WELLHOUSE MILL EXTRACTS

[Stanley]

WELLHOUSE MILL



Extracts from Calf Hall Shed Company’s Minute Books and other sources relating to Wellhouse Mill from 1885 to 19th August 1903.











































WELLHOUSE MILL

From Wm Atkinson:
Build started in 1854
Originally to be called New Mill
Jim Howarth and Co contractors to build the mill.
60 yd chimney built by Rowley assisted by Abe Heaton.
Trouble with black earth, (bottom land), walls went out of plumb and had to be rebuilt. (See same problem hit by Johnny Pickles when building Havre Park foundry for Henry Brown and sons in 1928)

When built mill was to hold 728 looms and 88,000 spindles.

Craven Herald 31/01/1885. Reports the re-starting of the double beam engine at Wellhouse, which broke down on the 17th January. (Restarted 27th January 1885)

CH 21/02/1885. Another breakdown at Wellhouse Mill. Wheel turning the card room and weaving shed smashed. (Evidence of spinning at Wellhouse at this date)

CH 25/4/1885. Connecting rod broke on the engine, fire in blow room (evidence of spinning)

CH 29/11/89. Report that all the machinery is to be taken out of Wellhouse Mill, the whole, including the engines to be put up for sale by auction.

The mill had already been up for sale. See sale document dated 3rd and 4th of August 1887. The description of the sale is:
1886-B-4929
In the Chancery of the County Palatine of Lancaster, Manchester District. Bracewell V Smith. Freehold properties to be sold by auction by James Thomas Rushton at the Seven Stars Hotel on 3rd and 4th of August 1887.
[The sale included Wellhouse and Butts Mills, the Corn Mill, gasworks and various blocks of houses.]

DESCRIPTION OF WELLHOUSE IN THE SALE DOCUMENT OF 1887.
Lot 1. All that valuable plot of freehold and leasehold land situate at Wellhouse, Barnoldswick containing 42,331 square yards and forming the site of Wellhouse Mill and reservoirs. Some 3,200 yards of land is leasehold for 999 years at a rent of £20 per annum.

Together with substantial stone built cotton spinning mills, weaving sheds and manufacturing premises now containing 79,960 mule and throstle spindles and 768 looms with full preparing machinery; mechanics, joiners, bobbin turning and turners shops, gasworks, engine and boiler houses and other buildings thereto belonging.

THE MOTIVE POWER
Is represented by eight high pressure steam boilers each 30ft by 7ft 6inches. [Newton Pickles evidence suggests these were single flued or Cornish boilers. SG.] Green’s economisers with 192 pipes; several steam pumping and fire engines; [see fire pump at Helmshore Mill donated to them by Silentnight after renovations]

THREE ENGINES
Fine pair of beam condensing engines (McNaughted) with two 45” cylinders and two 53 ½ “ cylinders, 8 feet stroke.
Beam condensing steam engine (McNaughted) two cylinders 28” and 36”, 6ft stroke.
Beam condensing engine (McNaughted) with two 20” cylinders, 4ft stroke.
All main and cross line shafting polished. All pipework.


GASWORKS
The gas plant consists of 18 retorts, patent scrubber, 4 purifiers, ram pumps and gasometer, 40ft in diameter. Several thousand yards of pipe laid in the town.

[Note that this plant was at Wellhouse mill itself, see plan with sale document. The gasometer is shown on the west side of the mill behind the engine house. This plant had evidently been installed to provide gas for the mill but was supplying public in town at same time. The ‘NEW GASWORKS’ is mentioned as a separate item in the sale document and its area agrees with the site shown on a plan in the sale doc for the gasworks site near the corn mill.]

THE MACHINERY
To be sold with the mills. Two cotton openers, six double beater lap machines, five single beater ditto, 156 carding engines, six grinding machines, thirteen drawing frames, thirteen slubbing frames, fifteen intermediate frames, 196 throstle frames, twenty six pairs of mules, 79,960 spindles for twist and weft, ten winding machines, thirteen beam warping mills, ten circular warping mills, three tape sizing machines, size mixing apparatus, three winding on frames, 768 power looms, five plaiting machines and cloth press.

THE MECHANICS AND SMITHS TOOLS
Consist of eight lathes, drilling, slotting, shaping, wheel-cutting, cutter-making, planing machines, screwing and tapping machine, steam hammer, Smith & ? glazing and grindstones.

