & Severn Canal were abolished. Drawback, £15, promised to traders supplying coal to Burford Market to be abolished, but Mr Taunton could make special contracts with individual traders.
Mr Arkell met Committee at Dudgrove Lock. He wanted bridge of communication belonging to his farm improved. Permitted to carry 4 or 5 boat loads of rubble etc along canal free of tolls. Mr Arkell permitted to take water from Dudgrove Level. Abundant there owing to Welford feeder to supply stock in farm yard. 20s a year and conditions. Mr Arkell also permitted to make wooden bridge across canal. 1s a year.
Several trees to be cut down and sold.
Culvert or small bridge over Churn, west side of Latton Basin, dilapidated and dangerous. Mr Dunsford, Agent of Wilts & Berks Canal Company, applied for repair. Mr Taunton to advise Mr Dunsford that the Act imposes liability of maintaining bridge on Wilts & Berks Canal Company.
Mr Messenger of Cricklade and George Geiles damaged banks of canal at Siddington Field in raising stone. Mr Messenger must immediately repair damage. Mr Ball, solicitor, to proceed against George Geiles, also Ray Fletcher and Robert Fletcher, employed by him as labourers. Possible punishment of transportation.
Mr Mantell rents stone quarry from Mr Bowley at the Bluehouse Fields. Fence required.
Mr Gordon claimed land near Thames Head Wharf on east side of Turnpike road. Mr Taunton to require Cox to pay 1s a year rent for the land he holds of the Company.
Leakage at Capel’s Viaduct. Mr Franks, Resident Engineer of Railway, agreed to rebuild retaining wall. Company to supply lime and gravel.
Mr Biddle at Wallbridge applied to have canal widened opposite his premises. Agreed if Mr Biddle pays fair share of expenditure.
Mr Taunton to procure estimate on cost of building an Ice Boat.
Mr Sanders (Saunders?) to be Tonnage Clerk at Brimscombe Port. Security £150. Salary £70 per annum. £8 in lieu of house rent.
Mr James Smith of Brimscombe asked for reduction of tonnage on coke and coal placed on railway at Brimscombe Station. As Mr Smith would not bind himself to carry any particular quantity, the request was not accepted.
Legal difficulty in carrying into effect toll agreement with Stroudwater Canal Company as drafted. Agreed Stroudwater Company to receive whole amount of toll and to account for the portion due to this Company.
Mr Taunton to report on best means of altering and repairing steam engine.
