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 G H A Beard claimed share no.49, will of Anne Beard.
Mrs Williams, one of the Company’s tenants at Framilode, had cut the hedge round the company’s land at Framilode and sold the cuttings. She must pay the Company the amount she has received for the same, or have notice to leave the house. The matter to be put into the hands of Mr Kearsey.
The four men working the mud boat to be advanced 1s each per week.
Mr Kearsey stated that Mrs Williams had written to him respecting the cutting of the hedge round the Company’s land at Framilode and it was decided that Mrs Williams should pay 1s being the amount for which she sold the cuttings and promise for the future that she would not interfere with the hedges.
Clerk directed to write to Mr Taunton and state that the sub-committee of this company could meet the sub-committee of the Thames & Severn Canal Co on any of the following days: 28th, 29th, 30th March 1876.
Estimate from James Bendale for sinking a well at Dudbridge for £5 10s accepted.
Mr C H Stanton claimed share nos.8,137,186, will of Mrs Martha Stanton.
New washhouse be built at Downfield.
One mudboat be replanked.
Three extra men be put on for 3 months for mudding.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 October 1875 £1537 18s 9d. After wages, etc, profit £735 6s. Dividend of £3 10s declared.
The sub-committee appointed to meet the sub-committee of the T&S Canal reported that they had met Mr Dorington Mr Anderton, Dr Payne with Mr Taunton on the 29th March. That committee came unprepared to make any concessions, but wished a reduction be made in the rate of charges by the Stroudwater Navigation on merchandise, and after much discussion no basis of arrangement could be arrived at and the Thames & Severn sub-committee rejected an offer by the Stroudwater to refer all questions to the Railway and Canal Traffic commissioners. A suggestion was at one time proposed to the following effect:
If the Thames & Severn committee will propose to the Stroudwater committee to carry the present point of equal division from Brimscombe to the upper part of Chalford and to set the Stroudwater free to make their own charges at Wallbridge and elsewhere, such charges at Wallbridge not to be less than 6d per ton. The present charges of both canals for coal passing into the upper canal to be the same as now, on the condition that the Stroudwater committee meets the views of the Thames & Severn committee as to rate on merchandise, the Stroudwater committee will consider the matter with every desire to meet the views of the Thames & Severn.
Resolved that the sub-committee endeavours to re-open the negotiations.
Elizabeth Willis claimed share nos.149,150, will of Harriet Willis;
Sophia Perry Herrick, Charles Davidstowe and James Bowker claimed share nos.72,105,147,152,179,188, will of William Perry Herrick.
Annual stoppage for repairs to take place from the 1 to 10 July 1876.
Usual triennial stoppage of the towpath to take place from the 12 to 16 June 1876.
Mr W.W. Kearsey paid in 1s received from Mrs Williams in compliance with the conditions contained in his letter 28 March 1876.
Stroud Gas Company have now two pipes carrying water from the canal and other pipes carrying water from the roofs of other buildings into the canal. Permission given to continue all such pipes during the pleasure of the Company for annual payment of 1s.
Meeting with Thames and Severn Canal Co having failed, as did one between their solicitors. all outstanding issues are remitted to the position which existed before the meetings. An early opportunity is to be taken for considering and adopting a course in the interest of this navigation.
Mr Z Whiting granted permission to transfer his tenancy at Eastington to Mr T Clark of Chalford.
Mr Clegram granted permission to put up two gates across the towing path near Whitminster Lock during the time the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co extend their weir: the gates to be removed when the work is completed.
Joseph Hewer, captain of boat Victory, find 5s for wilfully strapping his boat to the top gate at the Pike Lock, Eastington after being told not to do so.
Stroudwater Board of Health permitted to use a pen near the warehouse at Wallbridge upon payment of £3 a year.
A letter from Mr Waddy, secretary to the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co, was read asking for rates of tonnage on various parts of this navigation.
Clerk reported that Messrs Davies and Sons had commenced to take water from the canal near the Stonehouse swing bridge.
