Transcript Historical Minute Book 1923 to 1931 - Ashdown Forest

Ditto insurance @ 1/3 15: 018:15: 0Waters H. & E. On Protection and ImprovementFund for 14 notice Boards re refuse @ 28/- 19:12: 0Waterlow & Sons Ltd. For Letter Book 1: 7:11Telephone to Tile LodgeAn application from the Post Office for permission to lay an underground telephone line across Forest Land fromTile Lodge to the high road to New Bridge in read It is resolved that subject to the assent of the Lord of theManor the Clerk grant the necessary assent on the usual terms.Nutley Cricket GroundThe Secretary of the Nutley Cricket Club having applied for permission to take turf for the repair of the cricketpitch It is resolved that consent be granted subject to the turf being taken from such spot as Ranger Kirby shallapprove.Ranger Brown’s illnessThe Clerk reports that Ranger Brown was taken ill on the 4 th February last with a bad attack of influenza and waslaid up till the 11 th inst. when he resumed his duties.In view of the undersirability of the Board’s arrangements for the protection against fires being made public, It isresolved that the Board now go into Committee and thereupon the PressRepresentatives withdraw.FiresIt appears from the Rangers’ reports that since the last meeting over 40 Forest Fires have occurred commencingRanger Kirby’s area on the 7 th February and culminating on Sunday the 16 th inst. in a fire which burnt about 600acres, while others occurred in Ranger Brown’s area, the cause in all cases unknown.Extra help during fireThe Chairman reports that on receiving a report from Mr. Follett of numerous fires in his District he hadtelegraphed to him to arrange for extra assistance for Ranger Kirby and that Mr. Follett had asked Mr. Martin toarrange that similar assistance be given to the Forest Row Committee for 4 weeks from 17 th March at a weekly wageof £ 2: 5: 0.Protection and Improvement FundMr. Follett wrote that a bad attack of sciatica keeps him in bed but that on behalf of the Maresfield Committee hehas arranged for the employment of ex P.C. Stevens to assist in regard to fires in the Maresfield area for the timeauthorised and to patrol Nutley and Fairwarp. It is Resolved that the Chairman’s action be approved and that theemployment of Peter Tullett to assist Ranger Brown and William Stevens to assist Ranger Kirby both from the 17 thinst. at £ 2: 5: 0 per week each be approved, their salaries to be paid out of the Protection and Improvement Fund.The period of employment having been discussed. It is resolved that their services be retained for 6 weeks from thecommencement and that the advisability of appointing two further men be referred to the Fire Committee withpower to act.Fire CommitteeAlso that owing to the absence of the Chairman and Mr. Freshfield during the next few weeks Sir Stanley Colvilleand Captain Beamish be added to the Fire Committee.Fires – Protection and Improvement FundThe recommendations of the Forest Row Committee relating to protection against fire were considered and It isResolved that the total sum of 11/-expended by Ranger Brown