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 Kearsey reported that a scheme under The Railway Company’s 1867 Act relating to the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway Company, which he considered might affect the position in respect of their judgment debt of £1060 and interest. The case and opinion was read. Resolved that this Company approve Mr Kearsey entering an appearance on the hearing of the schemes.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 April £1317 15s 6d. After wages, etc, profit £891 13s 1d. Dividend of £4 5s declared.
Mr Croome and Mr C H Fisher re-elected members of the Committee, they having both ceased to be members due to consecutive absences from three meetings.
A donation of £5 in aid of extra school accommodation in the Parish of Painswick, at Stroud end, given by the Company.
Thomas Rickets claimed share nos.70,105, will of John Boucher.
Mr Kearsey reported that the scheme of the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway Company was heard before Vice Chancellor Malins. Alterations were made to the scheme rendering it satisfactory as regards the judgement debt of this Company against the railway Company.
W S Clayfield and T Parsons claimed share nos.18,19,123,124, will of Richard Lacey.
Sewage has been permitted to flow in various places along the canal. This is to be prevented and as a first step the privies of the Company having an overflow to the canal are to be put right.
Mr Peyton to confer with Mr Kearsey re byelaw No. 5 relative to navigating the canal with 3 able persons to each barge, the addition of the words boats or other vessels being now required. The limit of age for boys to be classed as able persons is recommended to be fixed at not less than 15 years.
Mr Davis, boatman, be required to pay 7s 6d for wilful damage to the rack at the Double Locks or otherwise that he be proceeded against for the full amount of the penalty £5 incurred under Byelaw no 3.
Thomas Hawker, bargeman, is to pay 5s as a punishment for wilful waste of water at Westfield Lock, Eastington or otherwise be proceeded against for the full penalty of £5.
Mr Peyton reported that two closets belonging to this Company had been efficiently altered. t Mr Kearsey to put himself in communication with the various other offenders on the line of the canal in the same position.
A short handbill has been prepared to be send to every person, whether landlord or tenant, whose trees or boughs of trees overhang the towing paths or canal. The Surveyor to see to the exact carrying out of the terms of the notice in the handbill.
The Dock at Eastington having been repaired and made more convenient, no vessel shall after the 25 March next be drawn out of the canal for the purpose of repair and that all machines erected for this purpose on the land of the Company shall be removed and that notices shall be given to the proper parties.
Special General meeting. Byelaw made that no barge boat or other vessel shall be navigating in or upon the canal or any part thereof unless there shall be at least three able and sufficient male persons belonging to and attending upon every barge, boat or other vessel so navigated during all the time when the same shall be so navigated upon the canal or part thereof, and that from and after the said twenty fifth of March next when any barge boat or other vessel shall pass through any bridge or lock there shall be two able and sufficient male persons on the shore or towing path in attendance upon the same. And it is further ordered and declared that the captain and the owner of every vessel acting contrary to this shall forfeit and pay the sum of 40s.
Letter from Mr Partridge stating that in consequence of declining health he is compelled to resign the office of Clerk. His resignation accepted as from 24th June next. In acknowledgement of his services during the past 18 years, an annuity of £50 is to be paid to Mr Partridge from the funds of the Company during his life.
Mr Hughes of Wine Street, Bristol made an application to place an advertising notice board against the wall at Walbridge Wharf. Application be granted on condition that Mr Hughes pays 5s per quarter and that it be removed at any time this Company should give him notice.
Applications for the situation of Clerk (109 in number) have been gone through and six have been selected as being most likely: Mr A Glass, Mr Brackenbury, W J Snape, H Good, Joseph Hill, J Bourne.
Mr Brackenbury was seen and the Chairman was to write in the first instance to Mr Glass and Mr Snape and ask them to attend a further meeting of the Committee to be held on 4 April.
The candidates attended for interview and upon considering their qualifications, it was resolved that Mr Snape be chosen upon the following terms: so long as he holds office of Clerk as advertised, he be remunerated, but if at any time this committee should choose to add the duties of Surveyor an increase of salary to the extent of £40 p.a. be made on the condition that all his time and attention be given to the service of the Company. The office to be held during good conduct and be subject to three month’s notice on either side. Mr Snape to sign a document drawn up by the solicitor of the Company for the due performance of his duties.
Copy of advertisement for a Clerk inserted in minutes.
John Samuel Bowles claimed shares no.140, will of Thomas Bowles.
