Conisborough School Board

Land at Last

a special meeting of the coroner School Board was our last night, Mr BG Dufton presiding. Members present were the Rev GH stock, Messrs G Walker, JP, J Stacey, W Tennant, J Pagdin and J Marsh.

Teachers

The Clerk reported that he had received a letter from Mr J Mitchell, who had been appointed assistant master, in which he stated that he would like to see the place before he accepted the appointment.

Miss E Smithson wrote, applying for an appointment as assistant Mistress, and an application was read from Miss L Ashworth of Doncaster.

After some discussion Mr Smithson was appointed.

Site for the New School

the Clerk read a letter from the Education Department, asking to be informed as to the position in which the Board proposed to erect the intended new school.

Mr Marsh: they want to plan, showing its position, where it is going to be.

Mr Godfrey Walker reported that he had had several interviews with Mr Newstead, Lord Yarborough’s agent, and also with Mr Andrew Montagu’s trustees. The latter had been very anxious to oblige the Board, but they had no suitable site. There was a field next the colliery offices, but he thought that was too near the station.

Mr Newstead’s thought if the board took part of larger raspberries field in Station Road, it would deteriorate the value of the other portion of the field for building purposes, but he (Mr Walker) had differed from this view, and pointed out that if a new school was built there was a probability of a population springing up near it. After the second interview with Mr Newstead, he came practically to an arrangement and Mr Newstead at since written as follows:

“I’ve consulted our surveyor with reference to the land proposed to be purchased by the School Board and he tells me that it will contain an area of 316 yards. We might perhaps put the proposal in an alternative shape, that is the Board may take the land at three shillings per yard buying and making half the road, or three shillings and sixpence per yard for the acre of land they require without taking any obligation in respect of the right over the proposed new road.”

This, Mr Walker said, meant that it was intended to make a new road across the field. If the Board decided they might have the land for three shillings per yard, and buy half the road and bear half the cost of making it, or they might pay three and six per yard for the land they required and take no responsibility with regard to the road.

It appeared to him that they had to decide between these two points, and he would suggest they should accept one offer or the other and finish the business.

The Vicar: which do you think will be the cheaper?

Mr Walker: I should say pay 3s 6d for the land and have nothing to do with the road.

Mr Stacey: I will move that we accept the land at 3s 6d per yard and leave the question of the road.

Mr Pagdin seconded.

Mr Walker: there is another question which does not appear to have occurred to any of you. There is a tenant to contend with.

The vicar: Who is a tenant?

Mr Walker: Mr Bradbury, and he holds the land until a year next February. I went to try and see him, but could not find it. He is away, but I understand it will be back on Saturday. If you decide to buy the land it should be subject to obtaining early possession.

Mr Stacey: I will amend my resolution then.

Mr Walker: there is another question which occurred to me in which I mentioned to Mr Newstead. It was the question of the minerals, and weather when they were worked it would let the school down.

Mr Newstead assured me that their agreement with the Denaby company and I said I need not be afraid on that score because the Colliery Company are liable for all damage done to buildings placed on the land.

It was agreed after some further discussion to purchase the land at 3s 6d per yard, free of all obligations relating to the proposed new road, and to early possession been obtainable.

Mr Walker: Now somebody will have to see Mr Bradbury.

The Vicar: Perhaps Mr Walker will not mind undertaking that for us.

Mr Tennant: I think Mr Walker has done very well indeed so far.

Mr Walker: Thank you Mr Tennant; I am glad someone appreciates me. (Laughter) Mr Tennant: And I think he is fully qualified to go and see Mr Bradbury.

Mr Walker: You have spoilt it now. You have taken away the grace of your graceful remark. (Laughter)

Mr Stacey moved, and the chairman seconded, that Mr Walker be asked to see Mr Bradbury, with respect to giving up possession of portion of the land. This was agreed to:

Mr Walker: do you give me power to treat with him?

Mr Pagdin: I think we ought to give Mr Walker power to make the best arrangement possible. (Here, here)

Mr Walker intimated that he would undertake the mission upon that understanding.

The Clerk was then instructed to reply immediately to the letter from the Education Department.