THE BOBBIN WORKS contains eight bobbin turning lathes, planing and moulding machines; three saw benches, fret sawing machine, two mortising machines, and the whole of the turner’s plant. The loose articles consisting of bobbins, cans, driving strapping, mechanics, smiths and engineers loose tools will be included in the sale.
CHSCMB
12/03/1890. Proposed by Proctor Barrett and seconded by Edward Smith that CHSC buy Wellhouse Mill for the sum of £8,000 on the terms and conditions offered by Mr George Robinson. [Robinson was manager of the Craven Bank at Skipton who must have controlled the sale of Wellhouse by virtue of their position as lenders to Wm Bracewell. SG]
26/03/1890. Chairman of CHSC, Brooks Banks, to go to Skipton and see Mr Robinson respecting Wellhouse Mill.
4/05/1890. Consideration given to CHSC’s solicitor’s comments on Craven Bank’s conditions re the purchase of Wellhouse Mill. First clause of conditions, whatever that was, seems to have been agreed to but a further clause requiring the CHSC to spend £3,000 on the premises forthwith was objected to. However, the directors agreed to put down an engine of sufficient power to drive the present shed with all the extensions, renewals and alterations that will be necessary. {I am intrigued by this and will look into it further. What right had the bank as seller to insist on money being spent on the mill? Was this an effort to protect tenants already in there? SG.]
4/04/1890. John Shepherd engaged as caretaker and engineer for Wellhouse Mill at 28/- a week. [If this is the John Shepherd mentioned as living in Wellhouse cottage in 1871 census he was 39 years old. I have an idea he was engineer for Wm Bracewell. SG]
9/04/1890. Co to meet the Midland Railway Co to arrange demurrage and unloading of coal wagons at the station. Secretary asked to write to the Midland Railway Company regarding supplying the Midland railway engines with water from Wellhouse. [It appears that the water supply to the station was pumped from Wellhouse Mill. Remember that Wm. Bracewell was a director of the Barnoldswick Railway Company, which owned the line, but it was operated by the Midland Railway Co. The Midland bought the line from the BR Co. for £52,500 on 5 January 1900 See GAS WORKS in card index for details of how the Gas Co supplied water from 1889 to June 1922 when station was connected to the towns main.]
16/04/1890. A letter was sent by the secretary to William Hewitt, chairman of the Barnoldswick Railway Co to inform him that unless some satisfactory arrangement be made with the Calf Hall Shed Co. respecting the supplying of water for the station the Calf Hall Shed Co. cannot supply them any longer. Mention that the Company’s solicitor was Hartley of Colne.
23/04/1890. Edward Smith to see John Shepherd tonight and give him instructions to let the fires at Wellhouse Mill go out and pump no more water to the station until satisfactory arrangements have been made by the B R Co. to pay all expenses up to date that have been incurred by the CHSC. The secretary to write to George Robinson at the Craven Bank asking him to get the boilers out which have been sold as the CHSC needs the room they now occupy. Also to inform Mr Robinson re. Mr Rushworth using dynamite at Wellhouse Mill to break up the engines and to give Mr Robinson the correspondence which has passed between The CHSC and Mr Rushworth on the subject and ask him who will be responsible for any damage caused to the mill. [There are several conclusions that can be drawn from this. The old engines and boiler plant were being scrapped by the bank, an unusual state of affairs. When I first saw the reference to Dynamite I was surprised but on looking it up found that Alfred Nobel invented Dynamite in 1867 and it was evidently freely available. SG] The secretary to inform Mr Moorhouse of Earby that a deputation would visit him to discuss his proposed tenancy at Wellhouse Mill. John Lancaster mentioned as CHSC auditor.
26/4/1890. Calf Hall Shed Company agrees to buy Wellhouse Mill for £8,000 at second annual General Meeting.
30/04/1890. Resolved that the fires at Wellhouse go out and that we wait no longer for a response from the directors of the Barnoldswick Railway. George Watson be engaged as a labourer at Wellhouse to assist Shepherd. Wage 23/- per week. The tenders for the engine were not accepted and a special meeting arranged for 5 May to consider them. (Meeting was actually on May 20th 1890)
14/05/1890. That the secretary purchase two cupboards from New Mill for 2/6 from Mr John Schofield.
21/05/1890. Resolved that Corliss valves be fitted to the HP cylinder of the new engine at Wellhouse. Meeting on 22 arranged with Burnley Ironworks Co re the engine.
23/05/1890. Decided that the tender of the Burnley Ironworks Co for the engine at Wellhouse Mill be accepted according to the specification given for £1590. [Other research indicates that what CHSC were doing was installing one side of a double tandem engine, the other side was not put in until the power was needed in 1895. SG]
28/05/1890. The engineer at Calf Hall be asked his price for both running the engine and firing the boilers. [This item appears to have been crossed out. No wonder, it would have been too much work! SG]
4/06/1890. James Moorhouse of Earby informed that CHSC will rent him room and power at Wellhouse Shed at 39/- per loom per annum and one tape for about 400 looms at £90 per annum. He is given 16 weeks free of rent from the starting of the engine and that if he needs money the directors will lend it to him at 5% and he must let them know as soon as possible whether or not he accepts these terms.
11/06/1890. Mr Moorhouse told the directors cannot improve on their terms and require an answer immediately. The engine house at Wellhouse Mill be set out in a portion of the engine house and that two ventilators of approved make be fitted on the roof of the engine house. Strange Item which states that CHSC take all the flags from the engine houses at Butts and Wellhouse mills at 3/2 per yard and that Edward Smith have those in the Butts at 2/6 per yard and the company have the remainder. [Difficult to know what to make of this. It seems to suggest that Craven Bank were scrapping the engines at Butts as well as at Wellhouse otherwise the flags in the engine houses wouldn’t be redundant. It also suggests some sort of understanding between the bank and the company. Could they have signalled their intent to buy Butts as soon as they had Wellhouse up and running? This would have been to the bank’s advantage as CHSC were customers of theirs. SG]
25/06/1890. The plans for the engine house as seen for Well House Mill be adopted and Mr Atkinson (architect) be asked to send out specifications to 4 or five masons or contractors for the work of getting out two engine beds and the demolition of the boiler house and gas house and the erection of a new engine house. [The ‘NEW Gas works’ near the Corn Mill must have been up and running by this time. It was evidently sold at the 1887 sale and completed by the Barnoldswick Gas Company.] Mr Moorhouse informed that the directors are prepared to lend him £800 at 5% per annum. This is their final offer.
2/07/1890. Three windows to be put in the back side of the engine house at Wellhouse and two in the cellar at the end. The three windows at the back to have swivelling sashes for ventilation and one window in front to have a door and a fire escape. The two windows in the ‘front’ that is made to take out’ to have circular heads that open for ventilation. [I think this latter description refers to the fact that engine houses usually have windows that can be removed complete and are big enough to allow the largest castings on the engine egress. SG] Moorhouse pressing for further concessions, wants £800 before delivery of the looms. [Presumably because it would save him having the get a loan to bridge him over the gap between delivery and the CHSC money getting to him. SG]
9/07/1890. Letter to Mr Pickup at Burnley Ironworks asking the probable extra cost of fitting US Metallic packings to the LP cylinder on the new engine. Moorhouse: that £3 per loom be advanced as they arrive on the premises up to 250 looms and then £50 be advanced at once. Messrs. Hawley’s tender for building the engine house at WH be accepted in the sum of £598.10.0.
23/07/1890 A deputation to wait on the directors of the Barnoldswick Gas Company to ask whether they can come to an arrangement to take water from the Corn Mill Dam for use at Wellhouse. [This is interesting and significant. This is the first mention of the problem that plagued Wellhouse right through its life as a mill, shortage of water. An indenture of 15 October 1890 in PCRO p. 9 states that the Barnoldswick Gas Company bought the Corn Mill from the executors of the estate of C G Bracewell. See GAS WORKS in index for more details. SG] It was decided to have US Metallic packings on the LP cylinder of the new engine.
30/07/1890. That Barnoldswick Gas Co be allowed half of the pipes taken out of the ground at WH Mill and that they be paid £10 per annum for water from Corn Mill Dam for use at Wellhouse. [Was there a pipe already in place that was used by Bracewell when he built and ran the mill? What bearing has this on the fate of Old Coates? Wellhouse built in 1854 and Old Coates abandoned 1860. SG] Shepherd’s wage [Engineer at WH.] to be 30/- a week from Saturday next. [This brought him into line with Watson Knowles, engineer at Calf Hall who had just been given the same terms.] That Proctor Barrett’s tender for the joinery work on the new engine house be accepted in the sum of £129-10-0. (Altered a week later to £136.)
6/08/1890. The board to sell to the Gas Co. 13 ½ cwt. Of lead pipe taken out of the ground at Wellhouse for 12/6 per cwt. Alfred Pilkington to have room and power at WH Mill on the same terms as the other tenants. Hawleys to take out two boilers from Wellhouse and place them on vacant land nearby. [The Craven Bank has been clever here. These are almost certainly the two old boilers that have been mentioned above. By leaving them in until they were in the way of the contractor who had to demolish the boiler house in order to clear the site for the new engine house the bank have forced CHSC to do part of the work for them. SG]
13/08/1890. Lead pipes to be brought back to WH from the gas works. [Evidently some problem about the price?] Tenders for whitewashing Wellhouse Mill invited from Nuttalls, Heap and Thornton and Norcross. Rickards of Bell Busk be interviewed about his taking Wellhouse Mill for spinning.
20/08/1890. Mr Atkinson to get a practical millwright for Wellhouse Mill [Was this the John Windle mentioned in minute of 2/03/1892? See below.]. Watson Knowles to have six days wage stopped this feast. The ventilators at Wellhouse Mill be taken off and the roof and ceiling be made good. Messrs Nuttalls, Heap and Thornton and Norcross to be asked to tender for this.
27/08/1890. That Heap and Thornton do the roof repairs and whitewashing at Wellhouse Mill for the sum of £12.
17/09/1890. That the millwright be engaged at WH on the best terms that can be got until the job is finished. Proctor Barrett to have the joiners shop at WH for £26 per annum. That a bill be sent to the Railway Co for £12 for pumping water to the station during the month of April 1890. [Interesting that CHSC were evidently paying all the bills at WH during April when they were still discussing terms with Craven Bank.] Mr Moorhouse to be informed that steam cannot be put into the shed until the pipes to the boiler and cistern are connected.
1/10/1890. That the secretary send Mr Hawley’s time notes and bill for removing boilers to the owner Mr Blockley.
8/10/1890. That preparations be made at Wellhouse Mill for getting the tape cylinders into the tape room and arrange for stairs. [Tape Cylinders are the largest and most delicate part of a slashing machine and provision would have to be made to either have a hole in the wall or the floor big enough to accept them. At Bancroft it was a removable section of floor above one of the cart races. SG] Mr Atkinson to get out a specification for slating, plastering and painting at Wellhouse and find a slater.
11/10/1890. Meeting with George Robinson at the Craven Bank regarding repairs to Wellhouse Road.
22/10/1890. A deputation of CHSC directors to meet the Railway Co to discuss the matter of the water supply to the station. Letter sent to the Gas Company about a gas supply for Wellhouse Mill.
3/11/1890. Secretary to write to Mr Hawley enforcing the penalty of £25 per week as per the contract as he has not finished and is holding the joiners and engineers up. Mr Atkinson reminded about tenders for slating and plastering which have not been received. Atkinson also formally reprimanded for the way he has supervised the contracts at WH, as the whole of the works should have been completed at the end of October.
5/11/1890. Watson Knowles to be asked if he will continue at his present wage of 32/- a week for all the oiling, firing and minding at Calf Hall. Dent and Holts tender for hoist at WH be accepted at £55.
12/11/1890. Joseph James Sneath asked what his price would be for minding engine and boiler only at Wellhouse. Thomas Nuttalls tender for slating at WH accepted, £22-15-0. Two items taken together, Calf Hall engineer to be relieved of task of oiling and the approach to Sneath suggest that there had been friction about amount of work engineers were asked to do.
14/11/1890. Varley and Sons tender for plumbing and glazing at engine house accepted, £23.
19/11/1890. John Varley of Colne told he can have ashlar engine bed blocks for 10d. per cubic foot delivered at Barlick station if he chooses his blocks, 6d. per cubic foot if he takes them as they come.
26/11/1890. Moorhouse and Hartley be permitted to remove all their looms and effects from Wellhouse. Wm Roberts and Co of Nelson have the scrap iron at Wellhouse Mill at 51/- per ton delivered to the station or canal.
