Journal entry – John Grey – 18 Sep 1834

?Thursday 18th



Mr Murray luckily came here this morning & I got him to examine the state of Dilston Mill, which I expected had been very good, as it had undergone a repair not long ago.  He found the frame of the Cylinder good but the Wire Sheets entirely worn out. This I expected, but to my surprize, he showed me the wooden Cogs of a large Wheel which must have been made of unseasoned Wood, as they are quite loose & working out of Gears all round, endangering the safety of the other works.  That Wheel will require 90 new Cogs.  The upper Stone of the Grey Mill is worn much too thin to do its Work properly , but may be useful as an under Stone at some future time, for which purpose it shall be reserved, but a new top Stone is quite necessary.  I went with Murray to examine the Sluice at the North Farm, which is of the kind that has been used in the Reservoirs lately made by the Hospital, but in my opinion most cumbrous & absurdly expensive.  I described the kind of Cast Iron valve which I wished to substitute as being simple & cheap, & he has engaged to send me one for the new Dam at Coastley, which will cost frame & all two Guineas, whereas these cost twenty.  I examined & settled his Accounts for Work done at Woodhall, Whitley, Plankey & Allerwash Mills - and engaged him to examine the Materials in Burnett’s Yard & if possible to find us a customer for them.  The Wheel is above the size of any which he has orders for or he would look at them at once.  The day being fine, I set out for Hexhamshire, & rode through the extensive Plantations of Gairshield & Rowleyhead, which we have been thinning of late, & the Weedings from which have been sold to Mr Beaumonts Mines.  They are much the better for it, but can spare a good deal more. I took in my course the several Farm Offices that are being g repaired & then walked over every Field in Rowleyhead Farm, making a valuation & arranging the Covenants for a new Lease.  Reached home at nine o’clock, & made up my calculations.