Seal to be affixed to an agreement between the Company, Mr T Clark of Chalford and Mr Z Whiting of Eastington respecting the transfer of tenancy of the house and wharf at Eastington.
Mr Kearsey to take proceedings advisable to effectuate the judgement debt due from the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway Company.
A letter from received Mr J. H. Taunton acknowledging the receipt of copy of resolution passed at the last meeting and stated that the same will be placed before his Board.
Clerk stated that Joseph Hewer had paid his fine.
No meeting.
The Stroud Board of Health agreed to rent a pen on Wallbridge Wharf.
Messrs Strachan & Co had put a pipe from their works at Lodgemore under the towing path to the canal to carry overflow water from a tank. The pipe allowed to remain on payment of 2s 6d pa.
Top gates of the Dudbridge two locks require repairs. A stoppage to be made on Wednesday and Thursday 28 and 29 September.
£50 worth of oak timber to be purchased.
Inspection of the canal to be on Thursday 29 September.
Clerk to write to Mr Taunton asking for a reply as to whether their Company desire the entire list of tonnages to be revised and placed in accordance with the Act of Parliament
A bill amounting to £4 12s 6d for wharfage on stone reduced to 1s per day instead of 2s 6d, thereby reducing the bill to £1 17s.
In the suit between this Company and the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway Company an overture had been made for the purchase of the Company’s judgement debt by Mr Spain. Company would not accept less than the full amount of their judgement debt and interest and such costs as they were entitled to.
Canal has been inspected and was found to be in a satisfactory state.
Blank page.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 April £1584 15s. After wages, etc, profit £795 16s 7d. Dividend of £3 10s declared.
The byelaws under the Explosives Acts 1875* forwarded by the Board of Trade to be advertised pursuant to the direction of the Board, and that such Byelaws be made and the seal of the Company affixed thereto.
Unofficial interview between the Chairman, Mr Croome and Mr Taunton the agent of the Thames & Severn Canal Co relative to the reduction of tonnages on merchandise passing into the upper canal. It was found that the amount of tonnages on merchandise coming to Stroud and places short of Stroud, was so much in excess of merchandise passing into the upper canal that any reduction would be a loss to this Company to a far greater extent than any possible hope of gain by the increase in traffic. Mr Taunton’s proposals were rejected.
William Rodger Richardson and Herbert Cooper claimed share no.61, will of Nathaniel Edgecombe.
Clerk reported that J Mills, captain of the barge Flora, did on the 30 November 1876 draw up the paddles of the Top lock of Five at Eastington before closing the bottom gate. Fined 2s 6d without prejudice or the full penalty will be enforced.
Henry Phipps, captain of the Thames and Severn Canal Co’s boat Alice, did on the 9 December 1876 tell his man to draw up the top paddles at the Blunder Lock before closing the bottom gates. Fined 2s 6d.
Mr Clegram given permission to put in a coffer dam near the Whitminster Lock to enable him to make the connection with the culverts of the new weir and the Stroudwater canal.
Mr Amos Field applied for 9s which he stated was wrongly charged for 35 tons of broken stone taken by the canal from Eastington to Stonehouse. The amount charged was correct and the allowance was not made.
Trustees of Cainscross Turnpike Trust offered the cottage at Chippenham’s Platt to the Company for £50. The cottage was not thought to be worth that much, but Mr Beard and Mr Stanton to inspect the same.
Mr Thornton asked the Committee to allow the executors of William Knee to place a person in the Ship Inn, in the event of the present tenant Mrs Knee leaving the same. Not allowed, the Company to choose their own tenant and the executors give notice on the 25 March to leave on the September 29.
The question of the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Co’s judgement debt was brought forward by Mr Croome but discussion was delayed until the next meeting.
Mr Croome to submit a definite written proposal at the next general meeting regarding the judgement debt on the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway Co.
Mr Croome's letter on the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Co’s judgement debt read.