3/12/1890. Pickup of Burnley Ironworks applies for £500 on account. Board tell Atkinson not to grant a certificate until one becomes due under the contract. Atkinson’s attention drawn to window heads and walls out of plumb on the engine house, also delays on drilling the engine beds. Pressed to enforce £15 per week penalty on Hawley. Roof is not on at this stage. Messrs Mohn and Abdur apply for room and power at Wellhouse for 200 looms and one tape machine. 39/- per loom and £90 for tape per annum.
10/12/1890. Atkinson requested not to order any flags for covering the pipe trench at WH. Wm Roberts and Co asked where they want scrap delivering to, canal or railway. Burnley Ironworks instructed to deliver first instalment of engine at Wellhouse Mill.
17/12/1890. Burnley Ironworks paid £9-15-0 for wheels delivered to Wellhouse Mill. Burnley Ironworks paid £500 on account of the engine at Wellhouse. Roberts at Nelson asked to have the scrap iron delivered by rail if convenient to do so. Tenders for shafting at Wellhouse Mill left undecided.
19/12/1890. Scrap to go to Nelson by rail and CHSCo. And Wm Roberts to split extra charge between them. (Canal 5d. per ton cheaper from the looks of it.) Edward Smith to cart the scrap to the station for 9d. per ton and he finds a man to assist and the Co. will pay the wage.
24/12.1890. The secretary to write to Burnley Ironworks expressing the board’s dissatisfaction with the slow progress on the engine and inform them that the Railway Co are claiming demurrage on the lorry not unloaded by them. [Engine parts were evidently being delivered by rail to the station and being carted by the Railway Co. SG] Wm Brooks and Mr Pilkington be requested to sign an agreement for room and power at Wellhouse Shed. William Holdsworth requested to buy and fit up a grindstone for Wellhouse Mill. Auction sale of old timber etc. arranged at Wellhouse.
14/01/1891. Alfred Pilkington to be seen by the directors about room and power at Wellhouse. 12 notices printed and put up in town asking for tender for engine man and fireman at Wellhouse Mill. Mr Blockley requested to remove boilers from premises at Wellhouse. He is to be charged 10/- per week until he removes them. An account to be sent to George Rushworth for damages done by his men when taking the engines out at Wellhouse Mill.
21/1/1891. J J Sneath appointed as engineer at Wellhouse at 24/- a week. He is to start when the engine is ready for running, until then he is to work with the engineers erecting the engine and make his own arrangements with them regarding his wage. Richard Kirk’s tender for walling at Wellhouse at 7/- per rood for a wall six feet high to be accepted. The managing director to make the best arrangements he can for warming the shed at Wellhouse Mill.
28/01/1891. Edward Smith to have the corner stones from Wellhouse at 6d. each. A letter to be sent to the Craven Bank respecting John Duckworth having his notice given to quit the land at Wellhouse Mill. Mr Aldersley’s offer of 10/- per year for permission to go up Wellhouse Road with his milk cart be accepted.
4/02/1891. The company to put a shaft to drive machinery and a steam pipe in the joiner’s shop for a term of five years commencing when the engine starts.
11/02/1891. A certificate for £300 for work done at Wellhouse by Mr Hawley to be issued. The ashlar stones at the front of Wellhouse Mill be sold for 8d. per cubic foot, the inferior for 6d.
24/02/1891. Thos. Hart’s tender for ropes at Wellhouse accepted for £58-10-0, subject to adjustment for quantity.
11/03/1891. Mr Edward Smith’s account for £7-16-6 for flags at Wellhouse Mill be paid.
25/03/1891. That a new steam gauge be purchased for Wellhouse Mill.
1/04/1891. That the pipes and cylinders be covered with Petty’s composition at Wellhouse Mill as per his tender.
8/04/1891. A cask of cylinder oil and one of shafting oil bought for Wellhouse Mill.
15/04/1891. Burnley Ironworks to be paid £530 subject to a certificate from Mr Atkinson.
22/04/1891. Dent and Holt’s account for hoist at Wellhouse paid, £55.
29/04/1891. A cask of tallow ordered for Wellhouse Mill. Burnley Ironworks to be paid £30 on Mr Atkinson’s certificate. Henry Hargreave’s quotation for lead at Wellhouse be accepted at 10/6 per cwt.
6/05/1891. Two oil pumps ordered for the flywheel necks at Wellhouse Mill.
13/05/1891. Oil, tallow and india rubber rings be ordered for Wellhouse Mill. Registered office of the Calf Hall Shed Company moved to Wellhouse Mill.
3/06/1891. Edward Smith to provide the flags for the completion of the engine house at Wellhouse and to flag the cellar according to Mr Hawley’s suggestion.
10/06/1891. The water rent to be paid to the Gas Company and notice given that the company would want no more. [This is a significant item. Despite the fact that there was water in Eastwood Bottoms from the Bowker Drain the directors had covered their bases by agreeing to take water from the Corn Mill. This was of course in the ownership of Bracewell and it all seems to point to the fact that he was supplying Wellhouse with water by robbing the Butts Beck. This reinforces my theory that it was this diversion of water that made Coates mill even more uneconomic than it was by virtue of being an old style mill. The lawsuit between Bracewell and Nutter was almost certainly about this matter. See below for mention of £5 rent being paid to the Roundell Estate who owned the land in Eastwood Bottoms. What has always puzzled me is why Bracewell went to the trouble of putting the Bowker Drain in and then allowing the only take-off point that would serve Wellhouse to be sited in somebody else’s land. It sounds like a cock-up to me and may be something to do with the lack of fall on the drain. Could it be that the surveyors made a mistake with their levels and that they found that they couldn’t pipe direct to Wellhouse Dams? This is the only explanation that makes sense to me at this point. SCG]
17/06/1891. Two barrels of oil ordered for Wellhouse. (Has the engine started?)
1/07/1891. That the offer from the Barnoldswick Railway Co of £6 for water pumped to the station during April 1890 be accepted and the secretary send them an account.
8/07/1891. Burnley Ironwork’s certificate for £500 be paid.
22/07/1891. CHSC directors to treat with the Gas Company as to a gas supply to Bank Hall. [How were the directors of the CHSC concerned with gas supply to Bank Hall? Could they, or one of the directors have bought it? George Proctor mentioned as being of ‘Bank House’ when appointed secretary to CHSC on 15/03/1893]
29/07/1891. Mention of water rent being paid, £5. Is this rent paid to Roundell’s for water from Eastwood Bottoms?
12/08/1891. The directors, in setting the dates for the holidays at Wellhouse and Calf Hall state that both mills will stop. Therefore this is first proof in the minutes that the engine at Wellhouse had been started.
14/10/1891. William Holdsworth to repair the boiler house door and cover the second motion shaft in the engine house and finish the engine house floor in Wellhouse Mill and fix some iron bars over the urinals at the far end of the shed.
21/10/1891. That Proctor Barrett have the stone in the gas well and fill it with earth for the sum of £3. [This will be the gasometer base in the yard behind the engine house. SG]
18/11/1891. Mr Robert Petty be paid £5 on account for pipe and boiler covering at Wellhouse.
2/12/1891. That Burnley Ironworks Account be settled when the sight feed lubricator has been made to work satisfactorily.
11/01/1892. CHSC asking Craven Bank for a loan to buy Mean Laithe Flatt Meadow.
13/01/1892. Burnley Ironworks a/c to be paid. £46.7.0. CHSC but Mean Laithe Flatt for £1151-7-5.
2/03/1892. That John Shepherd and John Windle, millwright, be paid time and a quarter for overtime while working on the shafting at Wellhouse Mill.
16/03/1892. Shepherd instructed to use Brown for ironwork instead of Thompson. [I think this is J W Brown, blacksmith, of Manchester Road. SG]
22/03/1892. Tenants at WH to be allowed some rebate for ‘stoppage’ at Wellhouse Mill.
13/04/1892. That the engineer at Wellhouse (Shepherd) be allowed 26/- per week starting April 18th 1892. Roller blinds be fitted to engine house windows at Wellhouse Mill.
27/04/1892. The engineer to be paid 30/- for flue cleaning at WH. J W Brown’s account, £3-0-0 (blacksmith) be paid subject to Shepherd being satisfied.
18/05/1892. That the millwrights come to WH as soon as possible to ‘take down the pumping engine’.
25/05/1892. That John Windle, millwright, be given two weeks notice from May 28th 1892.
8/07/1892. Proposed at the Annual General Meeting that the Local Board be requested to install fire hydrants close to the company’s properties. [This reflects the fact that in 1891 the local board had completed the sinking of the boreholes on Whitemoor and were in the process of laying water mains around the town]
3/08/1892. The shed and warehouse at Wellhouse Mill be insured with the Royal Insurance Co. The shed at 3% per £1000 and the warehouse at 5% per £1500. [Interesting that Calf Hall was insured with Economic Insurance Co. at same rate. The directors saw some advantage in using two companies. SG]
31/08/1892. A vacuum gauge and an indicator be purchased for Wellhouse Mill. Proctor Barrett’s rent for the joiner’s shop, old Tin shop and Stables be £41 per annum and his machinery to consist of One circular saw and lathe on the ground floor and one circular saw, one thicknessing and planing machine and one band saw on the top floor. Rent to commence on August 27th 1892 and be subject to six months notice on either side.
7/09/1892. Proctor Barrett to make a wooden cover for the shaft between the mill and the shed at WH.
21/09/1892. That the pumping engine at Wellhouse be offered to Mr V Wilkinson of Booth Bridge [Thornton] along with the engine bed as it now stands for the sum of £45.
2/11/1892. That Yates and Thom be sent for to put a rivet in the boiler at Wellhouse.
9/11/1892. Sneath’s wage advanced to 28/- a week. [I’m confused by this. JJ Sneath quite clearly appointed engineer on 21/1/1891, but all the references have been to Shepherd since. It looks as though Shepherd was ‘Engineer’ and Sneath was ‘engine tenter and fireman’. 7/12/1892 John Shepherd was paid ¼ an hour for stone breaking at Calf Hall so this reinforces the fact he wasn’t engine tenter at WH. SG]
16/11/1892. That we request of our tenants that we start the engine to run from 8 to 12 in the morning and 1 to 4 in the afternoon and that Saturday we run from 8 to 12.30. This to start 17/11/1892. [This is short notice of short time running, bad trade? Arranged with tenants beforehand? SG] That indicating tackle be put on the engine at Wellhouse Mill and that Burnley Ironworks be contacted to this effect.
30/11/1892. P Brooks be deputed to see Mr Marsh at Manchester, Yates and Thom’s representative and tell him that the WH boiler is no better for leakage. Gresham and Craven asked to send another injector for the boiler at Wellhouse Mill. [Cost was £15-18-8. SG]
7/12/1892. Yates and Thom to be written to and told the rivet in the boiler at WH is leaking as badly as ever.
22/02/1893. That Yates and Thom be written to and informed who the inspector was who had looked at WH boiler.
1/03/1893. That the Boiler Insurance co be written to and asked why they had changed their opinion about the leaking rivet. Robert Whipp to be engaged for mechanic’s work and be paid 9d. per hour up to 9 at night and after that time and a half for overtime for any work that may be required.
8/03/1893. That James Layfield of Burnley be asked to come and put a new rivet in the Wellhouse boiler.
22/03/1893. Flues at Wellhouse to be cleaned every six months. That engineer and fireman be paid overtime.
24/03/1893. That the old boiler at Wellhouse Mill No 3 be sold for £100 cash down before it be removed. [Was this the one Yates and Thom and Layfield had been repairing?]
29/03/1893. Offer of £100 for boiler by M&S Mason of Livesey Street, Manchester be accepted.
26/04/1893. Fusible plug to be obtained for Wellhouse Boiler.
31/04/1893. Engineer’s wage to be advanced to 32/- a week and fireman to 20/-.
This increase to cover all overtime whatever and the engineer and fireman to keep the engine, boilers, shafting and gearing clean to the satisfaction of the directors.
14/06/1893. Three directors to visit Wellhouse engine house to hear the grievances of the engineer.
28/06/1893. Messrs J Nuttall to repair the engine house roof and Brook’s shed at Wellhouse. The directors who visited the engine house requested to go through the alterations suggested by the engineer and report the probable cost at the next meeting
25/08/1893. Resolved that Layfields be asked to plate the No 2 boiler at Wellhouse as per the insurance Co.s instructions.
8/11/1893. Boilers at WH to be repaired following the advice of Mr Layfield and he be given instructions to proceed immediately.
22/11/1893. Board to meet Mr Landless to discuss diversion of Wellhouse Road.
20/12/1893. Sec. To write to Mr Landless to say that they do not think it advisable to divert Wellhouse Road.
3/01/1894. Layfield’s to repair leak in patch recently fixed by them.
17/01/1894. Layfields asked to inspect the boiler at Wellhouse.
21/02/94. The architect instructed to prepare plans and estimates for an extension to Wellhouse Mill.
7/03/1894. Mr Pickup of Burnley Ironworks to be asked whether, in his opinion, the engine at Wellhouse is capable of turning a further 400 looms.
21/03/1894. Matthew Watson’s opinion to be sought as to the advisability or otherwise of installing additional engine power at WH and also the arrangement of looms on the land available and probable costs of such an arrangement.
4/04/1894. Garibaldi Pickles be charged 5/- per annum for a right of way over Wellhouse Road.
23/05/94. That the Sec. Write to Mr Layfield about the state of No. 2 boiler.
5/09/1894. Sec to see B and M Holden re. The extensions at WH.
19/09/1894. Tender of Proctor Barrett for £4 for making road into field at WH be accepted.
