Journal entry – John Grey – 20 Aug 1834

Wednesday 20th August



I received today applications from two of the most extensive occupiers of the Hospitals Lands, to be released from their engagements -  Messrs Thomson & Hogarth of Scremerston.  They are undoubtedly both too high rented in present times, and Mr Thomson especially, whose Farm is in a high state of cultivation, have expended upon it a large amount of unredeemed capital.  If these Farms are to be valued and relet this season, I should be glad to be informed in good time, that I might take a favorable opportunity of examining them carefully.  They are important concerns, both as regards their rent and management.   I forward their applications, as well as one from Edward Soppit of Newlands West Farm to the Board.  Finding that the applications from the tenants of Lightbirks & Woodhall to be released, they having been only in possession of their Farms since May Day 1833 having been refused, I presume that I may give the like reply to any applications from other parties similarly circumstanced. I received today also Mr Forsters report of the several Collieries of Throckley, Stublick, Brokenheugh & Fourstones which I herewith forward for the inspection of the Comm.rs hoping that it may be returned ere long with their directions respecting its contents.  I regret that Mr Forsters View has been from various causes so long delayed.  It is no doubt to be regretted that the Lessees have been allowed to go on without keeping & producing regular Plans of their Workings & proves the necessity there was for putting them under a different superintendence, I should think it advisable that plans should be made as Mr Forster suggests in his Letter of Stublick & Fourstones, and that he should visit & examine the Collieries once in three months, for a time at least, until they are found to be in such a state as to render less frequent inspection sufficient.  



With regards to Brokenheugh, it is now so far exhausted in its present Winning and so near the end of the Lease, & at Throckley so little has been done in the new Pit or Splint Coal as Mr Forster calls it, and it is so unlikely I fear, that the present Lessees will be able to continue in either their Farm or Colliery, that the making of Plans of them, might as well be dispensed with, until something can be decided, as to the future letting & working of the Mines.  On this head I shall think it to consult Mr Forster.  There is a memorandum of Agreement for Throckley Colliery, which Mr Forster either has not had, or has overlooked, but which he shall have a Copy of.  Since the present Lessees entered to it, they have lost so much time as well as money in making trials, for a length of time without success, that there is no chance of their Certain quantity being wrought up.  As to Brokenheugh, Mr Forster expresses the same opinion which I have always done to the Board, that hereafter it should be let solely for the burning of the Hospitals Lime in that quarter.  I settled the accounts today for the repairing, or almost rebuilding the Public House at Throckley & other matters of correspondence & Accounts.