A letter from Mr Kearsey read advising the committee upon Mr Croome’s letter. The question was discussed. Mr E C Little and Mr C H Hooper should name the sum to be paid by Mr Spain for the purchase of the principal and interest on the terms of Mr Croome’s letter.
Mr Beard and Mr J T Stanton reported that they had inspected the Toll House at Eastington and that Mr Beard attended the meeting of the Road Trustees and purchased the same for £20. Clear possession for 1 November 1877.
William Davies, captain of the barge Endeavour, ran his barge into the bottom gates of the Whitminster Lock without using his strap. Fined 10s or the full penalty will be enforced.
Clerk reported that of late, damage to the works had been done through the boats being worked with two men only, contrary to Company Byelaws. Ordered that some bills be printed and posted up along the line of the canal.
J Davies, captain of the boat Serapis, on the 13 April 1877, drew up the paddles of the Junction Lock thereby wasting water. Fined 10s.
A letter was read from Mr J H Taunton, Thames and Severn Canal Co regarding need to discuss tolls of goods moving above Wallbridge. Reply given to letter stating that other matters need to be discussed as well as the tolls.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 October 1876 £1584 19s 10d. After wages, etc, profit £689 7s 8d. Dividend of £3 7s 6d declared.
Mr Frederick Sturge appointed auditor at a salary of £10 10s pa.
Mr Croome had offered to purchase on behalf of Mr Henry Spain the judgement debt and interest owing to this Company by the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway Company at such a sum as Mr Little and Mr C H Hooper should fix. The said judgement debt and interest to be sold to Henry Spain, he paying the full debt of £1060 and simple interest at 4% from the date of the judgement.
G H A Beard to be Chairman for the year.
Harriet Jane Brittan and Alfred Brittan claimed share nos.99,176, will of Elizabeth Augusta George;
Charles Jacomb and Major General Sir Henry Charles Barriston Daubeney claimed share nos.57,107, will of Jane Jacomb.
The assignment from this Company to Mr Henry Spain of the judgement debt recovered by this Company against the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway Company and the accrued and accruing interest in consideration of the £1441 2s 8d was produced and sealed.
Mr Kearsey’s bill as solicitor to the Stroudwater Company for managing the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway matter amounts to £87 9s 6d and £39 0s 6d a portion of his former bill being chargeable to the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway debt account as well as the sum of £20 19s 11d already paid to Mr Kearsey from ordinary revenue account.
Mr J Wood of Stroud was considering taking the premises at Wallbridge Wharf. Mr Wood to make a proposal.
Plans and specifications for the erection of a dwelling house at Wallbridge passed by committee.
Mr Miles attended the committee on behalf of the Stroud Gas Light and Coke Company and applied for an allowance on a bill amounting to £68 11s 10d being half the cost for the new swing bridge erected near the Gas works. Clerk stated that there had been other expenses not included in the £68 11s 10d which balanced the amount due from this Company in respect to the half value of the old bridge. Clerk was instructed to send the Gas Company the particulars of the additional expenses but not to alter the bill already sent in.
The tender sent in for the new house to be erected at Wallbridge received from Messrs Harper Brothers amounting to £250 had been accepted.
No quorum.
It appearing desirable to the committee that the present boundaries of the Ocean at Stonehouse should be ascertained and arranged as between the Company and the trustees of the adjoining Stonehouse Court Estate, and that the property of the Company should be set out so as to show the boundary permanently. The matter was be refered to Mr Kearsey with a view to an arrangement between him and Mr J M Croome the solicitor to such trustees.
The Seal of the Company be affixed to the demise from the company to Messrs Hallewell, Biddle and Stanton of the Ship Inn, Wallbridge produced (in duplicate) and approved and that the costs be born in moieties by the Company and the tenants.
Offer from Mr W.B. Clegram respecting cutting down the banks of the River Froome adjoining the Company’s land from near the Junction to Saul Weir, stating the same to be done for £10 18s 9d accepted.