Permission granted to Mr Esaias Woore of Saul, and Mr B Gardiner of the same place, to draw out on the banks of the canal, vessels for the purpose of repairs, as they have done heretofore, in the terms of the former paying from the 25 March last £5 pa, and of the latter payment of £10 pa, until the permission be withdrawn.
Mr Savage granted permission to place curb stones in the course of the arch of the canal bridge at Ryeford.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 October 1871 £1296 7s 8d. After wages, etc, profit £763 11s. Dividend of £3 15s declared.
Mr J C Hallewell having resigned the office of treasurer to the Company, Charles Wyndham Kingdom appointed treasurer in his stead. The thanks of the proprietors was presented to Mr Hallewell for his long continued service.
Mr Partridge, the present Clerk of the Company, authorised to fill up and sign the necessary papers on behalf of the Company procuring the Guarantee Society to enter into a Suretyship from Mr Snape the new Clerk.
Estimate amounting to £31 sent in by Oliver Camm for a boundary wall at Bristol Road Wharf accepted subject to the work being done to the satisfaction of the surveyor.
The surveyor allowed to purchase some oak not exceeding the value of £40 and also black bricks (about 6000) .
The following boatmen to pay 2s each, or that the full penalty of 40s be enforced, for breach of byelaw made 15 February last. 25 March: Robert Redler, J. Davis paid; 8 April: J Young, G Bird paid; 10 April: J Davis; 11 April: A Whiting; 12 April: W Bullock paid; Green; A Bounds paid; 13 April: C Cox paid; 15 April: J Aldridge; 18 April: J Weyman; 22 April: H Ralph paid; 23 April: J Davis.
The complaint against the Stonehouse Railway Company in respect of their drain near the Stonehouse Wharf to be withdrawn, it having been explained that it at present only carries clear water.
Mr Peyton reported that Thomas Harmer and William Rowles had not quitted their cottages at Framilode in conformity with the notices to quit at Lady Day last. Resolved that Mr Peyton be directed to take the necessary proceedings before the justices to obtain possession of the said cottages.
The surveyor reported that on the 24 May last James Twizzle, captain of the Sisters, navigated into the Dock Lock at Eastington without first opening both the bottom gates whereby he has incurred the penalty of £5. Resolved that the penalty be enforced unless he pays a fine of 5s and that the Clerk is to inform him.
The surveyor reported that on the 5 June last William Millard, captain of the Reform, navigated the canal in the parish of Eastington with less than three hands. Ordered that he pay the sum of 2s or the full penalty of 40s be enforced.
The annual stoppage of the canal shall commence on the 24 August and continue until 2 September 1872.
The surveyor be authorised to expend about £2 on Mrs Skelton’s cottage opposite the gas works.
The inspection of the canal to take place on Thursday 29 August by a sub-committee consisting of Mr G H A Beard, Mr Croome, Mr Marling, Mr J H Fisher, Mr Kearsey and Mr Hooper.
Mr Peyton having died on 25 June, the Committee express their great regret at the loss they have sustained by the death of so good and faithful a servant and one who was always most active and zealous for the interests of the Company.
Resolved that Mr William James Snape be appointed Surveyor in addition to the office of Clerk which he now holds.
James Smith Kingdom claimed shares no.108, will of Thomas Lodder.
Henry Fallows of Hanley Staffordshire applied for the situation of working foreman on the canal and he was appointed as such at the weekly wages of 25s with the privilege of living in the house lately occupied by Mr Peyton free from rent and rates during his service and on the understanding that he carries out any arrangements as to the traffic and tickets which may be required to be done at Eastington.
Owing to the want of attention to the paddles and lock gates during the late flood very considerable damage was done to the banks of the canal. Oliver Sitlington, whose business it was to attend to the paddles, is to be dismissed from the service of the Company and that he leave such service and give up the occupation of the Company’s cottage he now occupies on Saturday fortnight.
A gratuity of £10 to be given to Mr Snape on account of the expense to which he has been put by the removal of his goods to hither.
Oliver Sittington be kept in the Company’s employ but that he be removed to Eastington to take William Clarke’s place, and that Clarke be removed to Dudbridge to take charge of the boats, wharf, paddles at Lodgemore feeder and wharf at Wallbridge.
In future a charge of 10s each for all pleasure boats be made. Steam boats not to be allowed to steam either up or down the canal.
Mr M N Peyton’s pay be advanced 1s per week, making 16s per week.
