Wed 17 Jul 1918
Canal weeded from Ocean Bridge to Ryeford. Very thick growth on bottom of canal. Whole length had to be raked before knives could be used.
Mr Bloxam had examined new Drainage Act. As now amended, interests of Navigation sufficiently protected.
Further letter to Mr Armitage re taking of clay from spoil bank at Eastington. Whenever soil was taken, surface should be made good. If legality questioned, canal authorities acting within rights.
Protection cards for lock keepers at Eastington and Dudbridge received from Canal Control Committee.
Raising tonnage rates discussed. Very greatly increased wages paid. Chairman to write to Sidney Preston.
August meeting suspended.
Tonnage £242 5s 6d, 1917 £241 4s.
[1918 July] Committee Meeting held at Wallbridge on Wednesday the 17^th day of July 1918 @ 3.20 o'clock pm
Present: Edward P Little, W^M Davies, W R Bloxam, Philip Jas Evans, A J Morton Ball, S S Marling.
The Manager reported that the Canal had been weeded from the Ocean Bridge Stonehouse to Ryeford. On account of the very thick growth on the bottom of the Canal the whole length had to be raked before the knives could be used.
Mr Bloxam had examined the new Drainage Act and was satisfied that as now amended the interests of the Navigation were sufficiently protected.
It was decided not to write further to Mr Armitage respecting the taking of clay from the spoil bank at Eastington which had been complained of by Mr Snape was instructed to see that whenever any soil was taken the surface should be made good and if the question of the legality of doing so was raised he should say that the Canal authorities were acting within their rights.
Protection cards for the Lock-keepers at Eastington and Dudbridge had been received from the Canal Control Committee.
The possibility of raising tonnage rates was discussed in view of the very greatly increased wages now paid and the Chairman undertook to write M^r Sidney Preston on the matter.
In accordance with precedent, it was ordered that the monthly meeting of the Committee, be suspended in August.
Tonnage was £242..5..6 compared with £241..4..0 to same date last year.
Bank Balance £317..3..8 against £314..17..2 in 1917 at same date.
