1867-1887
Gloucestershire Archives D1180/1/6
Minutes from 14 May 1867 to 15 February 1887
of the Committee of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation
Mr Peyton reported that A Davis, Captain of the Defiance, refused to show his ticket, had his vessel drawn with two donkeys abreast and had two hands only attending the boat. He was ordered to be fined 5s on each separate offence, or pay the full penalties.
The Surveyor was ordered to lengthen the Stonehouse Wharf, at an estimated cost of £12.
The Surveyor applied for permission to make a small tow boat to be used in repairs at an estimated cost of £14.
The Surveyor reported that on the 25 and 26 March the water from the Mill Pond to the Ryeford Mills had again overflowed and damaged the towpaths which then formed the bank of the canal. This had been caused by continually raising the water in the Mill Pond beyond the former height by Messrs Ford. Committee to draw this to Messrs Ford’s attention and also to the Resolution of 24 July 1866 and considers it can no longer remain in the present unsatisfactory state.
Claim to be made against the Stonehouse & Nailsworth Railway Company for impediments and obstructions to the canal at the bridge belonging to the Railway Company near Ryeford. The Solicitor of the Company instructed to apply to the Railway Company for damages as fixed by the Railway Act from the time when the obstructions commenced.
Mr Beard to make arrangement to relieve Mr Jones of Stonehouse from the rent of a stable for Critchley the Stonehouse wharfinger, from Christmas last.
Letter requiring payment of £1 8s 8d received from Messrs Harman & Son. Committee resolved that they could not depart from the terms of the last resolution on the subject.
A. Davis attended and paid fine of 15s.
Resolved that Mr Peyton be allowed to remove a greenhouse that he proposes putting up at his residence.
Committee not quorate.
Sarah Renard and John Cole claimed share no.4, will of Samuel Renard.
Purchases of timber sanctioned.
A new foot bridge to be made and put up at Ryeford.
C Critchley to be appointed Wharfinger at Stonehouse Wharf and Henry Lewis be appointed Wharfinger at Ryeford Wharf at a rate of £1 p.a.
Mr Smith and Mr Grist applied for permission to use the Pen at Dudbridge Wharf lately occupied by Mr Jones. Surveyor to do whatever necessary to divide the Pen accordingly.
Mr G. Ford applied for permission to use corner of bridge at Ryeford for an entrance to his premises and was prepared to give a written acknowledgement that the same should be considered and granted on sufferance and discontinued whenever required. The Surveyor inspect the same and if approved permission be granted on terms above.
Clerk to call Mr Ford’s attention the state of the tow path near Ryeford Mills and the resolution of 24 July 1866 be adhered to.
Committee’s attention called to the want of proper drainage to the highway near the Ryeford Wharf resulting in the water flowing into the Company’s wharf. Clerk to bring the matter before the Board of Waywardens and request they remedy the cause of the complaint.
Messrs Croome, Phipps and Beard are to attend matters connected with the Railway Bridge near Ryeford and Liebye at Stonehouse. Any two of them are empowered to deal with all litigation with the Midland Railway Company with reference to the tonnage charged by that company from the Liebye and all litigation and claims against the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway Company re the Bridge and Liebye and if necessary to compromise such litigation and claims as they think best.
Counsel advised a formal demand for penalties against the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway Company to be made under the Seal of this Company preparatory to a fresh action, in lieu of that which had been discontinued under his advice. Resolved that the Seal of the Company be affixed to a formal demand to be prepared by the Company’s Solicitor.
Notice to quit be given to the tenants of the part of the warehouse at Framilode in order to determine the tenancy. This to be given by letter from the Clerk to Mr George Meadows of Epney near Frampton. In future the accounts of Messrs Peyton are to be submitted half yearly for audit.
Stratford Flour Mill Company allowed a drawback of 7d per ton from the current charge of 1s 7d on all corn brought up the canal provided they import 2500 tons annually.
Clerk to offer the following reductions and drawback.
Lane, 2000 tons, 5d from 1s 4d, nett 11d.
Ford, 3500 tons, 4d from 1s 3d, nett 11d.
Sims, 2000 tons, 6d from 1s 6d, nett 1s.
Butt, 600 tons, 6d from 1s 6d, nett 1s.
Mr F Howard given permission to use the Canal with his canoe free of charge.
Mr Peyton reported that on 26 August, J Browning, captain of the barge Lewis, sent his man to draw water from the double locks which was contrary to the instructions of the lockkeeper. Browning fined 2s 6d.
Mr G Ford attended requesting the general reduction of tonnage on all goods brought to Ryeford by canal. Question postponed until the next.
Notice given to G Nurse to quit the Wharf and premises at Dudbridge at Christmas next.
Mr Sutton applied on behalf of the Stroud Board of Health to rent a pen on Wallbridge Wharf to place and break road stone. Rent of £3 p.a., pen to be fenced by the Canal Company, but to be kept in repair by the Board of Health. Mr Sutton to take matter to the Board.
The Great Western Railway Company had on 1 October imposed certain lockage and dock dues on vessels entering the lock at Bullo Pill: Messrs Croome, Beard and Phipps to deal with this matter as they think best.
Blank page.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage from 1 April £1629 18s 2d. After wages, etc, profit £1144 18s 2d. Dividend of £5 10s declared.
Reinstatement of certain disqualified Committee members agreed (because of non-attendance at meetings): Messrs F Thornton, C Hooper, C Hawker, H H Wilton, C H Fisher.
To promote the interests of the Canal by attracting a larger attendance of shareholders at the next general half yearly meeting a formal dinner should take place.
Mr Daniel Fryer farmer at Epney was willing, after the expiration of the Notice to Quit the room of the Framilode Warehouse now occupied by the Framilode Benefit Society, to take the same and pay an annual rent of £3.
Reported that J Clark on 10 October had lifted the paddle and wasted the water of the Lodgemore Feeder. Proceedings be taken unless he pay the fine of 20s.
Wharfage dues of 25s owed by J Jefferies to be enforced immediately.
J Clift.who wilfully wasted the water on 1 November, to pay fine of 5s.
In reply to a request to transfer of the insurance through Mr Norman with the Norwich Union Company, the Clerk was directed to reply to the effect that Mr Norman, for being on the spot at Ebley, and always accessible, it was not considered expedient to remove the NU Co.
J Clark and J Clift paid the fines imposed on them at the last meeting.