3/10/1894. Letter read from J J Sneath, engineer at Wellhouse asking for the steam pipes top be covered and also that the dam be examined for leaks. He found that two boilers could be operated as economically as one and requested permission to try the Kingfisher lubricant. Mr Petty instructed to cover pipes, Mr Barrett to inspect the dam and Sneath given permission to use boilers at his discretion and try the Kingfisher lubricant.
3/10/1894. Mr Walter Bracewell attended the meeting to enquire when the extensions at Wellhouse would be complete and to enquire whether the CHSC would lend him £6 each for 100 looms against a maker’s price of £10. Request refused at next meeting.
7/11/1894. Resolved that company proceed at once with extensions adjoining Wellhouse Road and that old materials on site be utilised as far as possible. Mr Atkinson to get tenders for addition to engine. Sec. Informed the meeting that Mr Holden had said that he would take space for 410/420 looms on same terms as at present with 6 months allowance but he needed the whole of the front warehouse. . Mr Joseph Windle attended to apply for room and power in WH extension for about 400 looms at 39/- per loom per annum and 12 weeks gaiting up allowance. Directors agreed to this.
14/11/1894. Edmondson and Tidswell to meet directors to discuss room and power at Wellhouse.
28/11/1894. Edmondson and Tidswell made application for 200 looms at WH extension and a further 200 looms in SE corner of shed. Application accepted at 39/- per loom per annum and 12 weeks gaiting allowance. Option for 200 looms in SE corner granted.
12/12/1894. Mr Atkinson pressed to get in tenders for extension and advertise for a\ clerk of works. (the extensions were to be built by day labour supervised by a CofW.)
27/12/1894. Six tenders considered for engine. Burnley Ironworks asked to reconsider their tender of £1025.
20/01/1895. Atkinson asked to make out a specification for each section of work including shafting, troughing, standards (pillars) and fixings. A price to be estimated for each section and a total given. Proctor Barrett tender of 2/5 per square yard of wall accepted. He to lend company a mortar mill, man and utensils to be driven off mill shaft. Company to supply materials for grinding and pay 1/- per hour for the loan.
20/02/1895. Proctor Barrett’s offer to supply his own mortar for walling at 6 ½ d. per yard to be accepted.
13/03/1895. The Clerk of Works to buy a spirit level. Atkinson pressed to get tenders for flagging and troughing for WH extension.
20/03/1895. Layfields asked to repair the boiler at WH when next in the town. Proctor Barrett offers to saw the timber for extensions at 1/- per hour, he provides the saw and the labour, the co. to provide labour to carry wood to and from saw. All materials the company’s property. Accepted. Clerk of works given authority to get extra men as required. Mr Atkinson to attend to discuss the supply of pumping water.
27/03/1895. Atkinson attended with tenders for ironfounding and millwrights work and flags. Resolved that Mr Fawcett of Skipton be accepted in the sum of £640 on condition that the work be supplied within seven weeks of signing the agreement and millwrighting before June 30th 1895. tender of Mr Clayton to supply flags at 2/11 per yard accepted and that sample truck be ordered and left in the siding until completion of the order. Sample truck of Haslingden stone be ordered off J Peel and M Hardman at 3/5 per yard as per Atkinson specification. (Hack faced) Proctor Barrett’s tender for extra walling above height of shed and touching chimney at 1/- per yard over price of ordinary walling be accepted. Resolved that an advertisement be placed in the Craven Herald for a waller and a banker hand.
11/04/1895. Mr Pickup (Burnley Ironworks) to be written to about the engine bed not being ready to be pulled in at Easter holidays as arranged. Clerk of works to engage Thomas Brown at 6 ½ d. per hour for work on the extensions. Yorkshire flags to be ordered from J Clayton, Cullingworth and rossendale flags from Peel at Bacup. Wm. Pickover be engaged as watchman at 3 ½ d. per hour.
17/04/1895. leading of flags from station to WH be given to Mr Hardy at 8d. per ton. A piece of tooled stone ridging to be obtained from Catlow Quarry.
24/04/1895. Sec. To write to Mr Pickup to tell him that the engine at WH will not stop except from Saturday noon until Monday morning until Friday night 31st of May and will commence again on Tuesday the 4th of June and that he must make his arrangements accordingly.
8/05/1895. Mr Lambert be engaged as clerk of works until Mr Parker’s return. Company will not entertain Messrs Slater’s offer of 38/- per loom for room and power. Sneath instructed to forward parts of pump to Burnley for repair. Messrs Lancaster and Nutter representing the council attended to ask permission to use Wellhouse Road while main road was blocked by sewer works. Board to consider this. Engineer at WH ordered to prepare pumping engine for Burnley. CHSC offer Wellhouse Road to council as a public road if cost to Co does not exceed £50.
15/05/1895. Council take over Wellhouse Road after agreeing changes to alignment and drainage at CHSC cost. CHSC to further pay £30 towards cost of putting road into proper repair. S Burgess takes on flagging extension at 9 ½d. per superficial yard. Later Mr Brooks took on the contract at the same price as Burgess would not complete. Architect instructed to get out tenders for roofing and lining the troughs Etc. Deputation to meet clerk of works and give him notice to quit the works.
22/05/1895. Tender of S Baldwin of Burnley to supply hoist for WH at £57 be accepted. Tender of Joe W Lee [?] to supply woodwork at WH extension for £70-2-3 ½ d. be accepted. Atkinson to send wallers from Colne. Sec to write to J Slater and Sons to ask whether he will accept CHSC price of 39/- per loom including warehouse space but without preparation for sizing.
30/05/1895. That the clerk of works be paid up to the time he works and no further. Mr Jackson of Keighley be allowed to remove the two lathe beds purchased by him at the sale of 1889 on payment of £6-10-0 rent and that they are removed within a fortnight. Resolved that the clerk of works from Colne be paymaster. That the flashing on the extension roof be new lead.
5/06/1985. Sec to write to W B White of Colne and ask him to make an offer for the yellow pine beams at WH. Atkinson instructed to put glazing of windows in warehouse out to tender. Joe Lee to be charged 4d. per hr. for running his circular saw off the shafting at WH.
12/6/1895. Resolved that Mr Bailey be allowed to store looms in the empty blowing room. Evidence that spinning had ceased at Wellhouse after 1887.
19/06/1895. Barnoldswick Co-op apply to CHSC for land on which to build a slaughterhouse. Refused on the grounds this would encourage rats which would be a danger to the reservoirs.
12/06/1895. Joseph Ball’s tender to point chimney at 4/- per square yard and refurbish lightning conductor accepted.
8/07/1895. Architect to write to Mr Welbury, Kendal approving of No 1 plan for Wellhouse Road. Plastering and painting at WH to go to tender. Notice given to Hy Whittaker that unless poultry be at once removed the Co. will summons him for trespass. Mr Fawcett of Skipton to be visited re. Delivery of millwright’s work. (promised for 30th of June)
10/07/1895. Brown, mechanic, to be paid 30/- per week for mill hours.
24/07/1895. Proctor Barrett allowed the lime on the old throstle mill floor for cleaning up the same.
31/07/1895. The committee which had been looking into the question of Proctor Barrett’s rent of joiner’s shop at WH reported and upshot was that PB was given notice to quit premises by Feb. 1896.
31/07/1895. Engineer at WH to be allowed 7/6 for cleaning out the cistern. (later increased by 2/6)
14/08/1895. Resolved that the privies at WH be repaired by Tom Brown and that any further repairs be done by the tenants. A clause was inserted in J Windle’s agreement with the company to the effect that he may use the room in the mechanic’s shop as an office but must deliver it up whenever the Co shall require the same.
Rep. Of Joseph Ball of Oldham attended the meeting asking for £122-1-3, their account for work on WH chimney. The Board refused to pay except on the certificate of the Architect as they had started before ordered to and work was sub-standard.
21/08/1895. Sec to write a strong letter to Fawcett of Skipton re. Shafting.
4/09/1895. Architect instructed to write to Burnley Ironworks and refuse to allow Metallic Packings to be charged as an extra because the contract stated that the new engine was to be exactly like the existing one and have metallic packings fitted. Pickover’s job as watchman be stopped at the end of the week.
18/09/1895. Resolved that a range of wrought iron piping be out round the rooms in warehouse at WH. (Steam heating pipes) The shed to be heated with the old cast iron pipes supplemented by 70 ft. of wrought iron pipe at inlet end to cut costs. Tender for ropes from Hanson Scott and co for engine, and warehouse at WH extension. Ball of Oldham paid £120. Sec. To write to Fawcett of Skipton to say that after Monday next the penalty clauses on the contract would be invoked, the architect would set on other contractors to finish the work and all costs would be charged against his contract.
9/10/1895. Mr Barrett to have the joiner’s shop and yard at £25 per annum. Power for turning machinery to be £65 per annum let on six monthly terms.
16/10/1895. Further consideration of Barrett’s rent to be held over. Wm Pickover’s widow to be paid 16/8 wages owing to him. (This was firebeater at Calf Hall)
23/10/1895. Proctor Barrett offered joiners shop etc at £90 per annum including power. Or, £35 per annum if he provides her own power. Atkinson asked to obtain tenders for heating warehouse with two-inch pipes, company’s own men to proceed with pipes in the shed.
30/10/1895. J Sneath’s application for overtime payments in respect of the extension be deferred until completion of the extension when a lump sum will be paid. Windows near steam pipes in warehouse to be glazed. Architect instructed to include brass trays for engine house in tender for wheel covers.
6/11/1895. Tender of P Watson to make trays and wheel guards in extension at WH for £22-18-6 accepted.
13/11/1895. 12 weeks grace for rent of looms in extension be charged to J Windle as shafting is ready for running. Managing director reports that shafting is running as follows (in addition to 192 looms transferred from old shed) Oct 28th; 90. Nov 11; 112. Nov 25; 209. (Are these cumulative totals? SG) Proctor Barrett offered Joiners shop at £80 per year including power, he to pay rates. Mortar mill at 9d. per hour.
3/12 1895. J J Sneath the engineer at Wellhouse attended the board meeting and was questioned as regarding his conduct when he struck the carter with his shovel and seriously injured him. Resolved that in future he be requested to follow the instructions of the board viz. To assist the carter in shovelling up coal to his requirements. To see that the office was ready for the director’s meeting and to start the engine as nearly as possible to time. Resolved that Mr Barrett be asked to make a barrow for the boiler house.
18/12/1895. Mr Sneath the engineer at Wellhouse be paid £2/10/0 for overtime in connection with the new engine. Board confirm their last offer made to Mr Barrett as regards room and power.
2/01/1896. Proctor Barrett asked the board to vary their conditions by allowing a month’s notice either way. The board refused and said they would adhere to the terms already offered.
15/01/1896. Proctor Barrett requested to remove the stables and hencotes erected by him and others on the land at the end of Wellhouse Mill at the earliest opportunity.
11/04/1896. Stables at Wellhouse be let to W Brooks at 1/- per week and H&B Whitaker at 1/- per week Brooks to have preference in letting as he is a tenant and Whitaker to be on a weekly tenancy. Tenants to have their own manure.
25/03/1896. Joiner’s shop be let to our own tenants on condition that they leave the place in the condition they found it.
5/04/1896. Hartley and Pilgrim mentioned as CHSC’s solicitors.
2/06/1896. Cistern at Wellhouse Mill be lettered ‘Wellhouse Mill, Calf Hall Shed Co Ltd.’ If the cost does not exceed 10/- (This resolution rescinded at next meeting)
16/06/1896. The cistern to be lettered ‘Wellhouse Mills. Calf Hall Shed Co. Ltd.’ By Wm Petty at a cost of 20/-.
7/10/1896. Sec reported an application for space at WH for 120 looms from Bradford Foods [?] This would entail a new extension at the end of Windle’s shed capable of holding 156 looms. The matter was discussed and favourably received subject to the person applying in person.
22/10/1896. Atkinson empowered to settle with Fawcett of Skipton for £250. Application received from Mr j Widdup, coal merchant for terms for a small shed of 150/200 looms and a taping machine at the SW corner of Wellhouse Mill. Resolved that Sec. write to him offering terms of 39/- per loom per annum and £90 for the tape machine for tape for 400 looms and charged in proportion. The application was accepted and board were prepared to treat with him.
Application was also received for space for 400 looms from Mr B Holden of Calf Hall Shed in the old mill and warehouse adjoining the old engine house. Mr Atkinson be paid £220 for work in connection with extensions to the south end for 400 looms and at the east end of the shed for about 400 looms and also specifications for two new boilers. Resolved that Joiner’s shop be let for £25 per year the tenant to undertake all internal repairs. The company to make a drain from the same. [Is this Wilkinson and Barrett?]
4/11/1896. Mr Atkinson reported that he had arranged for the joiner’s shop to be let for laundry purposes at an annual rent of £27 without power and steam except such pipes are fixed for warming. Tenant to commence on Jan 1 next and to do all the internal repairs. Company to lay a drain. Letter from R Driver applying for space for 100/150 looms of 44” reed space. Application accepted. Resolved that the watchman employed by the tenants be allowed the use of the office and fire during the winter.
