Journal entry – John Grey – 28 Apr 1834

Monday 28th



A day of constant rain which will please the farmers & give me an opportunity of writing Letters & bringing up my work in doors.  The Tenant of Allerwash Mill came to me by appointment as I wished to be assured if he could obtain any security to give me, for the payment of Arrears & rent due at May Day next, as if not, I must take means before allowing him to quit, to get as much as possible from his effects.   He did not bring anyone along with him for that purpose,  so I gave him till Friday morning next for him to do so, when if he should not succeed, I must be obliged to make a seizure. In the mean time, I shall send  Mr Hunt to take an Inventory, to see that nothing is removed. Consulted Mr Parkin about weeding some plantations to get Larch railing and requested it to be peeled, which means it lasts so much longer, although the present price of that kind of bark, barely covers the expense of peeling. I can only be offered £2.15- per ton for it, to be delivered at Newcastle.  Advised him as the time of payment that should be stipulated for, in valuing over Capons Cleugh Wood to the Rail way Company, and learnt from him, that all the Woodmen had agreed to the reduction of 3/- per Week from their Wages after 12th May next.  Saw a Sketch made by Benson for the back building at the public house at Throckley which I directed him to proceed with.    Being requested by the Boards minute of the 2nd April, received last week, to report upon the case of Coulson’s Arrears, I am of opinion that considering the extraordinary rent which be engaged to pay & the great fall of prices, it would be by no means unreasonable, that upon his making good the remainder he should be allowed to pay for the last year & the present, at the same rate as he has engaged for hereafter - viz £550.  I recommend this reduction the more readily, because he has done more for his farm than many tenants in more favorable [sic] circumstances.