Mr Ford’s request to reduce the tonnage to and from the Ryeford to 6d per ton for everything and to allow 10 sacks of flour to the ton as it will facilitate the export of flour considered. If less than 10,000 tons p.a. be undertaken, he offered to pay 2d per ton additional at the end of any year. Committee could no accede to this request but are willing to consider any further proposal made which relates to new traffic to be brought upon the canal, or to the mills, not consisting of coal as they intend to reconsider their scale of tonnages generally.
Messrs Croome, Beard, Captain C Fisher, Mr Kearsey to be a committee to consider the question of tonnage generally on the canal.
Mr Kearsey authorised to withdraw the Notice to Quit the Wharf at Dudbridge given to Mr G Nurse, on such terms as he considers desirable.
A letter from the Reverend H Dombrain requested a subscription to the Framilode National Schools. £2 given.
Stroud Highway Board to rent a pen at Wallbridge Wharf at £3 p.a. from the 1st January.
John Wilton, George Wilton and Francis Wilton claimed share nos.193,194, will of John William Wilton.
G Nurse declined to have his name used in action re the proposed legal proceedings against the Midland Railway for taking expensive tolls from the Stonehouse Wharf to Nailsworth. In order to be in a position to try the question the Company should purchase coals and have them carried and pay the tonnage under protest.
Joseph Cottle reported that John Clark, the person lately fined for lifting a paddle, had brought an action against him for slander. This stated that Clark kept a false key to draw the water at the Feeder into the Lodgemore Level which Cottle denies. Mr Kearsey, our attorney, to defend the action at the cost of the Company.
Wallbridge Wharf to be let by tender from Christmas next and be advertised.
Committee empowered for dealing with the tonnages to also let Dudbridge Wharf.
Mr Kearsey reported that the action brought by J Clark against Joseph Cottle had been abandoned by the paintiff and the costs paid.
The sub-committee to consider the question of tonnages, and for other purposes, met on 21 December last and, to meet competition from the Stonehouse & Nailsworth Railway, they recommended various drawbacks and reductions in rent for wharf tenants (details given). These recommendations were confirmed.
Resolved that Mr Kearsey inform Mr Cox that his notice does not discharge his tenancy for his house near the gas works and that notice be given to William Salisbury to quit the adjoining house.
Mr Peyton reported that new gates were required at Framilode lock. Mr Peyton to do whatever is necessary and purchase timber as required.
Bills paid.
On 3 March J Dangerfield, master of the Rose Ann, passed without giving any account what he had on board the boat. Fined penalty of 5s for not giving any account of his cargo and wasting water. R Williams, the owner, to be charged 3p per ton
R Williams had given an explanation that the cargo on the Rose Ann was clinker and had paid the tonnage of 3p per ton. Tonnage be repaid as a gratuity as the fine of 5s had been paid by J Dangerfield.
Mr Kearsey reported that actions under the directions of the committee having the conduct of the legal proceedings against the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway Co had been taken at the last assizes and the defendant submitting to a judgement for £1060 in damages and costs. Also that proceedings be taken to remedy such judgement as available against the railway company as circumstances will allow. Also reported that the action against the Midland Railway was still pending. The settlement of the actions against the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Company ,and the costs intended to be taken with reference to the judgement, were approved.
The Solicitor produced a deed of demise from this company to Mr Daniel Fryer for the room at Framilode lately occupied by the Framilode Benefit Society as a yearly tenant at £3 p.a. for the purpose of that Society. The seal of the Company be applied to the deed and that the Solicitor charge of £1 1s be paid.
A stoppage to take place from 1 o’clock in the morning of Tuesday 12 May until Wednesday 20 May at 1 o’clock upon which the usual notice be given.
The Company to employ a blacksmith to open a blacksmith shop at Eastington to provide tools.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 October 1867 £1845 17s 1d. After wages, etc, profit of £1255 6s 5d. Dividend of £6 declared.
The box containing the Seal of the Company to be kept locked and that one of the three keys be kept by the Clerk, another with the Treasurer and the third by Mr Beard.
Mr s Stephens applied to be allowed to erect a boathouse on the land in his occupation adjoining the canal. Permission granted subject to the supervision and approval of the Company’s Surveyor.
Mr Partridge applied to be allowed some gravel and was allowed 20 tons.
All persons found fishing with a net in the canal to be prosecuted.
Mr Peyton reported that George Clark, master of the wherry Packet, on 8 May veered his barge into the swing bridge at Stonehouse Ocean, incurring damage of 20s. The Clerk apply to him for the mitigated penalty of 10s.
Annual inspection on the boat.
At the Company’s house at Downfield, lately rented by Mr Cox and occupied by his tenant Mr N Salisbury, it was found the grate in the kitchen was damaged, which was perfect when the tenancy began. Mr Cox to be called on to repair the grate within one week and, if he refuses, the work to be done by the Company and Mr Cox to be compelled to pay the expense.
The two houses at Downfield are to be whitewashed.
The north wall of the Dudbridge Lock is in bad repair. Surveyor stated that the cost of repair would be £30. Work ordered to be done.
The gates at the double lock are out of repair. The Surveyor recommended that they be repaired at a few pounds expense which would carry them on a few years.
A new door and frame to be put in the hall of the premises adjoining the Turnpike Road, occupied by C Critchley at Stonehouse. Also the gateway next to the Turnpike Road to be filled up with stone, and the old roadway to be broken up. The stone to be hauled away and a new gate to be put in the track adjoining the Stonehouse & Nailsworth Railway.
The Surveyor reported that he very much wanted a shed for converted timber at Eastington Dock, there being none at the present where timber can be locked up. The estimated cost of a shed about 40ft long by 22ft wide covered with Bridgewater tile would be from £25 to £30. The shed is to be built in line with the sawpit as early as convenient to the Surveyor.
The Committee inspected the new Blacksmith’s shop which had been built and found it to be to their entire satisfaction.
Joseph Cottle reported that on 6 July J Clark, master of the Effort, came to Dudbridge, his boat being loaded with wheat without a Framilode ticket, and on the 8 July H Clapham, master of the Sisters, came up without any captain, or ticket, loaded with Oil Cake.