Notice to be given to Mrs A Cottle to leave the cottage now occupied by her at Dudbridge on the 25 December next, taking the adjoining house at £5 p.a. William Clarke labourer to move into the cottage now in possession of Mrs Cottle.
The sub-committee appointed to inspect the canal reported that they did so on the 29 August, looking over the stores and finding the same in good order, visiting the works in progress during the stoppage, with which they expressed themselves satisfied. The houses of the company at the Bristol Road wharf were inspected and orders given as to various repairs, of which the surveyor took a list. Several other matters were discussed with Mr Peyton who applied for an increase of salary in consequence of the extra tickets he now had to take and he was promised that this should have the consideration of the Committee. The sub-committee went to Framilode, viewed the property there and it was decided that it would be best to adhere to the decision of the committee to pull down the two old cottages, but as it appeared that the notices to Rowles and Hamer were invalid it seems necessary that new notices should be served upon them.
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Ordered that £5 be paid to Mr Heelas for one year’s lighting at Dudbridge Wharf and then to be discontinued.
Mr Little and Mr Clapham attended on behalf of the Stratford Flour Mill Co. and applied for a reduction of 3d per ton on all wheat brought up to Lodgemore during two years. The committee declined to allow this.
Mr Walkley (who had refused to pay tonnages for his ashes and removed his boat, when directed to be detained on this navigation) attended and was ordered to pay the sum of 5s and call upon Mr Kearsey and sign an admission of his offence or be prosecuted.
The question of Messrs Fords account was gone into and the Clerk was directed to make out and present them with an account in accordance with the terms of the minute of 16 March 1869.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 October 1871 £1266 0s 11d. After wages, etc, profit £732 19s 7d. Dividend of £3 10s declared.
Captain C H Fisher re-elected a member of the committee, he having ceased to belong to the board by reason of three consecutive absences .
A letter from Mr E B Little was read on behalf of the Stratford Flour Mill Co refusing to pay the account due for tonnage; the matter was referred to Mr Kearsey.
The question of Ford Brothers account was again brought forward. Clerk directed to see them and make some arrangement with them regarding the tonnage on their goods.
Edolphe Andrews Uthwatt claimed share no.133, will of Francis Sedgwick Thornton.
The matter of Messrs Ford’s account was again entered upon and whilst the Committee consider the resolution of the 16 March 1869 not to have been abrogated, but to be still existing, they are not inclined to open accounts with Messrs Ford Bros which have been settled although they appear to have been made out incorrectly by mistake . They directed the Clerk to send Messrs Ford a copy of the resolution before referred to and of this resolution.
Philip Playdell Bouverie claimed share nos.3,31,32,33,34,35,67,74,148,196, wills of Joseph Cripps and Philip Playdell Bouverie.
The resolution of the 24 October 1872 in reference to the subscription to the Cainscross lighting fund having been withdrawn, resolved to pay a subscription of £1 10s p.a.
A letter from Mr Little to Mr Kearsey on behalf of the Stratford Flour Mill Co declined to pay the account due. The committee decided to enforce the payment.
Ford Bros account was again brought forward. Clerk directed to send a letter saying that as you prefer paying ordinary rates carrying flour free to the extent of wheat brought up to paying 6d per ton all round, the Committee decide to fall back on that arrangement.
Mr Kearsey handed in a cheque amounting to £41 9s 3d tonnage due from Stratford Flour Mill.
A letter from Messrs Ford Bros in reply to one written to them on the 7 March in reference to the question of tonnages was read. (viz); In reply to your letter of the 7 inst, we beg to say for the present we will pay 6d per ton each way.
A letter from Messrs Apperly in reference to a charge made for wharfage of sand at Dudbridge was read and the Clerk was instructed to write to them and to state that the claim would not be enforced this time, but in the future the Bye Laws would be carried out.
The house, stables, gardens, machine house and weighing machine on Dudbridge wharf be let to Mr E T Ward from the 25 March 1873 at the annual rent of £25, the rent payable half yearly and the tenancy to be determinable on three month’s notice on either side, to expire at Midsummer, Michaelmas, Christmas, or Lady Day in the first or any subsequent years. The weighing machine to be repaired by the Company at the joint expense of them and Mr Ward. The Company to keep in tenantable repair the roofs and outside of the house and stables and the tenant to keep in such repair the machine house, the weighing machine (after it has been repaired) the outside of the buildings and all besides the roof and the outside of the house and stables. These terms to be in lieu of those in the minute of the 19 January 1869. Mr Ward attended and assented to these terms and a copy of the resolution is to be sent to him.