Chairman inspected the canal from Wallbridge to Stonehouse on the 8 September and the chairman Mr C H Hooper, Mr J T Stanton and Mr Marling from Stonehouse to Framilode on the 11 September. They found the canal in good order.
Seal of the Company to be affixed to the deed of conveyance (in duplicate) to the Company now produced of the Toll House and premises at Eastington from the Trustees of the Cainscross Division of roads; and that the purchase money of £20 and Mr Spires bill relative to the conveyance amounting to £4 9s 9d be paid by the Company.
Blank page.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 April £1732 1s. After wages, etc, profit £859 17s. Dividend of £4 declared.
Mr Kearsey re-elected as a member of the Committee, also Major Fisher.
The sum of £1019.14s.1d, the balance of £1441.2s.7d received on a judgement debt from the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Company, remains in the hands of the treasurer, the sum of £421.8s.7d having been expending therefrom as per account in the cashbook.
John Addinell Bromet and Benjamin Bubb claimed share nos.7,62,63,64,120,146, the will of Rebecca Capel.
Mr G Ford made an application for a reduction of 2d per ton on all wheat brought up the canal to Ryeford from Avonmouth Docks and Bristol and transferred to the railway at Ryeford to be sent to the Midland Counties. The Company could not entertain his application.
The question as to the purchase of the weighing machine and office on Wallbridge Wharf belonging to Mrs Knee having been discussed, it was decided that the same should be valued as to it’s worth now standing and it’s value taken up and the difference divided. The sum of £17 4 .0d having been expended in repairs to the Ship Inn, that sum to be deducted from the amount and the balance to be paid over to the executors of the late William Knee. Mr Beard and Mr Stanton to arrange.
Mr W W Kearsey produced demises to Messrs Butt and Skurray of the warehouse and Mrs Knee of a stable on Wallbridge Wharf.
The settlement with the executors of the late William Knee the late tenant and Mrs Knee of the wharf Wallbridge is that they pay for office buildings fixtures and weighing machine and all which belonged to Mr Knee’s executors and Mrs Knee on her leaving £35. Less repairs to Ship Inn payable by the executors and Mrs Knee on her leaving £17 4s. Balance £17 16s.
Estimate from Mr Evans of Saul for a new house boat for the workmen amounting to £70 accepted.
William Henry Harford and William Henry Miles claimed share nos.23,24,25,27,28,29,30,95, will of William Henry Harford.
(This entry was subsequently cancelled by the Chairman of the Committee.)
Mrs Knee having refused to execute the demise of the stable on Wallbridge Wharf, ordered that the Company's Seal be removed.
Bargemen E Fryer, G Long and J Thomas had wasted water in the five locks. Each to be fined 10s or the full penalty be enforced.
Bargeman J Powell wasted water and strapped his barge to the handrail of the top gate at the top of the five locks. Fined £1 or the full penalty.
William Henry Harford and William Henry Miles claimed share nos.23,24,25,27,28,29,30,95, will of William Henry Harford.
Mr Taunton applied for a reduction of the 1s tonnage on goods delivered on the Stroudwater Canal. Not agreed.
It was agreed that the Company’s Seal be affixed to the new lease to Butt & Skurray for their use of the additional floor of the warehouse at Wallbridge.
Clerk instructed to reply to the letter from Colonel J S Trener RE that the only place for registration of boats under the Canal Boats Act 1877 was Stroud.
As Walk Bridge was out of repair, and no definite understanding between the Company and the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co following repair by them in 1869, Clerk instructed to come to an arrangement with Mr Clegram.
Mr Marling reported that the Board of Trade had been asked to appoint an engineer to examine the effect of the deposit of stone around the piers of the Severn Railway Bridge and Clerk instructed to attend a meeting in Gloucester on this topic and to take notes but not to interfere.
Messrs Webb & Spring to be charged for using the canal between their two yards at Ebley.
Sub-committee of Mr Beard, Mr Hooper and Mr Stanton to look into the erection of the New Cottage at Eastington.