A letter was read from Mr Clegram (Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co) proposing to meet the Committee at Whitminster to ask permission to raise the walls of Whitminster Lock 2 or 3 courses of brick at the cost of the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co. At the interview Mr Clegram expressed his anxiety to avoid if possible the raising of the said wall and requested that he might be permitted at the expense of the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co to put up fences to be approved by the Surveyor to prevent cattle falling into the lock; also that if such fences should prove insufficient he might be at liberty to raise the coping stone round the lock as proposed above.
Mr Clegram also requested that the Committee should allow his Company to widen the bridge wall at the Walk Bridge, Whitminster, 2 feet and to lengthen the bridge. The Committee being satisfied that the foundation of the stonework of this bridge will soon require expensive repairs resolved that consent be granted, upon condition of the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co doing the work in a thorough and workmanlike manner to the approval of the Surveyor. The Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co finding the carriage for the said bridge.
Mr Clegram having applied on behalf of his company to be permitted to make a “cut” through their land to join the two canals at Framilode Junction, for the purpose of bringing their large Steam Dredging Machine into that part of Stroudwater Canal which it is their duty to clean but are unable to do because of the narrowness of the Stroudwater canal there. Mr Clegram to let the Surveyor have a detailed statement of his plans.
The Committee having completed their inspection from Wallbridge to Framilode were pleased with the present state, general condition and management, and especially with the new locks at Framilode which suit their purpose well.
Mr Knee of Wallbridge met the Committee at Framilode to discuss the matter of his coal trade at Dudbridge. He expressed himself unable to pledge to sell any certain quantity of coal there in the face of the present competition (the Committee talked of 3000 tons annually). He wished to continue with the present arrangement for another six months. He is to be answered at Wallbridge after the next Committee meeting.
The Committee received a letter from Mr Clegram of the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co seeking permission to make the opening of the dry dock wider from the G&B Canal at the junction with the Stroud Canal to admit the steam dredger in order to keep the canal free from mud accumulations, and to widen the Walk Bridgeway and Bridge. As the lengthening of the bridge may require some change in the rings and rollers upon which it moves, the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co will undertake to find the new rings and rollers for the bridge. This to be done in design and execution subject to the approval of Mr Peyton. Permission granted to the widening of the opening on the distinct understanding that the Company reserve its right to the legal ownership of the side of the bank to be removed in making the opening; also that the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co erect a sufficient gate at the entrance into such opening over which the Company shall have control for all purposes connected with the canal. Permission was granted to widen the Canal at the Walk Bridge for the purpose of getting the steam dredger to pass through, such alterations to be made at the expense of the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co in such a manner that no extra expense is incurred in repairs thereafter to the Stroudwater Navigation Co because of the lengthening and widening of the bridge. Permissions all granted subject to the Stroudwater Navigation Co rights and under the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co Acts of Parliament. Also under the condition that such works and alterations be carried out with the entire approval of the Surveyor.
Mr Knee continue at Dudbridge Wharf until Christmas next, the Company expressing a hope that he will increase his trade within the next few months.
Mr Peyton reported that he had heard from Mr Clegram on behalf of the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co that they were willing to consent to the terms of the Resolutions passed by the Committee on 18 August. ie to widen the opening from the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co into the Stroudwater Canal at the junction and also the widen and lengthen the bridge and bridgeway at Wak Bridge. Mr Peyton had a copy of these proposals and agreement to the terms and conditions laid down.
Messrs Wall & Hook to pay 10s wharfage of stone at Dudbridge Wharf.
The seal of the Company be affixed to the lease of the house let to J Nicholls at Downfield.
In consequence of the introduction into this neighbourhood of a new steam coal from the Forest of Dean by means of the recently opened Forest of Dean Central Railway, it has become most necessary to consider the tonnage on our own Canal, and also those in connection with the Thames and Severn Canal. Resolved that a committee be formed consisting Messrs Kearsey, Beard & Fisher, or any two of them; that they be empowered to deal therewith fully and make such alterations and arrangements with the Thames and Severn Canal Co or any other person as they think best.
The Surveyor was requested to see Mr Clegram and procure from him the written assent of his company to the resolution of the company dated the 18 August 1868.
Messrs Robert Davies were granted permission to unload their wool at the bridge end crossing and to cart the same across this Company’s wharf at Stonehouse to the siding.
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General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 April £1509 10s 1d. After wages, etc, profit £831 9s 11d. Dividend of £4 declared.
Messrs H H Wilton and T M Croome be re-elected members of the Committee.
John Loxley and Edmund Hyde claimed share no.128, will Eliza Beale.
The written assent of the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co to the Resolution of the Company dated 18 August 1868 was forwarded in the shape of an extract from the minutes of a meeting of the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co of 4 November, enclosed in a letter from Mr Clegram to Mr Partridge.
William Adams of Paganhill, trader on the canal, has lately been detected in defrauding the Company to the extent of 5 ton 6 cwt 28 lbs of tonnage in one cargo of paving stone and the carriage of which should have been 3s 11d by false entry and returns at Framilode and Wallbridge. The fines incurred by Adams for this offence amount to upward of £10 at £2 per ton. A mitigated penalty of £1 5s to be inflicted on his signing an expression of his sorrow for having do so, which is to be fixed up in the Canal office at Wallbridge and Framilode. Adams attended, paid the fine and signed the two apologies.
The sub-committee considered the whole subject of tonnages generally, and also those between this canal and the Thames & Severn Canal, issued a report. The tonnages on all coals at Whitminster should be reduced from 7d to 4d per ton and on all coals at Ryeford and Stanley Mills from 11d to 9d per ton. They defer the further consideration of the tonnages of the canal on steam coals to a future period, when they will be better enabled to see if any alteration is required.
Received Mr Taunton’s application, on behalf of the Thames & Severn Canal Co, for a reduction of 4d per ton on steam coal delivered to certain places between Stroud and Brimscombe and that such reduction should be borne equally by the two companies. The Company feel that such arrangements are inequitable and ought to be rectified and that the tonnages should be based upon the relative distances which each canal carries the traffic. They also consider that in any future arrangements that principle should be recognised. They will accept the reduction of 4d per ton on all steam coals carried to Ham Mills and to Brimscombe Mills and to all intermediate places. The company’s tonnages to all traders and consumers in respect of these coals carried to such places and also to all places lying above them in the direction of and up to and including Chalford and its neighbourhood, should be given a deduction by way of drawback or otherwise not less than 6d per ton.