Mr Butt attended and applied for a reduction in tonnage on wheat to Lodgemore from 1s 3d to 1s. The question was postponed.
In consequence of the surveyor reporting favourably of William Clark’s attention to his duties it was resolved that his wages should be advanced 1s per week, making 16s per week.
Copy of letter from Mr Edwin Witehill, Clerk to the Stroud local board, in reference to laying sewage pipes under the canal near the Stroud Gas works.
‘Dear Sir, The Board of Health are about to lay down sewerage pipes from Pakenhill to the Tanks and will have to cross the canal just above the bridge at the gasworks. I am desired to apply to the Company for permission to make the crossing in question. The sewer will be a 12 inch iron pipe and will be laid below the bottom of the canal so that no obstruction to the navigation can arise. It is proposed to do the work when the water is let out of the canal for repairs. ‘
Permission given upon the conditions that there be no obstructions or damage to the navigation in laying the pipe, or otherwise and that all works be done as to time, manner and in all respects altogether to the satisfaction and approval of the Company’s surveyor and that so long as the permission is continued the Board of Health pay for the same at the rate of £1 p.a.
Mr Croome to build a brick or stone bridge (of such a width as they shall see fit) across the canal at Dudbridge in lieu of Hill Orchard swing bridge, providing they obtain the proper order of quarter sessions to divert the Hilly Orchard footway, if the bridge be not in the same position as at present and provided the bridge be built to the satisfaction of the surveyor of the Company. The bridge when completed to be kept in repair by this Company except as to the metalling of the road over the same, which shall be repaired by the promoters. Sufficient opportunity to be given to stoppages for putting in and building foundations and buttresses of the new bridge up to the waterline at such time as shall be convenient for other works proposed to be done at the same time.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 October 1872 £1292 9s 9d. After wages, etc, profit £782 17s 1d. Dividend of £3 15s declared.
Charge for night passes to be advanced to 2s.
Messers Cook Vick & Co allowed small piece of land on Dudbridge Wharf to stow sand upon, such sand to be brought by canal at the rate of 30s p.a. commencing June 24 1873. The land to be marked out by the surveyor and this arrangement to be subject to termination of three months’ notice on either side.
Annual stoppage to take place from the 28 June to the 5 July 1873.
Tonnage on flour from Chalford reduced from 8d to 6d per ton.
Surveyor ordered to purchase a quantity of oak timber amounting to £30 or thereabout.
Usual triennial stoppage of the canal towing path to take place commencing 13 June to 17 June 1873.
The question of Mr Snape’s guarantee was brought forward prior to the renewal of that with the Guarantee Society and it was resolved that as the Committee had now a year’s experience of Mr Snape’s services, the guarantee of the society ought to be reduced to £500 and he was authorised to reduce the same accordingly.
Mr Sutton applied for the use of a piece of land on Wallbridge wharf. Mr Sutton be allowed the use of an additional piece of land next to the pen now held on Wallbridge wharf for the stowage of stone (such stone to be brought by canal). The land to be marked out by the surveyor and an additional rent of £2 p.a. to be charged, making altogether with the £3 p.a. now paid for the other pen £5 pa.
With reference of the laying down of sewage pipes by the Stroud Board of Health, they are unable to pay rent but they had the power to lay down the pipe in perpetuity on payment of compensation for damage done. The Committee will waive any rent in consideration of the benefit which the public will derive from the sewerage.
The annual inspection of the canal is to take place on the 24 July by Mr Beard, Mr Hooper, Mr Stanton, Mr J F Fisher and Mr S Phipps.
In reference to the Stroud Board of Health paying all expenses incurred in watching the works in connection with the sewerage pipe passing under the canal at Downfield, the Clerk was ordered to send them a bill amounting to £5 9s 6d.
The Clerk complained about the following premises being without spouting: the houses at Framilode belonging to Levison Gower and J M Purnell, and at Dudbridge to Stroud Brewery Co. The Clerk was ordered to write to the parties and lay their replies before the next meeting.
The Clerk produced a letter from Messers Vick & Co agreeing to the resolution of the 15 May in reference to their renting a portion of land on Dudbridge wharf.
Also a letter from the Mr Heelas agreeing to the terms of the resolution of the 15 May in reference to the Stroud Highway Board renting a portion of land on Wallbridge Wharf.
