Journal entry – John Grey – 26 Oct 1833

Saturday 26th October



Went in the morning to see what progress had been made at the embankment in Widehaugh during my absence & the success of the attempt to bring some additional springs into Mr Leadbitter’s reservoir, which I had begun before going to the North.  Although not yet completed, it is evident that it will greatly increase the supply, & at a cost not much exceeding £10.  Engaged the remainder of the day in office business, various Letter & other matters having accumulated in my absence.  I have at last received Messrs Parker & Crawhalls decision upon the average price of Lead, which is for the quarter ending 1st July £13.12.6 and for that ending the 1st October £14.2.6. which is charged to the Smelting Cos Account accordingly.  



I omitted to mention yesterday that at Haydon Bridge a Deputation of the inhabitants of the South part of Langley Barony waited up me to represent the loss and inconvenience they sustain from the want of an efficient Teacher in the School at Deanraw.  The Hospitals subscription of £10 has been lately ordered to be withdrawn on that account, but that is doing nothing towards getting a better Teacher, so long as the old man is allowed to occupy the premises to the exclusion of another.   The House & Ground belong to the Hospital and must have notice at the 11th of November to quit at May Day, [marginal note: ‘certainly’] or he will still continue.  He is very old & incapable & the School has entirely dwindled away, although surrounded by many hamlets & all the work people at Langley Mills & Stublick.  It is said that the old man has saved money & is not ill off but the deputation suggested, that if he were removed at May Day next, & they were at Liberty to elect a Successor (whose character & qualifications I should endeavour to ascertain) the half of the subscription by the Hospital might be continued to him as a pension for Life, if the Commissioners preferred doing so, to giving it to his successor.  As the 11th November is near at hand, I ought to have authority to give him the necessary notice to quit, if the Commissioners approve of the arrangement.