It was deemed advisable that the sub-committee, or some of them, should visit Lydney and the Forest Coal District. Mr Beard and Mr Fisher agreed to go accompanied by Mr Peyton the Surveyor and travel at the expense of the Company. Mr Kearsey to reply to Mr Taunton.
Mr Partridge to write to John Gray of Whitminster to say that the Company have put out 800 tons of mud for him near Whitminster Lock and have decided on charging him 1½d per ton for this at a total cost of £5.
John Hughes, James Peat Heane and Josiah Costree claimed share nos.92,191, will of Richard Hodges Carter.
Sub-committee attended at Lydney and saw Mr Henderson, the manager of the Norchard Pits and then to Holmes Level Pit. Mr Henderson informed the Committee that he was very anxious to compete with the steam coal from Holmes Level Pit and was coming into the neighbourhood on the morrow. They were astonished to see the extent of the works at Holmes Level Pit and the inexpensive process required for working the coal. They were sorry also to find that the manager had made a further reduction to 3s 1d per ton at the pit’s mouth so that with present means of transit it is feared that the Norchard Coal cannot compete, as far as canal traffic is concerned with the new steam coal.
Mr Kearsey sent Mr Taunton extracts from the report on tonnages as far as the same related to coal to be carried on the T&S Canal. A letter from Mr Taunton objecting to the terms proposed was read. The Company do not feel justified in departing from the terms of the report which they do not feel to be fairly open to complaint. Mr Partridge to communicate with Mr Taunton to that effect.
Resolved that Mr Godsell of Froombridge Mills be allowed to carry all his traffic of every description up and down to and from the Bristol Road Wharf at the rate of 3d per ton.
Clerk to affix the Company’s Seal to authority to obtain an Act of Court for the sum of 17s 3d paid in by the defendants in the action against the Midland Railway Company.
G Stevens, captain of the barge Reliance, through the carelessness of his man damaged the Bristol Road Wharf lock to the extent of 8s. Stevens to pay the same.
P Daniels house at the Double Locks to be repaired.
C Matthews, captain of the Mercy, injured the capstan of the Framilode Lock, the damage amounting to £4 Captain to pay 20s fine.
Mr R Williams of Eastington to become tenant of the house and premises at Framilode in place of his late father G Williams deceased, the tenancy to be from year to year from Lady Day next at the yearly rent of £14 payable half yearly. Six month’s notice to expire at Lady Day in any year to determine the tenancy.
R Williams applied for a reduction on Staffordshire coal. Allowed a drawback of 2d per ton on this coal.
The premises on Dudbridge Wharf to be let to Mr E T Ward from Lady Day at the annual rent of £20, to be reduced to £1 p.a. on his trade on that wharf amounting to 3000 tons p.a. Rent to be payable half yearly, the tenancy to be determinable on three months notice on either side to expire at Midsummer, Michaelmas, Christmas or Lady Day.
Mr Partridge to inform Mr Knee that his occupation of the Dudbridge Wharf be determined at Lady Day next.
Mr G Ford attended to propose that his firm should in future pay 6d per ton tonnage on everything carried by canal either up or down to or from their mills, they undertaking to carry at least 10,000 tons p.a. at this rate but if not they still pay that amount, but if they carry more than this p.a. they be allowed a drawback of 2d per ton on all traffic beyond 10,000 tons which is brought by canal and put on to the Stonehouse & Nailsworth Railway at Ryeford. In this arrangement 10 sacks of wheat and 10 of flour to be charged as a ton and all other traffic at its dead weight. Proposition agreed to provided the sub-committee on tonnages see no reason to the contrary.
Mr Williams attended and it was resolved at his request that the arrangement entered into at the last meeting by resolution as to the letting of the Framilode property be abrogated.
Report from sub-committee on tonnages. With reference to the request from Mr G Ford they recommended that the arrangement be entered into on their writing to accept the terms outlined: i.e. that until further notice Messrs Ford Brothers undertake to pay tonnages of 6d pence per ton on 10,000 p.a. whether carried or not for all coals and other things carried on the canal both up and down to and from Ryeford Mills for those Mills or forwarded by the Stonehouse & Nailsworth Railway; they shall be charged at the same rate per ton for any number of tons in excess of 10,000 tons so carried. Number of sacks of wheat to be 10 and flour 9 for a ton and all other traffic at its dead weight. Arrangement to commence from 1 March next.
The sub-committee reported that since their former report the new steam coal from Holmes Level pit carried by the Great Western Railway has come largely into use and that as this coal, if brought by water, is to be shipped at Bullo Pill instead of Brimpspill (a port designed by the Forest of Dean Central Railway and which would afford a cheaper exit to the water) the railway charges to Bullo Pill render its cost by water higher than the present rail charges throughout by railway. To meet the competition they recommend that until the present state of things is allowed by a port being opened at Brimpspill the tonnages on steam coal on the canal at Eastington and Dudbridge and all intermediate places be lowered to a uniform rate of 6d per ton.
The sub-committee feel that every endeavour should be made to procure the shipment of coals at ports in the Severn and Channel at as low rates as possible and they recommend the Canal Company to use their best endeavours to procure a port at Brimpspill and also to prevent high charges to the water at Lydney being levied under the Bill for the Severn & Wye Railway now before Parliament.
The sub-committee regret that the terms of arrangements for tonnages between the Stroudwater Navigation Co and the Thames & Severn Canal Co have not been accepted by the latter company. The Sub-Committee consider the terms to be fair and see no reason to alter them except that from a loss of steam coal traffic between Wallbridge and Ham Mills which has occurred since their last report they consider a reduction of 2d per ton might be made applicable to the district between Wallbridge and Ham Mills.
Clerk reported an exchange of letters with Messrs Ford brothers. A letter was sent back from Ryeford Mills to accept the conditions laid out but it was pointed out that if the Company wished to encourage the trade on the Stonehouse & Nailsworth Railway they must agree to the drawback asked for on the excess of 10,000 tons p.a. for that traffic. If this was agreed to “they would go into this trade in good earnest”
A letter had been received from the Midland Railway Co at Stonehouse Station stating that in future they would cease to be carriers of coal from Stonehouse Wharf to stations on the Nailsworth Branch. While the Committee dispute the position they assumed, further consideration of the letter was deferred in consequence of the arrangements made with Messrs Ford Brothers.
Mr Ward to be allowed to make contracts at 6d per ton on steam coal to expire not later than 25 March 1870.