Mr Snape produced a receipt for £2 10s guarantee payment on £200 agreeably with the resolution of May 15 1873.
Notice was received from Mr William Roberts stating his intention to leave the house and wharf now occupied by him at Eastington. The Clerk was directed to write to him accepting the terms of the notice as to the termination of the tenancy on the 29 September 1873.
The Clerk was directed to see Mr Knee in reference to the rough state of the wharf and inform him that the Committee wish him to have the same cleaned up and also to keep the dung heap in better order and not allow his tenants to deposit their ashes on the same.
Mr James Bishop accepted as tenant for the house at Downfield at an annual rent of £11 and that the Clerk give Mr Kearsey the particulars necessary for him to prepare an agreement for signature.
A letter was read from F N Purnell of Stancombe Park and one from L Gower of Saul in reference to the erection of spouting to their cottages at Framilode. Clerk instructed to write to them and state that the Committee thought it requisite that the same should be put up.
The seal of the company affixed to the agreement for the tenancy of the house at Downfield to be occupied by John Bishop.
The house, outhouse, garden and wharf at Eastington be let to Mr Zachaus Whiting of Chalford from the 29 September at the annual rent of £10, the rent to be paid quarterly and the tenancy to be determinable on three months’ notice on either side to expire at Lady Day, Midsummer or Michaelmas in the first or subsequent years. The Company to keep in tenenable repair the roofs and outside of the house and outhouse, and the tenant to keep in such repair all besides the roof and outside of the house and outhouse.
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General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 April £1245 10s 3d. After wages, etc, profit £725 14s 8d. Dividend of £3 10s declared.
Major C H Fisher be re-elected a member of the committee, having ceased to belong by reason of three consecutive absences.
Mr W B Clegram attended on behalf of the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co in reference to alterations to weir near Whitminster Lock and submitted a tracing of the proposed alterations. The matter was referred to Mr W W Kearsey prior to the next meeting.
It was reported that the captain of the ‘Effort’ belonging to Mr R. Williams, coal merchant at Framilode, declared a cargo of coal from Newport to Stroud Gas Works on the 29 October to be 66 tons, but which was several tons over that weight. Clerk to write to Mr Williams requiring an explanation.
The Company’s seal be affixed to the demise of Dudbridge Wharf to be taken by Mr R Williams.
Clerk reported that Messers Davies & Sons, Stonehouse, carted wool through Stonehouse Wharf that came by railway. The matter was referred to Mr Beard who promised to speak to them about it.
Mr Beard stated that Mr French had spoken to him respecting some accommodation at Stonehouse Wharf. Ordered that the surveyor see Mr French and request him to point out what he wishes to be done.
The demise for Dudbridge wharf was produced with the Company’s Seal.
Clerk reported that there were a number of barge owners who had not complied with the order to have their names put on their vessels. Clerk to write to them stating that the order must be carried out by the 1 February or a fine of £5 will be enforced.
The Surveyor reported John Lawrence, captain of the ‘Peel’, for refusing to remove his barge into a place pointed out by the Foreman so as to enable the trade to work. In consequence of his not doing so the trade was stopped from 2.30pm on Saturday 6 December 1873 until Monday morning the 8 December. Ordered that he be fined 5s or the full penalty will be enforced.
Surveyor reported George Butt, captain of the ‘Exchange’ (belonging to T Butt & Son Stroud), for having on the 31 December 1873 wilfully pulled open the outside top gate at Blunder Lock and also for running into the bottom gates and wasting a lock of water. To pay a fine of 5s or the full penalty of £5 will be enforced.
Messrs Davis & Sons and Mr John French applied for permission to use the Company’s Railway sidings at Stonehouse for traffic which cannot be carried by them on the canal, Company granted permission during pleasure, on the payment of 3d per ton for every ton of goods brought upon the siding.
Charles Hawkins Fisher and Reverend Frederick Colborne Fisher claimed share nos.41,91,116, will of Paul Hawkins Fisher.
Mr Kearsey produced certain clauses which were proposed by him and agreed to by the solicitors of the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co for insertion in the Bill of that Company now before Parliament for the protection of the interests of this navigation. Resolved that such clauses are approved and be accepted.
A minute was read from the Trustees of the Cainscross Commissioners relative to the alterations proposed at Eastington to form a new wharf adjoining the said Company’s canal works and the land lying between such canal and the Turnpike Road. The Company to pay a rent of 1s p.a.