Mr James Williams to be charged a weekly rent for the use of the coal pen at Bristol Road Wharf.
Clerk to ask Mr Clegram to find some materials from Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co towards the New Swing Bridge called the Walk Bridge to be erected by the Company.
Henry Fallows reported Henry Lewis, boat Harriet, Charles Lewis, boat Good Intent, and William Gardner, captain of boat Alice, for various misdemeanours. It was ordered that a fine of 10s be charged in each case, and a summons be taken out in the case of default of payment.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 October 1877 £1691 8s 11d. After wages, etc, profit £810 1s 5d. Dividend of £4 declared.
The question re repair of highways over bridges to be left to the Opinion of Counsel at the joint expense of the Wheatenhurst Highway Board and this Company.
Seal of the Company be affixed to the contract for £180 for the building of the dwelling house, etc, at Eastington, and the cost of grates, after the contract, plans and specifications have been signed by Harper Brothers.
Mr G H A Beard be Chairman for the coming year.
John Bowman and Alfred William Hooper claimed share no.88, will of William Bevan.
The rent for the coal pen at Bristol Road Wharf occupied by Mr James Williams to be reduced.
Clerk ordered to pay the Tithe Rent charge of 3s.1d. due 25 March 1878 for the Parish of Rodborough.
The Company gives permission for the two gate openings made illegally by Mr William Fawkes from two fields of which he is tenant between Ryeford and Stonehouse Wharf, on payment of an annual sum; such permission may be removed at any time, when Mr Fawkes at his own expense would have to remove the gateways and make good the damage to the satisfaction of the Company’s surveyor.
Mr William Smith, captain of boat Elizabeth, fined 10s, or a summons to be taken out and the full penalty enforced, for being abusive after being asked to remove his boat.
Company’s solicitor instructed to resolve a dispute as to the Company’s liability for poor rate in the Wheatenhurst parish.
Richard Denison Jones claimed share no.185, will of Rev David Jones.
Mr Edger Barnard of Ebley given permission for use of towpath on annual payment of 5s. paid in advance.
Mr Withey to be paid 12s. (6 yrs rent) for trespass on land to the Company’s paddles at Lodgemore Feeder.
Clerk to ask Mr T Marling to find out from Mr Lucy if traffic could pass up the G&B Canal from Sharpness to The Junction during the erection of the Severn Railway Bridge.
Clerk to purchase oak planking for New Swing Bridge near Mr Wilton’s.
Stroud Gas Co to be charged a reduction in tonnage for coke until the present stock is worked up.
Clerk to give up the Guarantee with the Guarantee Society, and that instead he place his share certificate in the hands of Mr Kingdom, the Treasurer.
Clerk to advertise for tenders for building a new boat, as Mr Beard and Mr Stanton reported that the present boat was unfit for service.
Mr Kearsey to prepare a contract for the tenancy of the house, stables, weighing machine and garden at Dudbridge to Messrs Stephens & Co, who are to pay all expenses.
Mr T Marling produced an extract from the Minutes of Severn Bridge Railway Company (copied into the minute book) where it was resolved that arrangements would be made with the Canal Company to allow half the existing tolls be charged to the upward traffic of the River, also to all other River traffic from below the site of the Bridge to places above Gloucester as well as to the Stroudwater Canal.
Mr Evans’ tender for £70 accepted for building new boat, excluding all extras, by 1 December 1878. Mr Evans to take the old boat for £3.
Mr Kearsey to prepare documents for the surrender of Mr Richard Williams’ tenancy of the messuage and other properties at Dudbridge Wharf, and the tenancy of the same to Mr Edward Stephens of Lydney, Coal Merchant.
Upon receipt of Counsel’s (Mr Glen’s) Opinion that the Company is liable for repairs over the bridges in the Wheatenhurst parish, it was resolved that the Company would acquiesce for so long as the law remains unaltered. In respect of Mr Vizard’s letter proposing that the Highway Board carry out the repairs and charge the Company, it was resolved that the Company agreed to the request for one year.
