Journal Entry – William Hooper – 20 Mar 1833

Wednesday March 20th 1833



Mr Hunt the New Bailiff joined me this morning, and I proceeded to arrange with him for the inspection of the Property, and furnished him with such information and particulars as he required to guide him.  



Had a long interview and discussion with Mr Fenwick the Coal Viewer relative to the Colliery, in which I stated the wishes of the Board as to the mode of letting etc., and obtained from him the general practice as to the valuation of Machinery etc., etc., when he proceeded to inspect the Colliery in order to make me a report.  Mr Burnett, a Mill-wright called on me respecting some portions of a Water-wheel which he had some time since prepared for Langley Mills, and which he had now ready at Newcastle, and also a Wheel prepared for Nun-stones Copper Vein – I explained to him my views and intentions on the subject, and I am to hear further from him.



Messrs. Wilson and Lee called on me, and consented to take the fume of the Chimnies etc. at a valuation, which I had much wished them to do, but which they before declined.  We also had some discussion about the Cottages and Ground, and ended by my promise of making them the first offer of those which properly belong to the Mills, tho’ I told them I should expect some advance of rent.  I urged upon Mr Wilson again to take one stock of Lead, but his price was insufficient.



The Tenant of Elrington East Farm came to me with his brother, and consented to give up possession at May, if I would let the farm for one year to his Brother, who is also tenant of the adjoining farm.  As Mr Thos. Lambert is a Man of property, if he will give me a fair rent, and price for the way-going crop, it will be the best arrangement I can make, and I have directed Mr Hunt to inspect closely the state of the farm, and see what requires to be sown etc. and when I have his opinions as to the value, I shall be in a better condition to negotiate.