Journal entry – John Grey – 15 Jan 1835

Thursday 15th January



Dispatched the Cash Account &. Vouchers to the 31st December last to Greenwich.    Was engaged with some Tenants respecting the Covenants & Agreements for new Leases who are generally starting some difficulty & requiring fresh explanations.  Also some parties viewing Dilston High Farm, intending to offer for it.  Bones of Throckley came up, according to appointment, but brought me only £20 of his Colliery rent, promising to make up the remainder in a very short time.  I must take an opportunity on some early day, of meeting Mr Forster at Newcastle, to obtain his opinion of the capabilities of that small Colliery & the mode he would advise to pursue respecting it, for it is evident that if no more rent can be obtained than Bones has paid, it is hardly worth keeping open.  The only thing in its favor is, that not being wrought at present on the Hospitals Land there properly sustains no damage.  Mr Hunt surveyed the Waste occasioned by old Pit Heaps in Bones Farm, stated by him at upwards of 20 Acres in his Petition to the Board, and found it to be barely 18 - the proportionate reduction for which is £28.10.6 a year, which for 6 years past amounts to £171.3.0 & being deducted from his Arrears reduces it to £38.17.. leaving his annual rent hereafter £456.9.6 which I fear he will not be able to make good.    Set out some draining & a new fence in the Haugh Farm.  He requires less in that way than any Farm on the Estates.