Messrs Wiltons & Riddiford asked the Company to petition in favour of the Bill of the Gloucester & Berkley Canal Co before Parliament on the ground that their Company formed an important part of the water communication of the country and is one with which the Navigation of this Company is in communication. On production by Mr Kearsey of a petition approved by him the Clerk affix the Company Seal to it.
Clerk produced a letter from Messrs W Lane applying for a reduction of tonnage on goods to and from Ebley Wharf and was instructed to write to them stating that the Committee cannot at present see their way clear to reduce tonnage to Mr Lane as so doing would involve a General Reduction for which they are not prepared.
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General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 October 1873 £1336 12s 3d. After wages, etc, profit £801 2s 8d. Dividend of £4 declared.
The question of Mr Chandler washing sheep in the Stonehouse Ocean was brought before the Committee and as he gives some facilities for landing coals and other goods on his land near the swing bridge it was resolved that he should have the privilege of washing his sheep in the canal during the pleasure of the Committee.
Mr Matthews, farmer, of Nuphend Lane, given permission to wash sheep in the canal, a charge of 5s per annum to be made commencing June 24 1874.
Mr Grimes given permission to take water out of the canal at Stonehouse, a charge of 1s per annum to be made commencing 24 June 1874.
It was reported by the Clerk that Alfred Meadows drew off water out of Dudbridge short pound on 25 May. Fined 10s or a summons to be taken out against him and the full penalty enforced.
The annual stoppage take place from the 18 to 25 July 1874.
Clerk reported that Mr Vines of Stanley Park Farm washed sheep in the canal. Ordered that he pay the usual charge of 5s per annum or discontinue washing his sheep in the canal.
Clerk reported that Thomas Dangerfield, captain of the ‘Rose Ann’ belonging to Mr R. Williams, did on the 1 June give a declaration that he had 12 tons of old mortar on board from Ebley, afterwards admitting that he had 25 tons on board. To pay a sum of 10s or a summons to be taken out and the full penalty enforced.
Clerk submitted a memorial from barge owners, traders and others as to the state of the T&S Canal and was ordered to send the same to the Thames & Severn Canal Co’s clerk in London, requesting him to place it before his board and desiring them to take action in the matter.
£5 per annum to be added to the Clerk’s salary in acknowledgement of the efficient manner in which he has fulfilled the duties of his office.
C H Hooper allowed to take water from the canal at Stonehouse for practice fire engine to be included in the amount of £2 10s already paid by him (p.a. for having a small boat on the canal) to carry goods from Midland Railway to Bond’s Mill.
Annual survey of the canal to be made on the 3 September.
Two letters from Mr Walter Prideaux, Clerk to the Thames and Severn Canal Company, referring to the Memorial sent to him as to the state of the canal.
Annual inspection of the canal in boat.
A new roof is to be put on two cottages at Dudbridge occupied by William Clark, the lock keeper, and Mr James Copner. Surveyor to purchase materials and have work done in the Spring.
A dwarf wall to be built on Dudbridge wharf commencing near Mr Ward’s house and terminating near the crane, to run parallel with the canal 8ft 6ins from the water’s edge and the towing path to be levelled.
New swing bridge made and put up at Whitminster Lock.
Purchase of stone to make a road for Mr U Godsell at Bristol Road and also to give him some wharf accommodation.
Harriet Jane Brittan, Alfred Brittan and Rev. Charles Brittan claimed share no.164, will of Alfred Brittan.
Evidence produced of the death of Mrs Isabelle Stanton, joint owner with C.H. Stanton in share nos. 76 and 86.
Messrs Hooper & Co given permission to lay down a pipe from the canal for supplying water to Bond’s Mill Steam Boiler at an annual rate of £1.
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General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 April £1217 16s 6d. After wages, etc, profit £655 7s. Dividend of £3 5s declared.
Major C Fisher and Mr W J Stanton re-elected and that Mr James Thomas Stanton elected members of the Committee.
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Special Meeting. Relations between Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames & Severn Canal Co were discussed and a reply was made to a letter from Mr Prideaux, Clerk to the Thames & Severn Canal Co,
Permission given to Stroud Brewery Co to take ale casks from Saul Bridge to a beer house occupied by Mr John Clark near the Junction on a payment of 5s p.a. payable half yearly commencing from June 24 1874. The lock not to be used.