The question of the allowances to be made to Mr Knee and Mr Ward in respect of coal at Dudbridge Wharf from Christmas 1867 to the 25 March 1869 was considered. Mr Ward to be allowed £18 10s 11d, the amount of his coal account to Christmas last and Mr Knee to be allowed for the same period for coal landed at Dudbridge a sum of £15 and £39, and his rent at Wallbridge up to Christmas last making together £54. Both parties attended and were satisfied with the respective allowances.
Goods and merchandise landed or taken aboard at Wallbridge to have charges reduced from 1s 6d to 1s per ton until further notice.
The Surveyor attended the meeting and stated that he had inspected Mr Clegram’s plans for the new Walk Bridge and the Graving Dock (a dry dock) on the G&B Canal and reported that he saw no objection to them. Clerk to apply to Mr Clegram for a tracing of the new Graving Dock.
Mr Kearsey produced a Petition to the House of Lords against the Severn & Wye Railway Bill. The Seal of the Company to be affixed and it shall be duly presented. It was considered desirable that a Petition should also be presented by the Millowners. It was also resolved that a moiety (one half) of the expense of such should be borne by this Company on the Thames & Severn Canal Co bearing the other moiety.
Joseph Berry and Richard Harris claimed share nos.189,195, will of George Crozier Harris.
Stoppage of the canal to take place on 29 May 10pm until 9 June 6am.
Mr Strachan to be allowed to put up a closed door in the wall between his property and the towpath in order to communicate his dairy with the wharf at a payment of 1s pa.
Mr T Coates, captain of The Caroline, to pay immediately 5s for wilfully drawing and wasting water at the lock at Westfield, or a penalty of 40s will be enforced against him.
Mr.Kearsey to take steps on behalf of the company either by prosecuting the opposition to the Severn & Wye Railway Bill now before Parliament in the name of this company or of the millowners on withdrawing the same on terms which he sees desirable in the interests of the company.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 October 1868 £2340 16s 4d. After wages, etc, profit £717 17s. Dividend of £3 10s declared.
The committee of last year re-elected.
Mr Kearsey reported the result of the opposition in the Lords to the Severn & Wye Railway Bill from which it appeared that neither the Stroudwater Navigation Co, nor the Thames & Severn Canal Co nor the millowners were admitted to appear before the Committee even on clauses and that although some amendments of the Bill had been procured through other parties where ‘locus standi’ (a right to appear in a court) was admitted, a clause to ensure equality of charges for the water traffic with the charges for coal to be carried altogether by rail had not been obtained, and the Bill in some other respects was unsatisfactory. Mr Kearsey reported that a meeting of the millowners was to be held soon and the matter deferred until after that meeting.
Mr Kearsey reported from the Millowners meeting. A sum of money was subscribed towards the expenses of necessary opposition to the Severn & Wye Railway Bill. The meeting appointed Messrs Stanton, Biddell and W Marling as a committee for receiving and applying the fund.
Resolved that Messrs J Marling, Beard and Kearsey be appointed a sub-committee to meet and confer with Messrs Stanton, Biddell and Marling in order that the sub-committee of this company or any two of them shall have full power to take any steps on behalf of this company in reference to the opposition.
Mr Partridge reported that during the closure of the canal it was discovered that the culvert leading from the Lodgemoor Reservoir to the Lodgemoor Mills had burst. Mr Peyton the surveyor applied to Messrs Strachan & Co (occupiers and proprietors) to repair the culvert as it was their responsibility. Messrs Strachan replied that they did not feel it was their responsibility to repair the culvert. After a few letters back and forth Messrs Strachan accepted the responsibility ‘to avoid any unpleasantness’ and agreed to repair it on 5 June. Mr Partridge spoke to Mr Hawker at Cheltenham and asked him if he could recollect the making of the culvert in question. Mr.Hawker replied that the culvert was made by Mr H. Cooke entirely of his own expense as it was considered of great advantage to Lodgemore Mills in approximately 1800 or a few years later before his brother Mr G Hawker visited Lodgemore Mills.
It was reported that the draft of the Petition to the House of Commons against the Severn & Wye Railway Bill was yesterday approved by Stroudwater Navigation Co, Thames & Severn Canal Co and the millowners, and that a subscription of £50 to the opposition fund had been promised. Company seal to be affixed to the Petition against the Severn & Wye Railway Bill.
Ordered 3 dozen of sherry wine of Messrs H. Batemans
Alfred James estimate for re-roofing and other repairs to the house at Double Locks of £12 accepted on condition that the materials are ‘of the best description’ and work carried out to the satisfaction of the Surveyor.
Mr Kearsey reported that the opposition to the Severn & Wye Railway Bill in the House of Commons had failed because the Court of Referees had decided that the Petitioners had no ‘locus standi’ (the right to bring an action) and that the Petitioners be advised that no steps could be taken in the House to reverse the decision with any reasonable prospect of success.
From 1 August tonnage of all household coals at and between Eastington and the Wharf at Downfield be reduced to a uniform rate of 6d per ton, the same as steam coal.
An application from Mr Uriah Godsell of Froomebridge Mills for improvements to his road to his landing place, and also for a reduction of tonnage in cornflour to 2d per ton instead of 3d. The Surveyor to do what is necessary to the road but he must continue to pay the present rate of tonnage.
Mr Peyton reported that Mr Hooper had taken wool from Stonehouse Ocean to Bonds Mill. Resolved that in future Mr Hooper be charged 1d per ton.
The Surveyor’s offer to the Wheatenhurst Highway Board to charge them for a space of ground to land road stone at a rental of £2 p.a. at Stonehouse Wharf approved.
The present rate of 6d per ton on all coals carried on the canal to Eastington and there to Downfield be extended to Wallbridge so that a uniform rate of 6d per ton on coal be taken at Eastington and at parts of the canal eastward of that place. Ordered that that the Clerk send a copy of the above resolution to Mr Taunton as an answer to his letter of 5 April.
C.H Fisher and J. Colborne Fisher claimed share nos.39,84,174, will of Joseph Timbrell Fisher.
Mr W H Withey attended and asked permission to lay gas pipes from the Nutshell Bridge at Stonehouse to Bonds Mill and that our Surveyor be allowed to superintend the work to the satisfaction of the Company. Permission granted.