Varley to re-arrange the gas pipes in the WH engine house. Resolved that the extension at the gable end of Wellhouse Mill for about 388 looms as per plans submitted by Mr Atkinson be pushed on with at once and that he get out the specifications. It should be a girder shed. Mr Atkinson submitted plans for the proposed extension at the sw end of Wellhouse Mill showing two sheds of about 200 looms each and joining up with existing premises and so arranged that they will answer for two tenants of say 150/200 looms each and warehousing on the ground floor. If the tenants were desirous of extending to 400 looms each warehousing could be added on the south side.
18/11/1896. The tinner’s shop to be included with the joiner’s shop as let to the laundry. Application received from John Edwin Slater of Harry Street Barnoldswick for space for 80 looms un-assisted or 100 the Coy. To purchase same. Sec. to write to Mr Slater saying that CHSC can only accommodate 80 looms with warehousing on the ground floor. Application was made through Mr Atkinson by Mr George D Penny of 17 Guildhall Street Preston for space for 300 to 700 looms plus warehousing.
The sec. reported an interview with Mr B Holden when he refused to accept warehousing in the old portion of the mill and said if he couldn’t have shed warehousing he would withdraw his application. Sec to write to Mr Penny offering him space for 400 looms with an option for a further 300 subject to enquiries. Resolved that the plan of the shed with pillar roof and on lines of existing shed divided into three sections: R Driver 160 looms, J D Slater 80 looms, J Widdup 200 looms as submitted by Mr Atkinson was approved. Mr Atkinson reported that Mr Widdup was quite satisfied with the arrangement of his portion.
2/12.1896. The tenant of the laundry be allowed the use of Whitaker’s stable at 1/- a week if Whitaker can find another place.
16/12/1896. Company to supply power to the laundry for the machines as specified by Messrs. Summerscales of Keighley for three months at £10 per annum.
10/1/1897. Architect gave tenders for contractors to work on extensions for 830 looms at WH. Proctor Barrett’s tender of £1882 for contractor’s work and £614-10-0 for joinery work. This tender was accepted.
19/01/1897. J Widdup asked when the new extension at WH would be ready. His letter to be forwarded to Mr Atkinson with a request that he push on with that particular portion of the extension and also that he give Mr Barrett sufficient information for him to commence work at once as it was reported that Mr Barrett was waiting.
19/02/1897. Mr Broughton asked to act as clerk of works for new extension.
24/02/1897. Atkinson presented tenders for ironfounder’s work and millwrighting.
Fawcett £2180-10-0. Jos. Thompson & Co. £2294. Wm Roberts £2306. Fawcett’s tender accepted subject to a bond of £250 guaranteeing completion to time. Two boilers 30ft. X 8ft. to be ordered and Mr Atkinson to get tenders for same. W Varley tender for plumbing accepted at £216. G&L Nuttall tender for plastering accepted at £207. An application received from Henry Boocock of Barnoldswick for space for about 100/130 looms. Placed under consideration.
3/03/1897. Mr Atkinson reported that Mr Fawcett had agreed to deposit £100 as a loan at 4% the promissory note to be deposited with the architect with an authority for him to realise and deduct any sum of penalties that may be incurred to that amount. The arrangement was accepted. Tender from the Oldham Boiler Company to supply boilers at £400 to be accepted.
10/03/1897. Sec instructed to write to Mr Boocock to say that the company cannot find any space for him at the moment.
24/03/1897. Tender of Scottish Boiler Insurance Company for inspection of the two Oldham boilers while under construction at £2-2-0 be accepted.
14/04/1897. Stephen Wright of Butts Top to rent 400 yards of land opposite joiners shop near to the highway to build his shop. The wall to be replaced should the tenancy end.
21/04/1897. Letter from C Brooks and Son complaining that they had been seriously disturbed during the extensions of 1895/96 and they were withholding rent against any similar disturbance during the current extensions. Company refused to accept the argument.
28/04/1897. Mechanical stokers to be fitted to the new boilers at WH. Stone arched front of the boiler house to be removed and replaced with steel girders. Messrs Boococks be accepted as tenants instead of Wm Brooks without one month gaiting allowance.
5/05/1897. Mr Windle to be seen re his request for a weft shed be built at the end of his shed. Secretary to order a new 3” blow down valve from Hopkinsons at Hudderfield. Fawcett written to re slow progress on contract at WH.
12/05/1897. Mr Atkinson explained the workings of the Bennis patent stoker, self cleaner and compressed air furnace. Resolved that one of these stokers be fitted to a boiler at WH. [Trial run?]
26/05/1897. Proctor Barrett be employed to set the new boilers on condition he employ a competent bricklayer to do the work and he find the materials, firebricks, fireclay, seating blocks and flue covers.
16/06/1897. The secretary to ask the UDC to cease turning sewage from Hill Street, East Hill Street and Earl Street on to the company’s land adjoining the dams. The stables at Wellhouse formerly occupied by C Brooks and Son to be let to Henry Ellis at the rate of 1/- a week on a weekly tenancy with no right to sublet.
7/07/1897. Proctor Barrett to be seen about finishing the flagging in the shed so that Mr Widdup may bring his new looms in.
23/07/1897. Chas. Blakey of Skipton elected auditor at a fee of £4 per annum.
4/08/1897. A letter from the UDC stated that Mr Bracewell had a large tank for sewage at WH and if this was cleaned out regularly no nuisance would ensue.
4/08/1897. Company replies to UDC that the tank they refer to is not on their land and that if the nuisance isn’t abated the company can claim damages.
11/08/1897. St John Ambulance Association to be allowed to form their procession in Wellhouse Mill Yard. Petty’s price to cover boilers and large steam pipes at 3 ½ d. per foot and small pipes at 4d. per foot accepted. Cistern to be cleaned out by company’s own men.
18/08/1897. Varley’s price for 60% off list for steam and water pipes and fitting in WH extensions be accepted and they be paid £100 on account. They are also to fit gas pipes using old pipe already on the premises.
1/09/1897. Notice given to tenants that the practice of throwing waste into tippler toilets at Wellhouse must cease. Mr Chadwick be requested to clean the clock at Wellhouse. New pipes be fitted to cistern at Wellhouse where broken. Firemen to be paid 7/6 for cleaning out cistern.
8/09/1897. UDC to be asked to move the lamp post a little nearer the south end of Wellhouse Road and a little further from the causeway. Messrs Crowther and Atkinson be paid 15/- each and Mr Sneath 20/- for services rendered during the feast. [Crowther and Atkinson firebeaters?]
10/09/1897. Mr Driver requested to point out the position of drums in his portion at WH. Report received from the Scottish Boiler Insurance Co stating that the company’s boilers were heavily scaled and corroded and required attention.. Engineers asked to remedy this and a cask of [boiler] composition be ordered from the British Economic Boiler Co at Bolton.
29/09/1897. Mr Windle complains of leaky skylights at WH mill. Directors to inspect. Special meeting called for the following Sunday to discuss the delays in the works at WH.
22/09/1897. three notices be obtained for the closets as per sample. [What is going on here is the results of weavers throwing waste into toilets rather than risk trouble when they put it in waste bins in the warehouse. This was a common practice as cloth lookers were always watching for waste that indicated mistakes on the part of the weaver, i.e., stabbed cops. SG] Proctor Barrett in trouble because of delays on his contract.
2/10/1897. Special meeting. Proctor Barrett presented an account for £88 for the partial setting of one boiler. Atkinson said that the difference between this price and Mr Hawley’s account for finishing the work on two boilers was so great that it could not be accepted as correct and was therefore rejected.
6/10/1897. Proctor Barrett paid £200 on account. Atkinson , the clerk of works and P Barrett asked to meet and compare time sheets. The chairman and vice chairman to be present. Mr Windle’s skylights to be pointed with mastic cement.
10/10/1897. Boiler setting account to be paid together with account for all materials, day work etc. extra to contract amounting to £151-3-9 to this date. P Barrett written to and informed he must complete his contracts at WH without delay.
20/10/1897. Mr Atkinson requested powers to make Proctor Barrett rectify the flags already laid as they were unsatisfactory and to have three days notice to start completion of the flagging in the extension. Atkinson to have power to set on labour to finish the contract at Barrett’s expense.
27/10/1897. Messrs. Wilkinson and Barrett [the laundry] be allowed to use the stable for one horse at 1/- per week to be paid monthly.
3/11/1897. Mr Atkinson’s decision with respect to re-laying of flags by Proctor Barrett be confirmed and that Barrett be given four weeks to finish the work to the satisfaction of the architect.
10/11/1897. Mr Sneath, the engineman at Wellhouse, be empowered to collect the ground and stable rents and that the secretary supply him with a list of tenants. Messrs. Slater be informed that the 12 weeks grace for looms will commence on Monday 15th inst. And Mr Driver that his grace will commence on Monday the 13th December next. The secretary to advertise the old boiler in the Manchester Guardian and the Yorkshire Post.
17/11/1897. W Varley and Sons be paid £100 on plumber’s contract as per architect’s instructions. The alterations be carried out at the laundry without any increase in rent.
24/11/1897. Mr Holdsworth to fix two doors to the WC’s in extension at Wellhouse Mill and that if tubs will not fit, tins be got. Office stove to be re-fixed.
1/12/1897. Resolved that the company do not supply water to the laundry. [In later years there was a borehole in the laundry, did it exist in 1897? Is this the origin of the name Wellhouse?]
8/12/1897. Mr Fawcett to be paid £300 as per architect’s certificate and Mr Barrett be paid £200 the cheque to be retained by Mr Atkinson until he has completed the flagging in the west extension to the satisfaction of Mr Atkinson. Messrs Eastwood and Wilkinson be requested to abate the smoke nuisance from the laundry stove. The UDC to be requested to abate the nuisance caused by the refuse being washed from Wellhouse Road onto the Company’s property.
15/12/1897. The resolution of 1/12/1897 (this refers to resolution of 18/04/1897) about removal of stone pillar at front of boiler house be rescinded and Mr Atkinson prepare a sketch of covering for coal at Wellhouse.
22/12/1897. Latter read from Messrs Balshaw and Challinor, solicitors to Mr L Mitchell of Bolton in which Mitchell pressed for delivery of the boiler or a payment of £25 damages and threatened to issue a writ. Mitchell’s solicitors informed that Hartley and Pilgrim would accept service of any writ they might issue.
22/12/1897. Architect’s plan for covering coal accepted and he is instructed to proceed.
26/01/1898. Mitchell of Bolton made application for £5 out of pocket expenses but was refused as he had sent his men from Bolton after his offer for the boiler had been refused. Hy Brown’s tender for ironwork for coal shed at WH accepted at £28-3-6.
9/02/1898. The footballing and cricket in the field in front of WH Mill be stopped.
2/03/1898. Laundry to be requested to abate the smoke nuisance. [stove again?] Inspector Hardisty to be requested to stop football playing in front of Wellhouse Mill.
28/03/1898. The two new boilers at WH be insured with the Scottish insurance Co at £200 each. Greenwood and Horsfield apply for room and power for 260 looms and tape in Old Mill [WH] The Sec reported that they had only £800 capital and desired the company to assist them in buying the machinery. Decided that they should be considered but asked to put more capital into the application.
6/04/1898. Letter received from Mr Driver asking to be released from his tenancy for reasons outside his control. Directors reply that as there is no proposal in his letter they have nothing to say on the matter. [The man is obviously in some sort of financial trouble but the board want a definite proposal on which to act. I.e., a schedule of repayments or an accommodation with looms and machinery. SG.]
14/04/1898. Sec. reported a further letter from R Driver. Board replied that if he paid them £156 immediately the matter would be regarded as settled.
27/04/1898. Letter received from R Driver offering £100 to be released from his contract to take space for 160 looms at WH. [see entry in index under Driver. Rhodes,. He was lately secretary of the Weaver’s Association in Barnoldswick. SG]
11/05/1898. Letters received from R Driver stating he would pay £100 as follows; £60 out of money owing to him from ‘The Mill Co.’ [which mill Co. SG] on 15th May and £40 from same source the following month. Board accepted the arrangement providing Driver authorise the Mill Co. to pay the money to this Co. Tenants of laundry asked to couple their fan to their own engine.
18/05/1898. Board to ask Messrs. Widdup and Slater whether they wish to take up space adjacent to their portion. [Driver’s space?]
25/05/1898. Letter from the Clerk to the UDC regarding connection to sewer. It seems that connection was in Mr Duckworth’s land and board resolved to see Mr Duckworth about this. [CHSC connecting WH to town sewer? SG] New wheels to be fixed in Windle’s shed at first opportunity. Mr Atkinson to get a wooden shed built over the new pump at the end of Wellhouse shed.
1/06/1898. John Raw instructed to clear rubbish out of well.