Clerk directed to write to Mr M N Peyton giving him instructions not to let any vessel pass the Junction without a ticket issued from the office at Wallbridge.
Clerk reported that the tenants of the Cottages at Framilode threw their rubbish into the canal, which interfered with the traffic, and he was directed to have notices printed of the clause relating thereto and have the same delivered to them.
Charles Jacomb, the Reverend John Wood and Sir Henry Charles Barnston Daubrey claimed share no.135, will of Catherine Elizabeth Jacomb;
Caroline Harris claimed share no. 55, will of Eliza Harris.
H. Fallows the foreman at Eastington applied for an increase in wages. His wage increased from £1 5s to £1 10s.
Messrs Davies & Sons given permission to have water from the canal for supplying the engine boilers at Stonehouse Mills on payment of £2 p.a. for each pipe put in.
The account sent by Messrs Ford Brothers applying for payment of £6 17s for shrubs planted on the slope on the offside near Ryeford Mills be disallowed and the amount carried onto the next account.
Mr Kearsey, Mr Beard and Mr J. Marling be appointed as sub-committee to meet the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co committee in reference to alteration of tonnages on their canal.
Cleansing the canal: Clerk to ask the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Company for the charge per week of the use of their steam dredger.
Letters received from Mr J H Taunton to G H A Beard, 30 Nov 1874 and 29 January 1875 re defective state of T&S Canal.
Clerk and foreman were directed to inspect the works on the T&S canal from Stroud to Cirencester to make a report, and the chairman to forward the same to Mr Taunton.
Clerk complained about the state of the canal between the Junction and Whitminster Lock and was directed to write to Mr Clegram requesting him to send a dredger there and have the same cleansed out.
Mr Beard and Mr Croome reported that they had met Mr Jefferies at Ebley canal bridge and arranged that Mr Jefferies remove the stable on the west side of the bridge and clear the ground upon which it stands. The ground to be considered the property of the Company, which lies east of a line drawn between the feet of the buttresses, South and North, and a stone to be put in on the North bank of the canal to mark the extent of the Company’s land. The Company to build up with brick the place where the urinal did stand in lieu of the present fence. The Company to pay Mr Jefferies £5 when the stable is taken away and the ground cleared.
Clerk reported that Joseph Butt drew up the top paddles at Bristol Road Lock with the bottom gates open thereby wasting the water. Ordered that he pay a fine of 5s or a summons to be taken out.
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General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 October 1874 £1234 12s 11d. After wages, etc, profit £693 15s. Dividend of £3 7s 6d declared.
Details of two share transfers, for shares 197 and 172, were crossed out.
Mr Beard Chairman for the next year.
Joseph Butt was summoned before the magistrates at Whitminster on the 13 May and fined £1 and 15s costs or in default of payment one months imprisonment. (25s paid)
Clerk reported that Messrs Davies & Sons had been having small coal by railway and carted through the canal wharf at Stonehouse, resolved that a bill be sent to them charging 3d per ton for the same.
Tonnage on Benzoline and petroleum be advanced to 2s per ton.
Mr Knee to be charged 3d per ton for all coal and other goods that he brings on the canal wharf at Wallbridge that come by railway which he could get by canal.
Special meeting to be held to consider the position of this navigation in relation to the T&S Canal.
Clerk reported that David Dangerfield, captain of the barge Nellie, did on the 11 May strap the barge to the hand rail of the top gate at the Dock Lock, Eastington. The clerk was directed to write to him and give him a caution and state that any future case will be dealt with in another way.
Minute from the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co relating to the half dues to be charged upon all goods to and from that canal to the Stroudwater .
Clerk reported that a quantity of rubbish had been washed off a field into the canal near Westfield Bridge through a drain being out of order. Clerk to write to the owner of the field, Mr Bengough.
Special Committee Meeting.
Arthur Richard Lewis Whish, Maitland Moore, George Isaac Foster Cooke and Henry Cooke claimed share no.172, will of Isaac William Cooke;
Charles Edwards and Richard John Edwards claimed share no.197, will of Charles Thomas Edwards. By mistake in the ticket for the same numbered 158 (instead of 197).
Mr Kearsey brought a full statement of the position of this Company with reference to the T&S Canal in respect of tonnages and having especial regard to the probable intention of the latter Company to originate a railway scheme next Autumn. Resolved that in anticipation of such an attempt being made, Mr Kearsey apply to Mr Leader Williams to make survey of the upper canal and a report of it’s condition and if he could recommend another engineer to accompany him at a similar charge.