Mr Oliver Sittington, lock keeper at Eastington, pays 10s and the Company pays 10s towards damage sustained through Mr Sittington’s negligence in allowing water to overflow the canal bank onto land belonging to Mr C H Hooper.
Clerk to give Notice to Mr David Dangerfield to quit the Cottage at Framilode by 25 December.
Canal found to be in good order on inspection of the area from Wallbridge to Eastington by Mr Beard, and from Eastington to Framilode by Mr Stanton.
Accounts, books and vouchers checked and certified. Treasurer’s book examined and signed by Chairman.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 April £1758 7s 10d. After wages, etc, profit £847 12s 4d. Dividend of £4 declared. The Company holds a sum on account of the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway Company’s Judgment debt.
Messrs Harper Brothers to have the use of a pen on Wallbridge Wharf on quarterly payments, subject to three months’ notice in writing on either side.
Company’s seal to be affixed to the demise of a cottage at Framilode to Mr Henry Pegler. Mr Kearsey’s bill of costs to be considered in committee at a meeting at which Mr Croome is present.
Mr Kearsey to get the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Bill, the Dudbridge & Stroud Railway Bill and the Thames & Severn Canal Company’s Bill and, if necessary, to call a Special Meeting to consider the same.
Resolved the meeting be adjourned until 23 January to consider the Railway and Canal Bills affecting the Navigation.
Special Meeting. Considering the unjust and injurious operation upon the Canal of the clauses of the Thames & Severn Canal Act in reference to rates charged for traffic passing through this Canal and entering that Canal, the Solicitor is instructed to take steps to oppose the Bill becoming law.
Seal of Company to be affixed to a petition to Parliament against the passing of the said Bill into Law.
Only four members present, meeting not held.
James Williams, son-in-law of Mrs Critchley, tenant of Company’s house at Bristol Road Wharf, accepted as tenant from Lady Day.
Re Thames & Severn Canal Co’s Bill, meeting be adjourned to 27 March, to have a more definite opinion from Messrs Martin & Leslie.
Special Meeting to consider the T&S Canal Co’s Bill. The position of the Mill owners and others as to the Locus Standi was changed by the alteration of the Thames & Severn Canal Co’s Bill, in a manner which could not have been foreseen at the time the Petition of the Mill owners and others was presented.
Upon consideration of Mr Kearsey’s further report, the Committee do not feel justified in continuing the opposition on the ground urged in Messrs Martin & Leslie’s letter, but considering that the Thames & Severn Co’s Bill proposes to raise money upon faith of the present tolls, which to a large extent arise from the arrangements made with the Canal, which by reason of altered circumstances this Committee deem to have become most inequitable and injurious to the interests of the Stroudwater Navigation, this Committee cannot but think that on this ground, though on this ground only, the Parliamentary Committee would listen to their opposition. Under these circumstances the Committee consider that their Solicitor should communicate with the promoters of the Thames & Severn Canal Co’s Bill stating to them the grounds of the opposition of this Company with an intimation that this Committee are desirous to enter on the matter in a friendly spirit with the wish to establish permanent and satisfactory relations with the T&S Canal and that if a satisfactory arrangement can be made on the question of readjusting the tolls, opposition should be withdrawn.
Chairman’s letter to the Company’s solicitor, instructing the withdrawal of the Company’s Petition against the Thames & Severn Canal Co’s Bill, agreed by Mr Croome, Mr Little, Mr Stanton and Mr Phipps, confirmed.
Henry Clark, captain of the barge Wherry Packet, be fined 10s for strapping the barge to the hand rail of the top gate at the Westfield Lock, Eastington.
Mr Croome to see Mr James Harper re his laying a drain from the Cainscross old National Schools into the Canal nearly opposite Dudbridge Wharf.
