Wed 23 Apr 1919
Charles Stevens, formerly lock keeper at Dudbridge released from army, reinstated in service of Company. Minett, who took Stevens’ place, retained on Navigation and allowed to remain in lock keeper’s house.
Mr Sidney Preston, Chairman of Canal Control Committee, asked if Private Pockett, acting as tidesman at Framilode, wished to continue in services of Company when demobilised. If so he should be released speedily. Affirmative.
Secretary to Severn Fishery Board asked if lower rental would be accepted on termination of present lease. Reduced to £10 for a year.
Lady Beauchamp of Ebley Court applied to use a canoe on Ebley pound of the canal. 10s a year. Further letter asking for material reduction. No less charge entertained.
Two new balance poles essential at Pike Lock. Oak, cost about £15 compared with £12 for larch, but better value. Bottom gates to be replanked.
Company’s inability to pay income or other taxes on tolls and dues received under its Act discussed. Mr Bloxam to discuss with Surveyor of Taxes.
[1919 April] Committee Meeting held at Wallbridge on Wednesday the 23^rd day of April 1919
Present: Philip Jas Evans, Edward P Little, W R Bloxam, W^m Davies.
Mr Snape reported that Charles Stevens formerly Lock-keeper at Dudbridge had been released from the Army and reinstated in the service of the Company but that Minett who took Steven's place had been retained on the Navigation and allowed to remain in the Lock-keepers house.
Mr Sidney Preston, Chairman of Canal Control Committee had written to ask if Private Pockett acting as Tidesman at Framilode wished to continue in the services of the Company when demobilised as if he did he should be released from the Army speedily. An answer in the affirmative had been returned.
The Secretary of the Severn Fishery Board had written to know if a lower rental would be accepted on termination of present lease and it was decided to reduce the Rent to £10 for a year and then reconsider the matter. Mr Bloxam would draft a letter embodying this to save making a fresh Agreement.
Lady Beauchamp of Ebley Court having applied for leave to use a Canoe on the Ebley pound of the Canal had been told that 10/- a year was the charge and in reply to a further letter asking for a material reduction Mr Snape was instructed to write that no less charge could be entertained.
Mr Snape reported that two new balance poles were essential at the Pike Lock and the Committee decided to use Oak for the purpose which would cos about £15 each as compared with £12 each for larch and would be much better value.
The bottom gates would have to be replanked.
The question of the Company's non liability to pay Income or other taxes on the tolls and dues received under its Act was discussed and it was left for Mr Bloxam to discuss with the Surveyor of Taxes.
The Balance Sheet was examined and discussed and it was decided to recommend a Dividend of 10^s/ per share payable 1^st May - Income Tax to be deducted.
