Journal entry – John Grey – 2 Sep 1833

Monday 2nd September 1833



Engaged with various matters in the Office.  Received from the occupier of the Smith’s House and Shop at West Boat two proposals which he. had got for making the alteration he contemplated for enlarging and roofing a new his dwelling house, showing that the cost would be within a few Shillings of £20.  It may in the end cost him a little more.  For this he proposes that the Commissioners should grant him a lease of 21 years at a rent of £8 instead of £10.  This would be a bad bargain on their part, unless the present rent is actually too high to stand - and I own it does appear pretty high for such premises.  I find in the estimates of last year, the repair of this house stated at £5 and as the roof which I examined is actually not in a habitable condition, perhaps it may be advisable to offer him £5, in part of the contemplated outlay upon the work being finished in a satisfactory manner, giving him a lease of 21 years at the present rent of £10.  



I visited the works on the Tyne Banks and proceeded to examine some hedges connected with the Woodlands on the Dilston Estates that are not in very good condition & will require attention.  I then passed through the Woods of Dilston Park to those on Dipton Hill, some parts of which are so soft, that it is difficult to keep the road in such a state as to allow the purchasers of Wood to remove it - and if they should not succeed in doing so before winter, I fear it will then be found impossible.  Returned by Snokoe, where to my surprize, I found that no steps had yet been taken to repair the road by the rail way company. This is not very good policy in them, who may have to apply to the Board for similar accommodation in future.  Mr Hunt visited in the course of last week all the places in Whittonstall, Hexhamshire & Langley where draining or any kind of work is going on - and I sent him over this morning to the farms of Hartburn grainge, to look after the repairs which I directed to be done when last there.   It will be found I apprehend that the expenditure  for draining this summer, has rather exceeded the usual amount.  This has arisen in some measure, from the frequent breaking out of old drains which had been insufficiently made, the runs from which are injurious to the land - and in other situations where draining was obviously wanted, I considered that with conferring a present benefit on the tenants, of which at this time they stand so much in need, it was always conferring a permanent improvement to the estates.   In this view of the case, I trust I shall stand justified, as regards the expenditure, & as great attention has been paid to the execution of the work, both by myself & Mr Hunt, I feel satisfied that the same ground will not be to go over again.