Owing to the non-payment by Messrs E Stephens & Co of their account, they shall in future pay their account monthly.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 October 1878 £1598 6s 4d. After wages, etc, profit £748 6s 3d. Dividend of £3 10s declared.
The sum of £12, half year’s interest on £800 drawn from the Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway Company’s Judgment debt, placed in Stroudwater Navigation’s Canal account.
Stoppage to take place at Bristol Road Lock for three days ending 30 May to plank the bottom gates.
Ordered that a new pair of Bottom Gates be made for Blunder Lock, Eastington and put in, if possible, in August.
The annual inspection of the canal take place on 9 and 10 June next and that the following attend: Messrs Beard, Fisher, Stanton, Marling, Little and Hooper.
Semand note for 17s.10d. for the poor rate for Bristol Road property to be paid as usual under protest.
Clerk to purchase oak, elm, larch, Baltic fir, pitch pine and deals to the extent of £60 or thereabouts.
Company’s Seal to be attached to the demises of a Cottage at Bristol Road, tenant James Williams, and Downfield, tenant Henry Riley.
Clerk to request Mr Kearsey to write to Messrs E Stephens & Co asking for immediate payment of the tonnage account for April and May.
Clerk to write to Messrs Pooley & Son for an estimate for the erection of a new Weigh Bridge at Eastington Canal Wharf.
Mr James Webb, Coal Merchant of Chalford, be allowed to use a stable on Wallbridge Wharf at a rental of £3 p.a. subject to a quarter’s notice on either side, an Agreement to be drawn up.
Inspection of the canal from Wallbridge to Eastington by the Chairman and Mr Fisher on the 9th, and from Eastington to Framilode by the Chairman, Mr Hooper and Mr Marling on the 10th, found the stores, yard, buildings and canal works in good working order.
Ordered 4 new struts to the Crane on Wallbridge Wharf; spouting to be altered at the Cottage at Downfield; 66ft of ditch to be covered over near the new Lock House, Eastington; barge boards to be put to the 3 gable ends of the new Lock House at Eastington and 2 cottages at Bristol Road to be painted, whitewashed, lead windows taken out and replaced with wooden frames. The new swing bridge near Mr Wilton’s was inspected and passed; the slip at Framilode at the bottom of the Lock Keeper’s garden was examined and as the land was accumulating and a bank forming it was thought desirable not to touch it.
Clerk to write to James Smart, Thomas Henry Pearce and Harry James Knee that their request for a reduction of tonnage on merchandise required consideration and at present could not be accommodated.
The wall dividing the Company’s property from Mr Biddell’s at Wallbridge being dangerous it was to be rebuilt.
Company to hire the steam dredger from the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal Co, and Mr Marling make the necessary arrangements with Mr Clegram.
Clerk to write to Mr Taunton on the subject of Division of Tonnage with this Company and the Thames & Severn Canal Co. From the 1853 Agreement it is clear that the point at which the equal division of the tolls ceased is Brimscombe Wharf and the word “Brimscombe” used in the Resolution had reference to that wharf and to no other spot. The fact that the Clerk of this Company has received tickets where coal conveyed to a point short of Brimscombe wharf has been stated as consigned to “Brimscombe” has led to the overlooking till recently of any error which has taken place.
Messrs Pooley & Sons estimate of £27 accepted and the new Weigh Bridge put on Eastington Canal Wharf.
Bills paid. No other business done.
Mr Barnard of Dudbridge to be charged the sum of 6d p.a. on 29 September each year for the privilege of having the gates he erected on the road to his property over the Company’s land, on the undertaking that he remove the gates and anything else placed across the road whenever required.
A Special Meeting to be held on Tuesday 30 September to discuss the letter received by Mr Marling from Mr Potter of the Thames & Severn Canal Co relating to Traffic.
Special Meeting. Promised to Mr Potter, Lord Bathurst, Mr Ellett and Mr Taunton of the Thames & Severn Canal Co that their proposition and arguments for a reduction of tonnage on merchandise should have due consideration at a subsequent Committee Meeting.