8/06/1898. Mr Duckworth had agreed to allow connection to sewer on his land for 1/- per annum. Sec reported that he had seen Dewhurst about the application to take space for 80/100 looms. They had agreed to take the space for 160 looms lately under contract to R Driver if the CHSC would advance £700 on the machinery, retain the plant in their ownership and sell to Dewhurst on hire purchase at 5% interest over seven years.
20/07/1898. Mr Fawcett to be asked to send a more competent man to fix the drums in Dewhurst’s shed. [Dewhurst has evidently been accepted as tenant for late Driver’s space for 160 looms. SG]
3/08/1898. The sec. instructed to apply to the 8 boys caught breaking windows at Wellhouse Mill for the cost of repairing the windows.
10/08/1898. The drums in Dewhurst’s shed to be moved and the shafting in Windle’s shed to be repaired during the holidays.
17/08/1898. Cooper Bros [looms] to be paid £250. Howard and Bullough [slashing machines] to be paid £53-8-0 for machinery supplied to the company and now being used by Messrs. Dugdale, Dewhurst and Elsworth. [Important entry, the CHSC is supplying looms and taping machine to tenants. This may well have been on hire purchase but is an indication of the lengths the company were prepared to go to in order to lower the threshold of entry for manufacturers in order to fill their sheds. This is an important principle as it is one of the keystones of success of the room and power system, it was in the interests of the company to encourage and support the manufacturers and they recognised this. SG] Mr Ellison asked to attend Wellhouse Mill and examine the expansion coupling in the mill bottom. Mr Varley to be paid £120 as per the architect’s certificate.
31/08/1898. Reported that Mr Ellison had installed a new expansion coupling in the Old Mill Bottom and that the shafting in Mr Windle’s portion had been lined up. Messrs. Dugdale, Dewhurst and Elsworth ask for more grace. CHSC replies that full rent will commence on 31st of October. Insurance Co report on the boilers, all are in good condition except the old one at Wellhouse which is out of use. 5 years lease to be drawn up for Wilkinson and Barrett for the old joiner’s and tinner’s shop at £27. Wellhouse engine house and boiler house doors to have strong locks put on them and to be kept locked. Watkinson be asked to make some repairs on the chimney at Wellhouse.
14/09/1898. Mr Atkinson’s offer to lend a pulsometer to pump the sludge out of the well at Wellhouse be accepted. Robert Chester’s tender for wheel guards at WH accepted.
21/09/1898. Atkinson’s attention brought to the bad condition of toilets at WH. George H Watson appointed oiler at Wellhouse Mill. Mention of a ‘pumping scheme’.
5/10/1898. An extra pair of spur wheels be ordered and kept in case of emergency in Mr Windle’s portion. Mr Holdsworth be asked to fix the woodwork and tipplers as per the architect’s instructions.
19/10/1898. Mr Duckworth of David Street, Barrowford asked to attend to discuss his application for room and power for 240/250 looms. The company to find £900.
22/10/1898. Duckworth’s application turned down on the grounds that he hadn’t enough capital.
2/11/1898. Mr Atkinson asked to arrange for the road from the gate to the flue at Wellhouse to be paved with setts. Messrs. Dewhurst, Dugdale and Ellswood requested rebate of rent for 32 looms stopped for 30 hours during September. Granted and the Co. has paid £3-16-0 for work done at their request. [This will be set against the rebate. SG]
16/11/1898. The UDC to be contacted about water running off Wellhouse Road and settling on the company’s land. The Co. wish to make good their portion of the road but until the nuisance is abated this will be useless.
7/11/1898. 5” pipes to be obtained to carry water away from the warehouses at Wellhouse Mill. Varley’s to do the work.
30/11/1898. UDC reported that the question of the nuisance at WH had been passed to the Road Committee. Engineer at Wellhouse asked to say what his price would be for cleaning the flues three times a year.
7/12/1898. Resolved that flues at Wellhouse be cleaned three times a year and the engineer be paid 10/- for the economisers and 16/- for the flues each time.
14/12/1898. The sec. gave an account of how Messrs. Dugdale Dewhurst’s rent of £36-8-6 was arrived at. Economisers to be placed under the inspection of Messrs. E Green and Son of Wakefield and minimum insurance paid. The cupboard in the office at Wellhouse to be sent to Calf Hall.
19/12/1898. Co agrees to let room and power to James Moorhouse [of Earby] for 400 looms on a ten year lease from 1st January 1899. Terms: 400 looms of 42 ½ “ reed space @ 39/- per loom per annum, Tape sizing machine £90 per annum for 420 looms, tape overtime 1/- per hour. Three months rent always due payable in advance on the first day of each month to commence on the 1st of May 1899. The tenancy may be terminated on the 31st of December 1903. The Co. undertake to keep the temperature of the shed above 60 degrees in winter and to provide extra steam pipes for this purpose. If too cold after this precaution the Co will brick up the side windows. The Co further agrees to erect an office and to lime wash the wall opposite the warehouse windows.
9/01/1899. Letter from Dugdale and Dewhurst requesting space for a further 32 looms, Co. to provide purchase money. Granted with 12 weeks grace from first delivery. Slater Brothers asked for room and power for a warping and winding frame. Sec to enquire what rent for this machine would be.
25/01/1899. Hartley Slater to be seen re. Finding room for the warping and winding machine.
1/02/1899. Co to offer two rooms next to thoroughfare to Mr Windle. [as offices?] Resolved that the urinal in Mr Holden’s warehouse be connected to the drain if practicable.
21/12/1898. A Hawley’s tender for paving the front of the boiler house and the road from the chimney to the end of the warehouse at Wellhouse at 1/9 per yard using old setts in stock but needing re-dressing and 1/3 for new setts. Co to find setts and ashes. [Ashes were used to bed the setts in. SG]
8/02/1899. Mr Atkinson’s attention be drawn to the water tank at Wellhouse and that he sees to the cleansing of it at once. Flashings on Wellhouse Cistern to be repaired.
15/02/1899. Sec reports that an offer has been received to take the Mechanic’s shop at a rent of £25 per annum. [Not Henry Brown, see 28/02/1900.] Deputation to see Mr Slater to see if he will take room in Windle’s shed. Mr Moorhouse complains about delay in fixing wheel covers.
1/03/1899. Letter read from Mr Windle declining to sub-let space in his portion Proctor Barrett to be liberated from his tenancy of the land at Wellhouse and that it be advertised to let but no poultry to be allowed. Resolved to continue the paving to the lower post entering the passage between the laundry and the office. Shackleton’s wage advanced to 24/- a week, Crowther’s to 25/- and Watson’s to 22/-. Resolved that we bore into pipe at the end of Moorhouse’s shed to take water from the hot well.
8/03/1899. Sec asked to enquire as to the wages of firemen and oilers in the district. Resolved that if Messrs Slater and Sons will, give £20 per annum for the mechanic’s shop they be accepted as tenants, if not, the offer of £25 from Mr Sutcliffe will be accepted. Mr Ed Smith be asked to clean out the water tank in John Raw’s meadow for pumping. [I think this might be the tank in Eastwood Bottoms which was fed by the Bowker Drain. SG]
15/03/1899. Tenants to be asked to keep six buckets of water on each floor of their premises as a precaution against fire. Sec reported that no order had been given to Ellisons to fix drums for Dugdale and Dewhurst. Directors to meet Ellison. Engineer at Wellhouse writes to board suggesting that lubricators be fitted to LP cylinders. Resolved that two lubricators with sight feeds by Summer be ordered and fixed. Resolved that Crowther’s wage be increased to 26/- and the oilers to 23/- and that these be the maximum wage. The increase to commence in the first week in June. [There’s been a bit of a problem over differentials here I think. Shackleton’s wage has gone back 1/- from 24/- and George Henry has gone forward. This makes Crowther head man with a differential of 3/-. I suspect it was him that blew the whistle. I know I would have done it! SG]
15/03/1899. Tenancy of Mechanic’s Shop to be half yearly and rent payable monthly.
22/03/1899. That Cooper’s account for 32 looms delivered to Messrs Dugdale and Dewhurst, £188, be paid once we are satisfied they are all right. [£5-17-6 each.] The side windows of Moorhouse’s shed be walled up, Salterforth best red brick be used.
Mr Sneath be allowed to make a temporary arrangement with the proprietors of the laundry for a water supply to the cistern. [Evidence that they had a bore hole in the laundry. The water supply is beginning to press in on the Board.] Mr Atkinson be asked to arrange tenders for stock in mechanic’s shop.
29/03/1899. Sutcliffe be allowed to tender for the old iron in the mechanic’s shop. That old window in Moorhouse’s shed be walled up in single brick. Co. did firing tests on Altham and Thin Mine coal at Wellhouse and results accepted. Thin Mine marginally better.
5/04/1899. Windows in Moorhouse’s portion to be walled in stone rather than brick and a ventilator be fixed in each window. Mr Atkinson to order a Worthington pump for filling the cistern and feeding the boiler. Mr Ellison ordered to carry the shaft from Windle’s warehouse forward to the mechanic’s shop. John Raw to be seen about compensation for the damage caused by cleaning out the well on his land.
12/04/1899. The Sec asked to stop the order for the boiler pump as the injector will suffice. Engineer at WH to be supplied with a new block rope. That 1 dozen lubricators for solid lubricant be ordered for WH.
9/04/1899. Mark Caan and Son’s tender of £26-7-0 for walling up windows in Moorhouse’s shed be accepted, Co to find ventilators through Mr Atkinson. Richard Petty to paint outside of Moorhouse shed for £13-10-0. Ellisons of Skipton to lay 4” pipes from reservoirs to injectors at WH using old pipe from stock. Sneath’s wages to be raised to 34/- a week to commence with increase to oiler and fireman. (1 June 1899) Engineer be instructed to allow no one to pass the engine house except on business.
3/05/1899. The mechanic’s shop to be swept out and lime washed twice by William Norcross and if he cannot do it soon the managing director to engage someone. The engineer at Wellhouse be asked to work the pump one hour each day. (For dam).
10/05/1899. Wilkinson and Barrett’s water account for 34-1-6 be paid. New ‘backers[?] be made for air pump at WH by new mechanic. [Sutcliffe?] Sutcliffe in trouble because of ‘Smoke nuisance’ complained about by Windle.
7/06/1899. Mr Sneath’s application for an advance in wages to 36/- be held over.
14/06/1899. Rent of Mechanic’s shop to commence on 1 July Mechanic’s work at Calf Hall be let to the mechanic at Wellhouse.
12/08/1899. Steam pipe at WH be covered with composition. Boiler compound for WH be ordered from the Anti Incrustation Co.
9/08/1899. Messrs. Layfield to see to caulking on WH boilers.
23/08/1899. Crank pin lubricators left on approval by F R Putz be tested for one month at WH Mill. [£10-19-9 paid to Putz on 18/10/1899]
6/09/1899. Thermometer to be supplied for economisers at WH. Insurance co.’s report on boilers given to the engineer for perusal. Sutcliffe to clean out the well. Sutcliffe to put up gas pendants in Dewhurst’s shed.
13/09/1899. Engineer reports on stoppages at Wellhouse totalling 18 ½ hours in August and September.. Rose in well [Eastwood Bottoms?] be left unprotected as it is at the moment. Dugdale and Dewhurst offered the place apposite the boiler house as a tape room. Pipes from reservoir to Engine house be covered with flags by Proctor Barrett.
20/10/1899. Dugdale and Dewhurst offer to repay money advanced by CHSC on machinery accepted. Letter read from Mr Sneath re. Stoppages. Messrs E Green and Son to report on economisers at WH.
11/10/1899. Mr Sutcliffe ordered to put the pumping engine in order. Sec to write to UDC re. the sediment lodging against the side of the shed in Wellhouse Road.
18/10/1899. UDC to be contacted re the state of Wellhouse Road. Architect to give rough sketch of a one storied building for the tape of Dugdale and Dewhurst. Tenants in arrears at WH to be charged interest at minimum of 5%. Mr Moorhouse be charged 5/- a set for taping for our own tenants.
25/10/1899. Deputation of directors sent to look at water course at Long Ing. Tenants to be asked to take all waste paper to boilers to be burnt.
1/11/1899. Slater Bros ask for room and power for another 200 looms. Co replies it cannot load the engine any further.
8/11/1899. Millwright’s shop to be fitted up with gas piping and a steam pipe be run to a pan in Pickle’s portion.
15/11/1899. Whistle at Wellhouse be blown only at the request of the manufacturers. Slater met board re 30 additional looms. Mr Longridge of the Vulcan Insurance Co be asked to inspect the company’s boilers.
13/12/1899. Mr Sutcliffe asked to alter the clack in the well at Wellhouse, Mr Ellison having failed to attend. New blocks be fitted to the US Metallic Packings at Wellhouse.
3/01/1900. Mr Crossland of the Vulcan Boiler insurance Co be asked to make a thorough inspection of the engines, boilers and gearing at Wellhouse Mill at a cost of £7 guineas. Sieves be placed in the oil bottles on piston rods at Wellhouse Mill.
10/01/1900. Burnley Ironworks to send Mr Clegg to inspect piston rods on the engine at Wellhouse Mill and Mr Sneath’s letter to be enclosed. Mr Ellison of Skipton asked to inspect the rope drive in Windle’s shed to report on a change to gearing.
17/01/1900. US Metallic Packings to send a man to inspect packings on Wellhouse Engine. Spare driving wheel for 3 ½“ shaft to be ordered from Ellison and Co.
14/02/1900. Report from the Vulcan Insurance Company on the engine and shafting at Wellhouse Mill:
