Mon 20 May 1844
From E W Mason, superintendent
Cainscross
Has been employed as Superintendent of Canal for 3.5 years at lower than usual salary. Not a penny has been spent which has not been for the improvement and durability of the Locks. Continued …
Cainscross May 20th 1844
To the gentlemen comprising the Committee of the Stroudwater Navigation.
Gentlemen,
I have for three & a half years been employed as the Superintendent of your Canal at a Salary much lower than is usual for persons performing similar services ans filling so responsible a Situation.
I have unremittingly devoted the whole of my time and attention to your business and although I have perhaps expended on repairs what some of your Committee may think a large Sum I am Satisfied as a practical man that not one penny has been spent which had not for its object the Substantial and permanent condition of the banks - as being in the end the only true mode of commercial management and that which all the works have been executed as to ensure durability they have been effected at a much lower rate of cost than would have otherwise been under a less minute and diligent supervision.
Under the circumstances I cannot but feel that the new arrangement so spedily rescinding the order of the 27th October last allowing me £30 for a House and seeks ?? one quite inadequate to the comfort of my family can only be intended to get rid of a Servant said by some of your Committee to be "too expensive a Man".
I admit that the allowance of £39 was made only till a house could be provided for me, but it was made in addition to my Salary per Annum and I have a right to expect that having on the faith of that order provided myself with a House I should not be left within the year with that upon my hands.
And it should be further recollected that the £30 was granted in lieu of the House now occupied by Mr C Hawker which from my first appointment I had been led to expect and without which I would not have been induced to take the Situation.
When therefore I am provided with a House hitherto valued at only £6 in the parish Books while Mr Hawkers is worth at least £30 per Annum, and little better than would be necessary for a journeyman Carpenter or Mason I feel that I am treated as my situation or services deserve. And I beg therefore to resign an employment in which it would seem that I do not give satisfaction and which I need not retain to be uncomfortable to myself.
I have no desire to place the Canal Co in an awkward situation by leaving them without such Notice that will enable them to provide a substitute and therefore leave it to the Committee what early term after Midsummer it will be convenient for them to dispense with my services.
I am Gents your most obt Servt E W Mason
