Journal entry – John Grey – 23 Mar 1835

Monday 23rd March



Was informed by Mr Fenwick that the Assignees appointed under Johnsons Bankruptcy had signified their intention of discharging the Rent & Arrears due by him, but hoped they would have the same allowance as to time, as was given to the rest of the Tenantry.  To this, I informed Mr Fenwick that I saw no objection, so long as they acknowledged their liability and were punctual in their payments - and requested that the account for which the Extent had been issued, (£1160.1.8) being Rent & Arrear due in November last, should be discharged at the Belford Rent day fixed for the 7th April.  Those assignees too will have to come to a determination as to what they mean to do with the Colliery & Lime Kilns.  There has been a great outlay in making the present winning of the Collery, & they will be entitled, I suppose, to dispose of the Lease if it should be beneficial to the Creditors to do so, but I much doubt, whether even with the benefit of that outlay, the present rent may be obtained, including the heavy payment for laying the Railway, which in the present state of the market for Sea borne Coals, must be a very losing concern. As regards the Land Sale, I know that the Carting of Coals into Berwick can be hired at as cheap a rate as they can be carried for on the Railway, without taking into account the original cost of making it, which is a significant proof that if the Coal will not pay for exportation, the Colliery derives no benefit from the Railway, although it entails a heavy burden upon it.  Was engaged in preparing Draft Leases for the Solicitor, from the Agreements for Farms to be entered to at May day next, and in other Office business.