Transcript Historical Minute Book 1913 to 1923 - Ashdown Forest

Martin in supporting his motion made at the recent Special Meeting of the Board submits that in view of theProvisions of the Order for Regulation especially clause I (a) (b) and (c) the Conservators have no power to consentto the boring, and that if the concessionaires proceed notwithstanding, the Board will have to consider what actionthey must take, and must not allow their decision to be affected by the possibility of having to enforce it by legalproceedings.Mr. Midgley states that probably other Conservators have, like himself, received a letter urging him to support theapplication, but that he adheres to his view that the Board cannot give consent.At the request of Mr. Portman the Clerk reads the 1st paragraph of the opinion given by Mr., now Mr. Justice Lushon 1st April 1908.Mr. Turner questions how far the boring in a gravel pit in which he understands the plant has been placed willprejudice the Commoners.The Chairman and Mr. Martin both state they have viewed the spot, and that it is not a gravel pit.Mr. Portman states that he must support the motion, because it is the duty of the Conservators to carry out theduties imposed on them by the Regulation Order. In dealing with the application they stand at a critical junctureand on slippery ground, and if they consent they face the danger of introducing the thin edge of wedge and weakentheir position for the future.Mr. Ridley expresses the opinion that the minerals were placed there for the good of man and that the Conservatorsought not to prevent their being worked.Mr. Sandford states that if he had any doubt before it was removed by hearing the provisions of the Lease, and hemust therefore support the motion.Mr. W. Carr states that it is the duty of the Board to stand by the law and he will support the motion.The motion is then put and upon it the voting was as follows:-For the motion - the Chairman, and Messrs. Carr, Martin, Midgley, Needham, Portman, and Sandford.Against it - Mr. RidleyNot voting – Messrs. Card, Kenward and TurnerThe Chairman then declared the motion carried and the Clerk was directed to communicate the Board’s decision toMr. Le Bas.A.G. Innes drainRanger Kirby reports that the drain in front of Mr. A.G. Innes’ house having been repeatedly stopped up anddiverted the water to his premises, Mr. Innes removed the stones. Ranger Kirby required him to take them backwhereupon he repaired and made the drain larger. Mr. Innes informed him that if the drain got stopped again andthe water came on to his premises he should place the matter in the hands of his solicitors. Ranger Kirby believesthat the drain is obstructed by neighbours for the purpose of annoying Mr. Innes.ChequesThe following cheques were then signed pursuant to the recommendation of the Audit Committee, namely:-The Clerk Salary account No.1 £50-0-0The Clerk Disbursements No.1 £18-13-7The Clerk Disbursements No.2 £1-11-1H. Kirby Salary No.1 £12-12-6W. Brown Salary No.2 £10-2-66Ashdown Forest Historical Minute Book