Author: Peter

[Teignmouth] Harbour Commissioners: A meeting of this Board was held at the CourtHouse on Thursday late, George Curtis, Esq. Chairman. The Clerk presented the report of the committee appointed to enquire into the yearly expenditure, under the Act, to the following effect; “That the sum of £600 being part of a balance now in the hands of the Treasurer should be withdrawn for the purpose of discharging deeds poll to that amount, thereby decreasing the current expense of the commissioners £30 per year but with regard to salaries of the officers, they were not prepared to recommend any reduction at present, nor would they advise any alteration in the tolls at present collected; but would recommend to the general meeting the propriety of considering whether the business of the commissioners cannot be as well conducted by meeting four times the years instead of twelve”. Mr. Vicary moved that the report be reconsidered, every one of the resolutions being carried by the casting vote of the Chairman. The report was received by a majority of 6, Messrs. Pinsent, sen., Pinsent, jun., and Vicary voting against it; and Messrs. Kitson, Croydon, Whiteway, Stepehenson, Sanders, Wilking, Bartlett, Goodridge, and Tozer, for it. Mr. Vicary moved that £850, the balance in the hands of the Treasurer, should be applied in the manner spoken of by the Clerk, instead of £600, as recommended by the Committee: Seconded by Mr. Pinsent. The report was adopted, with the exception of the clause as to the £600. Mr. Tozer gave notice that he should move, at the next meeting, that the resolution on the books relative to taking the whole of the balance towards paying off debentures, be rescinded. Mr. Vicary considered the Clerk had no power to stay the proceedings. Mr. Whiteway was for keeping a balance in the hands of the Treasurer, to meet any contingency that might arise. Mr. Vicary showed that £80 per month was received in dues, which was enough for any contingency. Mr. Tozer said his objective was not so much whether £600 or £800 should be spent. Captain Washington had spoken of some improvements likely to be required, and he was waiting, out of courtesy to that gentleman, to see what he recommended. Mr. Vicary spoke very strongly against encumbering the harbour any more than it was already and gave notice that the next meeting he should move that the resolution, empowering the commissioners to meet once a month be rescinded. 

Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.

Referenced

GRO0518 Devonport: John Ball Pinsent: 1819 – 1901
GRO1036 Devonport: Thomas Pinsent: 1782 – 1872