The present load on the engine is 776ihp. The branch steam pipe from the high to the low pressure cylinder is damaged and that the general strength of the engine is below the strength of new engines but will suffice for a boiler pressure of 125psi. The top course of the engine foundation is not very steady in some places. The shafting throughout is deficient in strength. The additional load of 100 to 150ihp will increase the shear load in the shafts greater than the proportional increase in load. The present load is sufficient for two boilers. A new boiler should be purchased 8ft X 30ft and should be installed near to the existing boilers but brought forward to allow an increase in the number of economiser pipes to not less than 250/300 pipes (120 at present). As for the choice between placing additional looms on the SE side of the shed and on the N side of the shed, if placed on the SE side the second motion shaft should be lifted and carried forward so that the present extreme end of the shaft should remain the extreme and that a piece of full diameter should be placed at the beginning of the shed which now holds 1641 looms. The space which is partially occupied by stables (N) could be served by continuing each of the shafts in the shed (mill bottom) which now contains 396 looms. In either case the shafts would be loaded beyond the point that we consider to be desirable but, as we stated above, we would nit recommend any general increase in the strengths.
21/02/1900. Shackleton’s account for cleaning troughs and overtime to be paid less the amount he was paid when sick. [He was a fireman at Wellhouse. See below. SG] Resolved that the engineer at Wellhouse be requested to see that the oiler does not use grease in so large quantities as to allow of it being thrown on looms and cloth. [This is a perennial complaint about oiling shafts in the mill. SG]
28/02/1900. Problems with supply of Altham coal to Wellhouse because of low production at the pit. Tenant of workshop, described as ‘Mechanic’ gives notice to quit. [This item is with Wellhouse matters and seems to refer to the shop at Wellhouse. Hy Brown is described as being ‘of Earby’ at this time in an item about him doing a repair at Calf Hall Shed on the water gauges. This could be trigger for his move to Barlick. See 14/03/1900. SG]
7/03/1900. Holgate Marsden to receive 6d per ton for carting Altham coals from Coates Wharf. [Evidence of use of canal after advent of railway. SG.]
14/03/1900. Mechanics shop at Wellhouse offered to Mr Hy. Brown at same rent as previous tenant, £25 per annum.
28/03/1900. Metallic packing on the engine at Wellhouse to be repaired by Burnley Ironworks Co.
30/03/1900. Resolved that the rent for the Mechanic’s shop to Henry Brown be £25 per annum and £2 per inch for a belt broader than 4inches (he to buy new belts) and 9d. per hour for the donkey engine. [The last two items are to do with power supplied by the company, the belt would be off the mill shafting and the donkey engine is for power outside the normal running times of the mill. SG]
11/04/1900. Mechanics shop let to Hy. Brown at £25 per annum for 5 years with the option of leaving after 12 months. The Scottish Boiler Insurance Company’s offer of increased insurance for the same premium was accepted.
19/04/1900. Hy Brown tries to get lease extended to ten years on Mechanics Shop but the CHSC refuses, however they promised him first refusal of another five year lease if, at eh end of the first five years the Company didn’t require the space.
16/05/1900. Hy Brown screws a further concession out of the CHSC by getting them to agree to halve his rent if any stoppage exceeds 24 consecutive hours. [God loves a trier! SG.]
13/06/1900. Resolved that cylinder and engine oil be purchased from the factor direct and that if carriage be paid by the sender, one ton be ordered and if by the purchaser, two tons be ordered.
27/06/1900. Mention of a letter from E Green and Son [Wakefield] re dampers. Substance not reported in minutes but Mr Brooks and Mr Hy. Brown to look into it.
4/07/1900. Mr Hargreaves be asked to put a new bottom and tap in the cistern at Wellhouse. Edward Smith to send Jefferson or some other experienced man to repair the puddle in the embankment of Wellhouse Dam.
11/07/1900. Common Seal of company finally seals Hy Brown’s tenancy of the Mechanic’s shop.
19/07/1900. Letter from the US Metallic Packing Company in which they offered to repair the packings on the Wellhouse Engine with new blocks and improved sliding pieces for the sum of £14-16-0, men’s time and expenses extra. Resolved that they be instructed through Burnley Ironworks to proceed with the work and to complete it during the holidays.
4/8/1900. Repairs to wall of dam with puddle
8/08/1900. Mr Brown to be instructed to examine the boilers at Calf Hall and Wellhouse, to supply dimensions and also to order four protection plates for Wellhouse.
22/08/1900. Three labourers to be engaged to assist Burnley Ironworks men with repairs to the engine during the holidays.
5/09/1900. Resolved that the heavy key {spanner] be purchased for Wellhouse
Engine.
19/09/1900. The next delivery of boiler compound for Wellhouse to be from the Crawshawbooth Chemical Company. Resolved that the engineer be instructed to apply to the Managing Director before any engineer or mechanic is brought on the premises except in case of emergency.
26/9/1900. Corner of the dam cleaned out.
3/10/1900. Level of pipe from dyke to dam adjusted.
14/11/1900. Question of better supply of water to boilers at Wellhouse discussed.
5/12/1900. Burnley Ironworks instructed to fix an extra feed pump on no. 2 engine.
13/12/1900. PCRO 20 (236). Letter to J Moorhouse at Wellhouse saying that WC provision at his mill is inadequate. (Factory Inspector’s complaint.)
13/2/1901. Three gents from Blackburn propose to rent the tin shop at Wellhouse for use as a foundry. Refused by directors because of possible effects of dust on the engine.
21/25/03/1901. Extensions to Wellhouse (NW corner?) For James Moorhouse. 227 looms plus preparation. Tenders: Masons work, A M Armstrong, £560. Joinery, Waite and Lambert, £190. Ironfounders, Wm Roberts, £675. Slaters, Whittakers of Burnley (Westmoreland slate) £195. Plasterers, Heap and Thornton of Barlick, £49. Plumbers, W J Varley (Skipton?) £84-10-0.
3/5/1901. Tender to be obtained for new boiler for Wellhouse. To be same size and pressure as Nos 1&2, 7 ½ ft X 30ft Lancashire. Space to be measured for new economisers. Firebars and system of working at Salterforth to be assessed. [Looks as though they were considering new automatic stokers and combustion system. Also, Wellhouse has been re-boilered since mention of eight Cornish boilers in sale doc. Of 1887. SG]
22/5/1901. Tender from Oldham Boiler Company to supply 7 ½ ft X 30ft boiler for £435 to be accepted provided they seat it by 27 August 1901. No firebars or doors.
22/5/1901. Tenders invited for Whitakers Patent Water Bars and Proctor mechanical stoker.
23/5/1901. Oldham Boiler Co can’t guarantee delivery date so order placed with Spurr Inman and Co of Wakefield and that Mr Atkinson be empowered to place the order elsewhere if they cannot deliver as required.
23/5/1901. 96 additional pipes be added to the economiser at Wellhouse.
29/5/1901. Messrs. Proctors tender of £51 less 7 ½ %fixed and complete for each stoker be accepted and stokers fixed to all three boilers. Men insured against accident for £500.
5/6/1901. Three sets of Whitaker’s patent fire bars to be fixed to the three boilers at Wellhouse at a cost of £25 net per boiler. Goodbrands to be asked if their economisers will work satisfactorily if connected to Lowcocks. [Economisers mentioned in 1887 sale document were Greens so it looks as though they have been replaced, probably at same time as reboilering.]
12/6/1901. Economiser tenders received: Goodbrand and Co. of Stalybridge, £110.80 for delivery and a man to supervise erection. A Lowcock and Co. £120 delivered and fixed complete. E. Green and Son of Wakefield, £134-8-0, delivered and fixed complete. Lowcock tender accepted and order issued provided they deliver and fix during August holidays.
19/6/1901. Messrs. Roberts be instructed to put the drums [driving pulleys] in Mr Moorhouse’s shed to his position. Burnley Ironworks asked to send Mr Clegg to indicate the engine.
26/6/1901. Laundry floor to be repaired by Mr Holdsworth. The space for Mr Moorhouse’s 227 looms be calculated as from 1st July 1901. [Indicates that extension mentioned on 25th of March is completed.] Leather strap 2 ½ inches wide ordered to drive Mr Moorhouse’s warehouse, from W S Greenwood at Colne.
3/07/1901. Mr Henry Brown asked to report how the extra power needed in Mr Moorhouse’s tape room can be transmitted. Hancock be engaged to assist stoker bar fitters on Sat 6th August. Labourers to be paid 6d. per hour for assisting with bars. Oil for mills to be transported by Leeds and Liverpool canal. Mention of preparations for coupling new boiler and economiser.
10/07/1901. Mr Moorhouse requests that a small shed be built on his new extension to accommodate a plaiting machine. An engineer’s thermometer be acquired for testing the water. [Monitoring performance of new economisers? SG]
17/07/1901. Another man to be hired as assistant boiler man at Wellhouse. [Extra boiler, extra work. This brought staff up to one engineer and three firemen/oilers. See 2/10/1901. SG]
31/07/1901. Mr Barrett be asked to clean out the well at Wellhouse. Waterworth at Wellhouse to be paid 23/- a week. [Was this Edwin Waterworth who was engineer at Calf Hall? Bit of a puzzle this as Joseph James Sneath was engineer at Wellhouse, appointed on 21/1/1891 and certainly still at Wellhouse in 1902 because there is a record of him asking for a raise in wages from 36/- to 38/- then. See 2/10/1901 when Waterworth asked for overtime and is described as fireman. SG.] Cracked pipe on engine at Wellhouse to be inspected.
4/09/1901. Insurers of boilers at Wellhouse were Scottish Boiler Insurance Co. Mr Atkinson (the architect) be asked to obtain tenders for the warehouse of Mr Moorhouse. [Was this the extension to hold plaiting machine? SG.]
11/09/1901. Tenders for Moorhouse warehouse:
Masonry. Lambert Robinson £74-19-0
Joinery J R Broughton £26-15-0
Slater Heap and Thornton £41-10-0
Plastering Heap and Thornton £10-0-0
Plumbing/glazing W J Varley £20-15-0
Mr Petty of Colne be asked to cover (Insulate) the pipes.
Thomas Waine be appointed oiler at Wellhouse at 23/- per week.
Fittings on the old boiler to be taken off and the boiler advertised in the Yorkshire Post and the Manchester Guardian.
18/09/1901. Mr Sneath [Joseph James?] applied for overtime payments during August and September during installation of new boiler and connies. Diagrams taken on engine at Wellhouse by Burnley Ironworks showed 900ihp.
25/09/1901. Sneath and the firemen at Wellhouse to attend the directors meeting on Wed. Oct. 2nd 1901 to explain the overtime they were claiming.
2/10/1901. Sneath and fireman attended meeting and claimed overtime as follows:
Sneath 98 hours @6d. £2-9-0
Shackleton 100 hours @ 6d. £2-10-0
Crowther 91 hours @ 6d. £2-5-6
Waterworth 79 hours @ 6d. £1-19-6
It was resolved that these amounts be paid.
Tenants to be granted three days allowance on rent for stoppage during installation of new boiler. Price of old boiler to be £70. J Wright mentioned as having a yard at Wellhouse.
9/10/1901. Old boiler sold to Mr Stringer of Blackburn for £70.
23/10/1901. Resolved that if there weren’t enough iron pipes for the blow-off connections at Wellhouse the company make up with sanitary pipes. Painting of outside of mill to be left until spring but engine house decorations to be proceeded with. [Probably because of the weather. SG]
13/11/1901. Varley written to about delays to WH extensions. UDC written to about fire hydrants. The one at Valley Road is 240 yds from the Moorhouse extension and the one outside the Gasworks is 50 yds from the mill gate. [see also UDBk. 8/1, PCRO Page 21. for a reply from the Council suggesting that planks be placed over the roof for access by firemen and a ‘water main’ at the engine house, all at the Co’s expense A later letter dated 7/1.1902 stated that they could have a hydrant at the entrance to WH Mill either from the 4” main in Valley Road or the 3” main in Skipton Road. Same ref. In UDC papers at Preston. SG.]
27/11/1901. CHSC get UDC letter re planks and reply that the idea is utterly impracticable. New catch for trip motion on engine be ordered from Burnley Ironworks.
4/12/1901. Varley to fix a six inch fall pipe to facilitate cleaning out the cistern. Resolved that the flues be cleaned four times a year at Wellhouse for the same money.
11/12/1901. List of defects to be discussed with architect includes ‘Blow off on Spurr Inman’s boiler’.
24/12/1901. The cistern to be cleaned according to the old plan, from the dam side of the shed. Reported that Moorhouse’s wall had settled and was out of plumb. Letter from UDC re hydrants.
8/01/1901. Further letter from UDC re hydrants agreeing to extend the 4” main from Valley Road to the mill gate. Co agree to take the main forward and complete the work within six months of the UDC extension of the main. Report read on WH economisers.
15/01/1902. Mr Brooks made formal application on behalf of William Brown and Ed Bailey for the space now occupied by J Widdup which would become vacant during the present year. [This is an important event as Widdup is going to move to Moss Shed then being built where he is reported in 1913 as having 432 looms.{M?C Exchange Directory, 1913.}]
12/02/1901. Applications for space to be vacated by Widdup at WH: William Perry. J H Edmondson and D Edmondson. Henry Ellis and W Dewhurst. Dugdale and Dewhurst. Myers and Sneath. Slater Brothers. Brown and Bailey.
19/02/1902. Safety shields for gauge glasses on boilers be ordered from Hopkinsons.
26/01/1902. Resolved that we accede to manufacturer’s request that our mills be run on Post Office time and not railway time.
5/03/1902. Hy Brown be asked to quote for fixing cast iron gutters to lead water from shed roof and tapes to reservoir.