Accounts, books and vouchers checked and certified. Treasurer’s book examined and signed by Chairman.
Cheques drawn from Stonehouse & Nailsworth Railway Judgment debt a/c to Mr W W Kearsey for £119.17s.10d.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 1 April £1761 4s 5d. After wages, etc, profit £961 2s. Dividend of £4 10s declared.
From the Stonehouse & Nailsworth Railway Company’s Judgment Debt remains £630.16s.5d, the sum of £181.3s.7d. having been drawn for the dredging of the Canal by steam power, and interest paid to Canal a/c.
Edward Herbert Palmer appointed Treasurer to the Company on the resignation of Mr C W Kingdom.
Chairman to convey to the family the Committee’s expression of their esteem and condolence on the death of Mr Marling.
Chairman requested to write to Mr Potter re the tonnage charges and the T&S Canal
Demand note for £1.1s.3½d for poor rate for Bristol Road property be paid as usual under protest.
Resolved that the minute passed on the 15 August 1878 re the repair of the roadways over the Canal Bridges by the Wheatenhurst Highway Board be rescinded and for the future the Company to keep the same in repair.
Clerk’s letter to Mr Barnard concerning the Resolution passed on the 18 September re the right of roadway to his house and the 6d. p.a. rent for the gates was read out.
Mr Potter’s letter in reply to Mr Beard’s original letter of 20 November 1879 was read out and Mr Beard was requested to reply.
Mr Beard produced Mr S S Marling’s letter respecting the Resolution of 20 November re his brother’s death.
Mr Z Whiting’s rent to be increased from £10 to £15 from the 25 December 1879 in consideration of the erection of the weighing machine and office.
£5 each be given to Snape and Fallows for extra work in superintending the dredging of the Canal by steam power from Wallbridge to Framilode.
Special Meeting. The Committee having previously agreed to take the opinion of Counsel jointly with the Thames & Severn Canal Co and on the terms of the correspondence with Mr Potter as to the construction of the Thames & Severn Canal Act in reference to the tolls on coal and other merchandise passing from this canal into the upper canal, and the Committee of that canal having suggested that each party should make their own statement the Company’s Solicitor instructed to prepare a statement limiting the questions 1st to the actual meaning of clause 64 of the Thames & Severn Canal Act in reference to the amount to be abated i.e. whether the words “the like sum” refer to the amount by which or the amount to which this Company reduce below 3/6d per ton and 2nd To the question how far the words “not exceeding” twice repeated in clause 62 prevent the T&S Canal from carrying at less rates than those mentioned and thereby underbidding this Company. This Committee desire at the present time not to enter into any other questions with the upper canal. The statement when prepared and settled by this Committee will be submitted to the Solicitor of the Thames & Severn Canal Co and this Committee to revise the statement submitted by the Thames & Severn Canal Co. The statement as prepared by the Solicitor of this Company to be considered at the Meeting on Thursday next.
Special Meeting. The draft case prepared by the Solicitor of this Company was considered and revised and the questions submitted to Counsel somewhat varied and the Clerk was directed to return the draft case to Mr Kersey requesting him to submit it to Mr Ellett on behalf of the Upper Canal Company, requesting to have the draft case prepared by Mr Ellett to be submitted to this Committee.
William Henry Marling, Henry Playne and Charles Edward Sheppard claimed share nos.26,70,72,99,100,105,147,152,154,174,176,179,188,194,195, will of Thomas Marling. Thomas Marling was also joint owner of shares no. 36,47,112,160 with S S Marling and W H Marling.
Because of the absence of Mr Croome through illness, the draft case prepared by Mr Ellett to be placed before the Committee at the next meeting.
In view of the continued illness of Mr Croome and Mr Kearsey, Clerk to request Mr Kearsey to write to Mr Ellett that the Thames and Severn and Stroudwater Canal Co’s cases had not been considered at the meeting.
Accounts, books and vouchers checked and certified. Treasurer’s book examined and signed by Chairman.
