Journal entry – John Grey – 22 Nov 1834

Saturday 22nd November 1834



Rode to Thornborough to examine along with the Tenant the piece of Land subject to be overflowed by the Tyne & where he requested, in taking a new Lease, to gave a short embankment made.  As he is willing to supply all the Carts wanted in forming the embankment, I am of opinion that ten Pounds would do the rest.  If it should cost more, I would bind him to pay the surplus.  Examined there also some young hedges, intending to put them into proper order & the. Transfer them to the Tenants keeping.  Rode over the Quarry & Highbarns Farms, examining the Buildings, & on my way home over the low grounds of Dilston, comparing its state of cultivation with the Covenants of the Leases, from which I anticipate some difficulty in settling matters between the present & the succeeding Tenants, should the Farms change hands.  With reference to Robert Hunters Petition, adverted to in the Boards Minute of the 8th Instant, it may be remarked, that he has no actual claim for any compensation, for leading Materials for Building.  He only did what he contracted for, but not able to retain his Farm, he has not derived the benefit.  The reduction of Rent for one year from £150 to £136 was not made with a view to make him any recompense for leading to Buildings, but instead the latter sum is a full rent for the Farm.  The poor man must have lost much of his small capital, by holding the Farm at so high a rent, & having lead to Buildings to the extent of £60, besides has increased his Loss, while the Farm is made the better for another occupier.  This is the state of the case, & if the Commissioners should find themselves at liberty to allow him £20 or £30 from the last payment of his rent, it would be an act of kindness, to an unfortunate old Man. [marginal pencil note ‘£25]