Questions between this Company and the Thames & Severn Canal Co were again discussed and a letter from Mr Leader Williams was read mentioning his charges and other gentlemen with whom he could act. Mr Leader Williams instructed to survey the canal from Cirencester downwards to Brimscombe. This survey to be made when the weather appears suitable and that a further remonstration be made as to the unequal division of tonnages between the two companies and that Mr Taunton be referred to the report of the sub-committee of the 26 November 1868 as showing the general views of this Company.
Mr E T Ward applied for permission to have a post box put in the wall of the Company’s house at Dudbridge. He may do so on the understanding that if he leaves the house he will make good the damage.
On the 8 June the barge Sabrina, on entering the top lock of the five at Newtown, was allowed to strike the outside bottom gate when closed there being only two men with her. Captain F Cross fined 5s for each offence (without prejudice) or the full penalties be enforced.
Clerk instructed to have swing bridges painted where necessary.
Clerk reported that on the 20 May last he had written to Mr Vaughan, dealer of Whitminster, respecting the washing of some sheep in the canal and as he did not reply to the letter the Clerk was ordered to write to him demanding payment.
Clerk reported that two boys, James Bassett of Paganhill and Walter Twinning of Ebley, did on the 15 and 16 of June knock the lock off a small boat belonging to the company and lying at Dudbridge and after doing so sending her adrift, she being found below the bottom gates at Dudbridge lock half full of water. Summons to be taken out against them.
Clerk produced a letter from the Thames & Severn Canal Co asking this Company to open an account with them for their canal traffic. Resolved that a quarterly account be opened.
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No quorum.
The salary of Mr Snape, Clerk and Surveyor of the Company, be raised to £150 p.a. from the 24 June last.
Reports produced from Mr Leader Williams and of Mr Beardmore, Civil Engineer, (together with a section prepared by the latter) on the present state of the T&S Canal as between Cirencester and Wallbridge on a survey made by them on the 28th and 29th of September last, together with the bills of charges which had been very recently received by Mr Kearsey our solicitor. The matter of too much importance to be now considered and dealt with, without longer notice so a special meeting of the committee is to be held on the 14th day of November 1875.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 April £1536 8s 5d. After wages, etc, profit £827 16s 1d. Dividend of £4 declared.
Special committee meeting to consider the reports of the engineers Mr Leader Williams and Mr Beardsmore as to the state of the T&S Canal and the steps to be taken relative to such canal. It appears that the memorial of traders complaining of the state of the Thames and Severn was well founded; and that this Company were fully justified in requiring the Company of Proprietors of the Thames and Severn Navigation to place their canal in good working order (which appears from such reports to be very far from being the case at present) and in requiring that Company to make an equitable adjustment of the tolls. These requirements should be repeated and pressed. A copy of the above resolution to be forwarded to the Clerk to the Proprietors of the Thames and Severn Navigation with a request considering the pressing nature of the requirements that the same be fulfilled without delay; and with an intimation that the reports of Messrs Williams and Beardsmore may be seen at the office of this Company at Wallbridge. The opinion of counsel will be sought on the validity of the existing arrangements between the Companies as to tolls and on other matters bearing on such questions.
William Josiah Jones and Latitia Eleanor Pugh claimed share no.20, will of Elizabeth Mary Jones.
No minutes passed. Bills paid.
Stroud Gas Company allowed to have (under the supervision of the surveyor) two pipes from the canal for obtaining water, upon the condition that they pay at the rate of 10s p.a. for each pipe.
Meeting to consider the questions between this Company and the Thames & Severn Canal Co.
The case submitted to Mr Arthur Charles with his opinion was considered, as well as a letter from Mr Prideaux, the Clerk to the Thames and Severn Canal Co.
Mr. Prideaux to be informed that this Committee cannot accept his statement as to the state of repair of the Thames and Severn Canal or depart from their former expression of opinion on this point.
Sub-committees of both companies should confer on the question of tonnages, it being an instruction to our sub-committee to get a mileage rate for coal traffic passing from this canal into the T&S Canal and if this be not acceded to, to endeavour to induce the Thames & Severn Canal Co to consent to a reference of all questions between the two companies to the Railway and Canal Traffic Commissioners. The sub-committee to be: Chairman Mr G H A Beard, Mr W W Kearsey, Mr J M Croome, Mr J Marling.