Mr Clegram attended and stated that Nathaniel Hamlet the present lock keeper at the junction is to be pensioned. He suggested that it would be advantageous of the traffic on the Stroudwater & Gloucester Canal that the collector at the junction of the two canals be the officer of the two companies and be jointly appointed, at a salary of 15s per week by each company and allowed to live in the house of the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co rent and tax free. Mr N. Peyton the present lock keeper at Framilode was proposed to be appointed in place of Mr Hamlet, who will leave at Christmas.
Messrs Strachan apologised for not writing as promised in relation to the trunk underneath the canal. They propose to take the top of the present wood trunk off and then put in a wrought iron boiler tube (which they have purchased) with masonry each end of the tube. Their request for the Stroudwater Navigation Co men to undertake the work at their cost was agreed.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 April £1233 6s 9d. After wages, etc, profit £579 3s 5d. Dividend of £2 15s declared.
A letter from Messrs Fellows & Co complained of the charge of 6d per ton on timber and sleepers and referring the Committee to an arrangement made by Mr C. Hawker in 1865. Mr Hawker recollected that at the time mentioned timber was to be charged 3d per ton for the same as iron for this particular contract. Resolved that this arrangement be adhered to as far only as affects this contract.
Mr Sims applied for a reduction of tonnage on wheat carried on the canal to Dudbridge from 1s 6d to 1s per ton. This was agreed.
The two cottages at Framilode not to be re-let. Mr Peyton to be allowed to use their materials for repairing other property.
A stoppage of the canal to tale place above the Double Locks from 25th to 29th November to complete the works at Lodgemoor..
Notices served on the Company of an application to Parliament for abandonment of the Severn Junction Railway and for the construction of new or substituted lines read.
Notice was read from the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co of their intention to apply to Parliament for an Act of Parliament for the construction of a new entrance to their canal and for various purposes.
Resolved that a sub-committee be appointed to watch these two matters (Messrs Beard, Kearsey, J. Fisher, Captain C. Fisher)
C Critchley to have notice to quit the premises at Stonehouse Wharf before 25th March next.
Bills paid.
Mr Taunton’s request (on behalf of the Thames & Severn Canal Co) to have tonnage reduced at Wallbridge to 6d per ton had been looked into by Mr Croome. It was resolved that this reduction could not be maintained and the tonnage be restored to 1s per ton from the time of Mr Croome’s interview with him.
Mr R Williams attended and reported that he wished to give up his house and wharf at Eastington to his brother-in-law Mr Roberts on 25th March. This was agreed.
Page crossed through
Mr T Marling applied for permission to put a 2 inch pipe into the long level at Eastington to supply water to the house and premises at The Leaze, Eastington. This was granted at an annual fee of £2 p.a., subject to Mr Marling putting the pipe in to the satisfaction of the Surveyor and constructing his waterworks so as not to waste water. This tenancy to include a right to put a pipe into the canal to supply the entrance lodge.
Mr Croome to request the loan of the Mr Warman’s bill in respect of the Stonehouse & Nailsworth Railway Co in order to make a copy. If the surveyor then advises that the balance should be paid, Mr Croome to give a cheque for the amount due.
Mr G H Beard and Mr J. Howard claimed share no.143, will of Mr Charles Hooper.
Mr Warman’s claim was sanctioned and a payment made of £42 3s 8d.
A fence to be put up at the Gas Works Bridge across the small strip of land belonging to the Company at the north east end of the bridge to prevent a road being used along it at the lower end of Mr Taylor’s property.
Gypsum be charged at the same rate as road stone and that the manure manufactured from it be charged at the same rate. Mr Holmes to be allowed a drawback on the last cargo brought up for him of 3d per ton.
Captain C H Fisher, Mr J C Halliwell and Mr Kearsey be a committee for the purpose of initiating a better system of account and be empowered to make any necessary payment for the purpose.
Notice to quit to Mr Critchley from Stonehouse Wharf and premises to be withdrawn and he be allowed to bring and sell coal from the Canal Wharf brought by railway. He to pay 4d per ton for all such coal. Mr Critchley also to have permission to put a weighing machine on the Wharf at his own expense, the Company to have the option of taking it at a valuation at the end of his tenancy or otherwise that he have the privilege of removing it. The weighbridge to be placed and put up to the satisfaction of the surveyor. The condition of the above arrangement is that Mr Critchley shall not sell any coal not brought first upon the Stonehouse Canal Wharf.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 October 1869 £1364 1s 1d. After wages, etc, profit £729 11s 3d. Dividend of £3 10s declared.
Same Committee re-elected.
Tonnage charged to Messrs Butt & Skurray on wheat delivered at Dudbridge Wharf to be reduced to 1s per ton.
A stoppage of the use of the towing path by the public of this canal to be made at the usual places from 13 to 17 June.
Mr Cam of Framilode given permission to pump water out of the canal for the use of his cattle, he paying 10s p.a. and erecting the pump in the situation to be approved by the Surveyor.
Mr C. Sutton and Mr Thomas James Bond claimed shares nos.9,22, will of Hester Sutton.
C Kite of Paganhill be proceeded against for trespass on the towing path near the Oil Mills on 14 June.
A stoppage of the canalto take place on 17 August from 6am until 26 August at 6am and that the inspection of the canal take place on the 24 by a sub-committee (of which 2 will have to be a quorum) consisting of Mr T Marling, Mr Croome, Mr Beard and Captain Fisher, and that any other member of the committee who choose to attend also be invited to do so. Sub-committee to meet at Bonds Mill at 11am.
Committee having considered the long, serious and expensive illness of the surveyor Mr E Peyton which they consider was done during his exertions during his work in the past Winter, presented him with a douceur of £25 towards his expenses.
The tying up of horses and animals engaged on the canal on or near the towing path has become a nuisance. Hand bills to be printed and circulated forbidding the practice.
The stoppage of the towing path took place as follows
June 13th – Wallbridge, Lodgemore, Gas Works, Dudbridge
June 14th – Hilly Orchard, Oil Mills, Stanley Meadow, Ryeford
June 16th – Roving Bridge, Eastington, Westfield, Bengough’s Lane
June 15th – Stonehouse, Stonehouse Wharf, Ocean, Bonds Mill
June 17th – Stonefield Bridge, Wallbridge, Junction, Saul & Framilode.
Letter from Rev H Dombrain of Framilode complaining of men and boys bathing in the canal. Clerk to reply saying the most effective remedy would be to take out a summons against the individuals concerned.