12/03/1902. Moorhouse made a claim for demurrage for 2 boats, 2 horses and 4 men waiting at Coates wharf with looms for three days at £2 per day. Board to see what he will settle for. Matter of the tenants claim for a reduction in rent due to shorter working times on Saturdays be deferred.
19/03/1902. Moorhouse’s claim for £6 demurrage allowed.
26/03/1902. Matter of the reduction in Saturday running starting 1/01/1902 and tenants request for an abatement in rent considered and refused on the grounds that terms of leases issued by CHSC the company is bound only to run statutory hours not exceeding 56.
30/04/1902. Assistant fireman at WH gives notice at WH. Advert to be placed in the Advertiser asking applicant to state wage required. Hy Brown to repair the fall pipe on Windle’s shed and the trough carrying hot water from the boiler house to the reservoir.
7/05/1902. William Hutchinson appointed assistant fireman at WH at 20/- a week.
14/05/1902. Engineers are instructed to give their requirements to the directors who will place the orders.
22/05/1902. James Nutter and Sons are still pursuing the matter of the reduction in rent for short time on Saturday. The Directors are still refusing to budge. The managing director requested to obtain all the information he can about the Old Well at Wellhouse.
28/05/1902. Resolved that we ascertain what flow of water there is in the old well at the south end of Wellhouse Shed. Mr Barrett to excavate for pipes.
4/06/1902. Six sets of brasses, packing and Asbestoline as specified by Mr Sneath and Mr brooks be ordered.
11/06/1902. Hy Brown be asked to suggest a means of pumping water from the well at Wellhouse in order to test the supply.
18/06/1902. The secretary ordered to borrow an injector or pump to test the capacity of the old well adjoining Mr Widdup’s shed. Letter read from A F Roundell, dated 7 June 02, giving twelve month’s notice to terminate the agreement dated 20/12/1883 made between C S Roundell and William Bracewell under which agreement, as successors to William Bracewell, the CHSC has paid the yearly rent of 5/- per annum. This agreement refers to the water right through Eastwood Bottoms and other fields, the chief source of supply for the dams.
25/06/1902. The injector to be lowered into the well at Widdup’s shed to further test the supply.
2/07/1902. Mr Sneath reported that the old well at Widdup’s shed filled at the rate of 5” per hour, equivalent to about 80 gallons per hour. Mr Atkinson of Colne to enquire into the possibility of buying the land off Roundell containing the well in Eastwood Bottoms. Mr Slater attended on behalf of himself and Dugdale and Dewhurst requesting that they should have the room to be vacated by Mr Widdup. This was agreed with conditions and the tape machine is to stay where it is.
9/07/1902. The old well at Widdup’s shed to be covered up and Proctor Barrett requested to dig in front of his houses for the old well near the first stile which is supposed to be the feeder for the well at Widdup’s shed. Burnley Ironworks to be asked to do the necessary repairs to the engine at WH during the holidays.
30/07/1902. Mr Atkinson be asked to attend the next meeting for consultations on the water supply at WH.
6/08/1902. Joseph Sneath asks for an advance in wages from 36/- to 38/- per week. W Holdsworth and A King to interview Mr Sneath on the matter.
13/08/1902. Hutchinson’s wage be raised to 22/- per week from 1 September. Burnley Ironworks report on the engines at Wellhouse at the next meeting.
20/08/1902. Burnley Ironworks asked to carry out the repairs on WH engine starting on Saturday morning next. 2/6 to be given to the engineer at Mount Pleasant for the loan of the injector.
3/09/1902. India rubber rings requested by the engineer at WH be ordered. It was reported to the meeting that Messrs. Boocock Bros. Tenants at WH were moving to Long Ing Shed as soon as the space was available when the tenant there moved to Moss Shed. UDC pressed to lay the water main for fire purposes as promised at the beginning of the year.
10/09/1902. Hy Brown requested to fit a blow off valve at the cold end of the Wellhouse economisers. Mr Atkinson asked again to look into the purchase of the land on which the well was situated from Mr Roundell. Resolved that the application from Mr Perry for space about to be vacated by Mr Boocock.
17/09/1902. UDC write to say that the matter of the main for the hydrants is being attended to. Resolved that the 2/6 charged by Mr Sneath for allowance during the holidays be disallowed as it had not been sanctioned by the board.
24/09/1902. Resolved that we remove the drums and refix the partition in SLETR Bros, Drysdale and Dewhurst, taking the space of Widdup, we also give financial assistance to Drysdale and Dewhurst for 70 new looms. Resolved that we meet on Saturday to consider the water situation and the role to be called.
27/09/1902. resolved we bore to a depth of 100 feet for water on the land south of the reservoirs. Mr Atkinson to employ a well-sinker to do the work. P Barrett to remove the sand and repair the wall of the reservoir where uncovered.
1/10/1902. UDC wrote to say they were borrowing money to lay mains in various parts of the town and no time would be lost on Wellhouse road connection. Green and Son reported on the economisers at WH Mill.
3/10/1902. Resolved that we continue to bore for water by lowering the existing well at the south end of Wellhouse Mill. Mr Chapman of Salford will let his boring plant on contract to sink for water, Plant £9, Foreman ½ per hour, Blacksmith 11d per hour
4/10/1902. Dugdale and Dewhurst and Slater Bros. Were present and agreed to have the tape moved from its present position to a place to be agreed on. The company to take steam to the tape. Boocock Bros informed the board it wouldn’t be long before they removed their looms to Long Ing.
8/10/1902. Mr Proctor to write to each applicant applying for space vacated by Boocock Bros. Asking them what financial help they will require. Two labourers to be hired for well-sinking.
15/10/1902. The following have applied for space to be vacated by Boocok Bros at Wellhouse Mill. Bailey and Roberts, 10 Park Road Barnoldswick. J Wright and Co. Cow Pasture, Barnoldswick. Smith Horsfield, farmer, Barnoldswick. J H and H W Edmondson, 16 Town Head, Barnoldswick. William Perry, Eaton Bank, Barnoldswick. Myers and Sneath, Park Road Barnoldswick. William Perry required finance and all wanted 12 weeks grace except James Wright and Co who would accept eight weeks. The board balloted and Messrs. R Bailey and C W Roberts application was accepted. Proctor Barrett to make shelters for the well borers.
22/10/1902. Old brick engine house at WH to be let to Moorhouse as a stable, he to provide fittings and make ready.
29/10/1902. It was reported that oil had been taken from the engine house and this was to be enquired into as no amounts [payments] had been received. Stores set out in Mr Sneath’s letter to be ordered.
5/11/1902. Resolved that the sheet iron trough from Bailey’s tape be repaired by Mr Brooks the plumber and that a new wooden trough be made by Mr Holsworth for Mr Bailey. The application by the firemen for overtime worked supplying steam to the well-borers be considered when the amount had been ascertained. [Borers would have a steam driven rig. SG]
12/11/1902. Chapman, the well borer, reported that they had bored 14ft 6inches the last fortnight and that they were passing through limestone rock. Four gallons of whale oil to be bought for tempering the boring tools.
19/11/1902. Hy Brown to supply a boiler feed valve at Wellhouse. A straw band to be wrapped round the steam pipe to the boring rig.
26/11/1902. Reported that boring has reached 76 ft and is passing through soft limestone.
3/12/1902. Resolved that Messrs. Moorhouse be allowed to fit a Blackman fan in their tape room and the company supply a drum to drive it. Boring reached 70 ft and is in very hard limestone.
10/12/1902. Nutters in Calf Hall refuse the offer of more space on the grounds that ‘The new looms are coming out. (Northrops)’ Well borers reported a depth of 90ft and very hard limestone. Borers asked for explanation of poor progress and asked to report on testing the well.
17/12/1902. The broken teeth in the [gear] wheel in Windle’s shed to be pegged by Hy Brown.
31/12/1902. Green and Son report on economisers at WH and suggest a tank should be fitted to catch water from blow off valve. Mr Sneath to be asked to suggest a size and location for this tank.
7/01/1903. Cooperative Soc. to be asked what compensation they require during well-sinking operations.
14/01/1903. Two shovels and two strong buckets be ordered from Bulcocks and two weed [sic] brooms from Mr Perry for Wellhouse Mill.
28/01/1903. Well boring reaches 109 ft. Co-op request £2-6-4 for inconvenience during well sinking.
11/02/1903. Co-op reduce their claim for damages to £1-15-0 and this was approved. Well boring reaches 118 ft.
20/02/1903. Well boring has reached 123 ft and is still in very hard limestone. Testing of the well to be left in the hands of Mr P Brooks, Mr T dent and Mr P Barrett. Resolved that a mortgage of £10,000 be taken out on Wellhouse Mill at 4 ¼ % from Burnley Building Soc, survey fee to be £5-5-0 and a further £5-5-0 if mortgage is accepted.
18/03/1903. The borers, Chapmans and Mr Atkinson be requested to meet the directors about the well boring.
25/03/1903. Chapman offered to reduce the price of hire by 20% or to contract to bore the next 50ft at £3-15-0 per foot, company to supply the steam. They also gave an approximate price for a deep bore pump fixed and set to raise 5,000 gallons of water an hour from 250ft at £265. Co resolved to see him and get a reduction in price. Well had reached 160 ft and was making about 4 ft a day.
1/04/1903. Chapman refuses to abate his price for the boring. Secretary to enquire about cost of pumping present bore hole or drilling a smaller one and that we confer with Mr Atkinson on the matter.
8/01/1903. Boring had reached 180ft. Resolved that work be stopped and that the secretary instruct Mr Chapman to remove his tackle. The cost of boring to 26 March was £492-14-2 exclusive of steam.
13/04/1903. Letters read from several firms giving particulars of pumps for testing the supply of water from the bore hole and a quotation was read from Mr Thomas Matthews of Pendleton offering the loan of a pump capable of lifting five to eight thousand gallons of water per hour from 100 to 120 ft for 20/- a day of ten hours we to pay the men’s time, fares and lodgings. Sec to ascertain whether the pump is driven by steam or power and when satisfied that the test could be made with little preparation to instruct Mr Matthew to make the test. Secretary reported that the amount of water being pumped from Eastwood Bottoms in John Raw’s meadow was about 4 or 5,000 gallons an hour. Resolved that Mr Barrett be requested to open the drain in the meadow on the south side of Wellhouse Mill and to pipe the water down to the well above the present bore hole.
22/04/1903. Letter from Mr Matthews advising that the well should be pumped night and day for ten days as a thorough test. As the pump was driven by steam it was considered advisable to make a thorough test.
29/04/1903. Reported that Mr Matthew’s pump had arrived and was being fixed in the borehole.
6/05/1903. One number seven shovel and two mill buckets be ordered for WH Mill.
Letter read from Peter Heaton saying he was leaving employ of the Co on 30 May. [He went to Moss Shed as engineer. See 78/AG transcripts. SG]
13/05/1903. Engine man at each mill be asked to inspect the donkey engines and report on the condition of each. Reported that the test on the bore had started. The pump was mounted 120 ft from the surface and 60 ft from the bottom of the bore. It was thought advisable to continue the test for at least a week longer.
29/05/1903. It was reported that the pump on the bore had ceased to lift water although the well was full. Mr Matthews, expert, of Manchester, attended and told the directors that in his opinion the well was capable of supplying 4,000 gallons per hour and quoted for a pump capable of lifting this. It was resolved that he be instructed to take up the pipes, remove the present pump and ascertain the largest size pump (6” or 7”) that could be put down 60 or 75 ft from the bottom and to give a definite quotation, the pump worked by power from the shed [shaft] the Co to supply foundation and bring power to top of well.
28/05/1903. The report on the donkey engines at Wellhouse was read and the directors resolved that the attention of the tenants should be called to the matters reported. The pulsometer be sent back to Mr J R Atkinson.
3/06/1903. As the tenancy of the water right in Eastwood Bottoms terminated at the end of the week it was decided that Proctor Barrett and the secretary be requested to see Mr Roundell’s agent with a view to an extension of the tenancy and that they be empowered to make any settlement at terms they think reasonable.
10/06/1903. New agreement agreed and sealed for an annual tenancy of £10 for the water rights in Eastwood Bottoms.
17/06/1903. Mr Matthews asked to meet the directors re the bore hole. Mr Brooks reported that from the top of the bore to 83 ft down the bore was 3ft 6” out of plumb and from 83ft to 170ft it was 3ft out of plumb.
24/06/1903. Mr Matthews of Pendleton attended the meeting and quoted for one of his patent 6” pumps placed 100 ft down the bore, £145 to 50 ft and 24/- for every foot additional delivered and fixed on our foundation. Mr Matthews explained that the bore hole being 3ft ^” out of plumb it was impossible to put a pump at greater depth than 100ft.
1/07/1903. Slater Brothers attended before the board with reference to the building of a warehouse and office at the end of their shed.
15/07/1903. Proctor Barrett instructed to cover up the bore hole.
29/07/1903. Joseph Sneath be allowed to have a plot of land at Wellhouse on terms agreed between him and Messrs Dent and Brooks. W Crowther be paid for steam making on overtime at WH.
19/08/1903. Letter read from William Hutchinson resigning his position at Wellhouse Mill. Accepted and no man to be appointed in his place.