Thu 16 Feb 1815
The Canal to be cleaned. Steam Engine to be purchased for this. Mr Upton of Gloucester to undertake this under contract.
Mr Blackwell paid an extra sum of £5 8s 1d for Weir enlargement.
At a Meeting of the Committee of the Stroud Water Canal Navigation held at the Committee Room at Wallbridge on Wednesday the 16^th February 1815
Present: Nath^l Jones, W^m Stanton, John Snowden, Jn^o Holbrow, P H Fisher, Rich^d Miller, H Eycott, Tho Carruthers.
Read the minutes of the last Meeting.
It having been ascertained that the Navigation of the Canal is much obstructed by the accumulation of Mud in various parts thereof as to make it necessary to cleanse out the same without delay,
Resolved that the same be cleansed forthwith. Application having been made by various persons & it appearing from this information that the most eligible mode of cleansing the same would be a Machine to be worked by Steam, Resolved that a Steam Engine, Machine, etc, etc, be purchased for that purpose.
The Proposal to provide a Vessel, Steam Engine, Machinery, etc, etc for the above purpose this Day by M^r Upton of Gloster appearing the most economical & eligible in all respects, Resolved that this proposal be approved & a contract be entered into with him for the same.
It having been necessary for W^m Blackwell to enlarge the Weir contracted to be made by him beyond the original Plan, Resolved that he be allowed the Sum of five pounds 8^s/1^d above the former estimate for the same.
Resolved that this Meeting be adjourned to Wedneday the 29^th March next.