The surveyor Mr Peyton reported that false tonnage had been made of 5 cargoes of road stone brought up the canal by Mr J Rowles, the difference appearing to be 29 tons. Solicitor to apply to Mr Rowles for the difference (14s 6d) and £58 in penalties incurred and that the matter be referred to Mr Croome and Mr Beard to make any terms with Mr Rowles that they may think fit.
Mr Peyton reported that boat Eliza (Captain C. Smith) navigated into the Dock Lock on 28 June without first opening both the bottom gates; G Lewis of the boat Industry and G Bird of the boat Ellen committed the same offence on same day; on 1 July the boat Sisters, Captain William Bird, navigated out of the Dock Lock without opening the bottom gates; on 7 July the Reform, W. Millard captain, allowed the donkeys to stray on the towing path and the boat not properly tied up. Ordered that unless they each pay 5s the full penalty will be enforced against them.
The sub-committee appointed to inspect the canal from Bonds Mill to Framilode reported that the repairs in progress and were well satisfied with the state of affairs.
E Rudge, captain of the boat Sarah, broke the anchor stone of the Bristol Road lock. Ordered that he pay 10s towards repairs.
The charge per day for using Eastington Dock be increased from 1s 6d per day to 2s 6d. The Dock at Eastington is to be repaired.
Mr Peyton reported that S Cam, vaptain of the boat Jane, in contravention of ByeLaw No.7, endeavoured to force his way through Whitminster Locks with sails set. Ordered to pay 10s or otherwise the full penalty of £5 be enforced.
J Cottle reported that Amos Workman, captain of the Trader, navigated his vessel down the canal from Dudbridge to Ryeford with only 2 boys and a donkey. Ordered that he pay 5s or the full penalty to be enforced.
Bills paid.
Letter from S S Marling, Honorary Surveyor of the Cainscross Division of roads, requesting permission for the commissioners of those roads to widen the bridges over the canal at Dudbridge and Eastington at their expense. Permission granted on condition that works are done to the satisfaction of the Company Surveyor and that repairs of the added portion of the relevant bridges be borne in future by the Commissioners of the Cainscross Division of roads.
Mr Beard and Mr Croome reported that they had required Samuel Rowles to prosecute his captains for fraud upon him, because he said that they had charged the full tonnage to him, and that the false returns of tonnage rested with these captains and not with him. Mr Rowles had failed to obtain a conviction in either cases owing to the irregularity of his accounts with the captains. Because of Mr Rowles expense and trouble in this matter it was resolved that the penalty of £58 be waived if he pays the deficient tonnage and £1 1s towards the costs of the solicitor and that in future Mr Rowles be allowed to pay his tonnage monthly instead of through his captains upon each cargo.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 April £1210 6s. After wages, etc, profit £779 13s 1d. Dividend of £3 15s declared.
Mr W Kearsey re-elected to the Committee after his absence from the last 3 meetings.
J Cottle reported that J Clark interfered with the water at Lodgemore Brook. Ordered that the Clerk see him as well as the manager of the Stratford Flour Mill Company and a complaint.
Mr Ward applied and was given permission to erect a building on Dudbridge Wharf subject to the approval of the Company Surveyor. Mr Ward to keep the same in repair and the building when erected to belong to the Company.
Ordered that a new swing bridge be made in readiness to be put over the canal near Bonds Mill when required.
Mr Kearsey reported that he had secured a plaint in Gloucestershire County Court at Stroud against C Kite of Paganhill, mill stone dresser, for trespassing on the towing path of the canal near the Oil Mills on 14 June during the stoppage and that C Kite paid into court 1s, the amount of damages claimed for the trespass, and 1s for the cost of the plaint.
Re Lodgemore Brook, Mr Partridge saw Mr Clapham of Stratford Flour Mill Co who agreed that their Captain Clark should not interfere with the water of the Lodgemoor Brook without permission from the Company.
A proposition made by Mr Taunton on behalf of the Thames & Severn Canal Company that this company should consent to afford certain facilities for the establishment of a trade from Stonehouse Wharf to be conducted in trucks borne on pontoons and moved by steampower had been fully discussed by the Committee. Mr Taunton was asked to provide to the Committee with the advantages of the proposed new scheme which would bring greater traffic to the two canals and may be disadvantageous to the present traders on the canal.
A sub-committee appointed to meet to inspect the bridge at Dudbridge to consider the amended proposals submitted by Mr Marling.
Mr Peyton reported that J Black, captain of the vessel Effort, damaged the Framilode Bridge by allowing the barge to run against it 12 December. He must pay 10s within a week or the full amount of the damage is to be enforced.
General Meeting. Mr T Marling was elected a member of the Committee.
Sub-committee inspected Dudbridge Bridge and decided it would be better to widen the bridge on the Ebley Mill side as any alterations on the other side would be disadvantageous to the working of the canal.
Mr Taunton’s proposal for coals to be borne on both canals by means of trucks and pontoons was discussed fully. It was felt that it would not be in the interests of this canal to agree to the plan.
The question of making an allowance of £39 to Mr Knee of Wallbridge Wharf as part of his rent was discussed. Because of the large amount of his general traffic the allowance was agreed for the past year, without in any way pledging the Committee to carry it on in future.
The death of Jack Cottle, the Company’s caretaker, was reported and the question of appointing a successor discussed. Mr Peyton suggested that the duty of gauging vessels laden with Staffordshire coal might be discharged at the junction by Mr Matthew Peyton, the care of the crane and warehouse at Dudbridge by Mr Ward, and the care of the water and lock between Wallbridge and Dudbridge by one of the labourers at present employed by the Company. Mr Ward agreed to take over crane and warehouse at Dudbridge, and the public weighing machine at £210 for the next six months.
Mr Peyton was instructed to provide a new iron fence for the Company’s premises at Dudbridge at a possible cost of £15. He also reported that the tides at Framilode had damaged the Company’s pier there. Mr Beard to inspect the place and repair it as he sees fit.
Clerk directed to communicate with Mr Taunton on the overflow at Wallbridge from the upper canal into the Company’s garden.
No quorum.
Mr Beard had inspected the pier at Framilode and reported that the repairs would cost £30. The repairs were ordered to be done.
A letter from Mr Taunton explained the overflow of water in the upper canal at Wallbridge, which was due to Mr Chamber's man emptying the pound above.
