Journal entry – John Grey – 11 Feb 1835

Wednesday 11th February



I had requested Murray the Millwright to examine the Water Wheel of Throckley Mill which I understood to be in such a state as caused the Mill to be almost useless from its waste of water.  His foreman came this morning to inform me, that it was loose in every part, & had so few buckets left whole, that it could not hold water enough to keep it in a steady motion.  There had been an old Threshing Machine at the place belonging to the Hospital which  has been taken down and thrown aside.  The Wood and Iron Bolts of which will supply materials for repairing the Wheel, so that the only charge will be Workmanship. I have therefore directed him to proceed with the repair of the Wheel.  He has also engaged to give the value of the Metal & other materials left from the old Machine, instead of leaving them to be wasted.  I went by appointment to meet Benson in Newlands & examined the several Buildings requiring attention in that district.  The Public House at Whittonstall will need repair & the Smiths  Cottage to be rebuilt.  At Sproats Farm, the side Wall of the old Stable is falling out & must be taken down & rebuilt. At High Field Fairle, some trifling repairs are wanted.  At Newlands we tried every means to obtain the necessary accommodation at the least expense, & found that be leaving a part undone till next year, when the old Barn etc can be dispensed with & the materials obtained for the new Building etc it may be accomplished for less than £150 by which means three years Rent of the Farm will have been saved in building, between that and the former estimate.