Transcript Historical Minute Book 1913 to 1923 - Ashdown Forest

As regards the suggestion in the letter that the agreement is somewhat vague as to the obligation of the soldiers toassist to put these fires, the Committee are satisfied that clause 3 clearly makes them liable to do this as one of theconditions of their encampments in the case of all fires within a reasonable distance of their camp and this theypointed out to the officer at the conduction of their interview.H.B. PortmanChairmanIt is Resolved that the reports be approved and acted on, except as regards Mr. Sylvanus Ridley’s complaint, andthat the bill of Mr. Laban Turk for £1-8-0, for spreading the manure on the site of the R. E. Camp and £15 towardsthe outlay on the Boring Wheel Mill be paid out of the Protection & Improvement Fund.That as regards Mr Sylvanus Ridley’s complaint the Clerk write to the surveyor of the Uckfield Rural DistrictCouncil expressing the hope that the heap of flints referred to will shortly be removed, and that the Board will beobliged if in future, he will arrange so that road materials are not deposited in positions where they will cause andestruction to the tracks used by Commoners, for carting litter off the Forest and other purposes connected withtheir rights.It is Resolved that, insomuch as all the Military Authorities are fully occupied in war preparations, the Clerk do notreply to the application of the Officer commanding the R.E. Camp unless a further communication is received.Forest Row Rifle range application re openA letter is read dated the 6th inst. from the War Emergency Committee for the Petty Sessional Division of EastGrinstead asking the Board to allow the Rifle Range at Forest Row to be temporarily re-opened for use if thenecessity arises by properly authorised persons only.It is Resolved that the Clerk reply pointing out that the Range was closed in consequence of its being condemnedby the military authorities as very dangerous and that it will be for the Committee to consider whether, under thesecircumstances, they will be justified in using it. But that as far as the Conservators are concerned, and having regardto the present state of war they will raise no objection to its use, provided every possible precaution is taken by theexhibition of red flags, and all other proper methods of warning to prevent the possibility of accidents occurringfrom its use.A letter is read dated the 5th ulto from Dr. Edgar Millett Chairman of the Roads and Bridges Committee of theEast Grinstead Rural District Council pointing out that the South West corner at the point where the EastGrinstead to Lewes road crosses the West Hoathly to Colemans Hatch Road is dangerous, and asking permissionfor the Rural Council to throw it into the road.On Mr. Freshfield’s suggestion it is Resolved that the Clerk inform Dr. Willett that the matter has been referred toMr. Freshfield, in whom the soil of that part of the Forest is vested and that he will no doubt deal with the matterhimself.Wm. Izzard claim to rights admitted.The question of Wm. Izzard's claim to rights of common is then reconsidered, and It is Resolved that his claim beadmitted subject to his paying the Forest Rate.War – use of Forest to be grantedIt is Resolved that, having regard to the war, in case any application is received from the War Office to use theForest for camping or other military purposes, the Clerk be and is hereby authorised to place the Forest at thedisposal of the War Office for the purpose, and the District Committees be requested and empowered to make allnecessary arrangements with the Military Authorities.ChequesIt is Resolved that the following cheques be drawn, namely:-Ranger Kirby. 11 weeks salary as Ranger &House rent to 10th inst. £13.15.027Ashdown Forest Historical Minute Book