Mr Peyton recommended that Oliver Sitlington, one of the Company’s servants, have the care of the water and lock between Dudbridge and Wallbridge and that he be allowed to reside in the cottage adjoining that occupied by the late Mr Cottle. This was agreed. Also that Mrs Cottle be at liberty to take the house at Dudbridge on the south of the Canal, occupied by her late husband, at a yearly rental of £6 6s, payable quarterly.
Charles Holbrow Stanton claimed share nos.8,43,44,96,175, will of Mary Holbrow.
Mr C Hooper of Eastington to be charged 2s 6d for the use of the towing path from Bonds Mill bridge to the lower gate commencing from last March.
After 24 June no barge to be allowed to be worked with less than 3 able hands or the penalty incurred under the Bye Law No.5 be strictly enforced, such a penalty being £5.
Blank page.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 April £1263 5s 9d. After wages, etc, profit £738 7s 5d. Dividend of £3 10s declared.
Last year's Committee re-elected. Elected Mr Beard as the permanent Chairman for the ensuing year.
A stoppage of the canal to take place from midnight of 8 July to 17 July for annual repair. It would only prevent barges, etc, from passing above the double locks.
Messrs C Hooper & Co to be allowed the use of the canal for the conveyance of wool between Bonds Mill and the Midland Railway warehouse rented by them at a rent of £5 p.a. commencing 25 March 1870.
Mr Peyton reported that W Millard, captain of the barge Reform, navigated his vessel with hoisted sails through Whitminster Bridge lock. Ordered to pay a fine of 10s and if he failed to do so the full penalty of £5 will be enforced. Mr N Peyton to be informed of the circumstances and to order captains of vessels not to do so in future.
Messrs Strachan & Co allowed, at their own expense, to put a 20 inch iron pipe under the canal between their reservoir on the north side and Fromehall Mills, the work to be done at the first convenient stoppage and to the satisfaction of the Company’s Surveyor. The pipe to remain only during the pleasure of the Company at a rent of 20s pa.
Mr C Critchley, tenant of the Company’s wharf and premises at Stonehouse, attended in relation to his tenancy, which would expire on 24 September. From 29 September the tenancy will be at a rental of £20 p.a. on the condition that the railway traffic should be brought on the premises and that the tenant should not sell or deliver either directly or indirectly any railway borne coal in the district lying beyond the Eastington Turnpike. These terms were assented to.
Mr Peyton reported that he had let a cottage at Framilode to W Rowles at the yearly rental of £3 3s, a month’s notice to be given to expire on any Quarter Day. The landlord not to do any repairs.
The Surveyor having reported that two donkeys belonging to C Smith had been tied to a hedge at Newtown on Monday 29 May and were eating the hedge, and that a pony belonging to J Smart was grazing loose at the five locks on 11 June. Ordered that they each pay 2s 6d or the full penalty of £5 to be imposed.
Mr Peyton reported that Messrs C Hooper & Co objected to the charge of £5 for the use of the canal between Bonds Mill and the Midland Railway for the carriage of their wool. Resolved that the charge be reduced to 50s per annum.
Mr Strachan attended with reference to the payment of £1 per annum required for the permission to place a pipe under the canal mentioned in the resolution of 18 May and asked that the payment be reduced to 2s 6d. This was agreed.
There appears to be question why the Company is paying 2s 6d per annum to Strachans for land near Lodgemore. This to be looked into as the Committee do not consider payment should be made for land owned by the Company. It was agreed that the subject matter of the payment should be ascertained and defined.
Mr Peyton reported that Messrs Strachan were now using five pipes under the canal, one pipe of which they were drawing water from the canal, and that they were paying the sum of 2s 6d p.a. for the latter and a nominal sum p.a. for two only of the 5 pipes mentioned. Resolved that they be charged and the Clerk be instructed to apply for the nominal payment of 1s p.a. for each pipe used. Also T Webb of Ebley to pay 1s for each pipe used to supply two engines.
The inspection of the canal is to take place on 13 September, the boat to leave Wallbridge Wharf at 9am.
3 dozen sherry wine and 1 dozen claret be ordered from H & J Bateman
Mr Peyton reported that on 24 July F Bennett had two donkeys tied up and grazing on the towing path at Ebley. Ordered that he pay 5s. On the same day R Clift also had a donkey grazing and was ordered also to pay 5s. W Smith of the Fairy had two donkeys tied up and grazing on the said path at Ebley, he too to pay 5s.
Annual inspection on board the boat.
The boundary fence to the yard at Dudbridge has not been made good by the Commissioners of the Turnpike Road when they widened the bridge at Dudbridge and that consequently a short length of wall was required to hide the closet in Mr Ward’s garden. Resolved that Mr Marling applies to the Commissioners to do this.
Encroachments were made by Mr T Webb at Ebley on the canal by placing piles and coal ashes in the canal. Mr Webb to be asked to remove the encroachment.
Oliver Sitlington, employed by the Company, had on 5 September, rescued R Daniels, also employed by the Company, from drowning by jumping into the canal and extricating him. Resolved that a reward of £1 be paid to Sitlington for his gallant conduct.
There are many trees and scrubs overhanging the canal interfering with the traffic. In the coming Spring, after a general notice to all interested, the Company must take steps to remedy this.
Application to be made to Messrs Ford to repair the wooden fence belonging to this Company lying between the towing path and the land to Ryeford Mills which had been broken down by Messrs Ford.
Mr Roberts of Eastington, the tenant of a house near the bridge there, applied for leave to open a pipe to carry rainwater from the wash house into the canal. Resolved that this be granted on the condition that the work to be done should be subject to the approval of the Surveyor. All damage should be made good and as long as the pipe be used and agreed by the Company a sum of 6d p.a. be paid for the permissions.
With reference to the Wharf at Wheatenhurst, the tenant complained that he had not sufficient room for the trade. It was resolved that the Surveyor should fence the Wharf against the adjoining turnpike road in the line pointed out by the Committee which will give ample accommodation.
The Committee inspected the canal and found all in a satisfactory state. Mr Peyton was directed to give an estimate for the erection of a new cottage for the lock keeper at Framilode using as far as they could materials from the cottage owned by the Company and rented by Mr W Rowles and Mr Harward, which appears incapable of being repaired. If a new cottage for the Lock keeper is erected it would enable the house which he now occupies to be let at a rent of £10 p.a. instead of the £4 p.a. currently set.
