Volume Eight - Pre-Victorian to the present day - more aspects - To dredge the River Ely - 1860's

You may recall that the relationship between the main contractor for the dock construction works, Messrs. Smith and Knight, and the Company was deteriorating by this date, which ultimately resulted in Chancery Action being taken in 1861 to "restrain the Company from finishing the partially completed works." So S&K had probably thrown their teddy out of the pram!

Note: Associated letters and contract documents are available to read on a separate popup page - note the highlighted and underlined links to these pages - just click to open up another window leaving the main page undisturbed.

Resolved - That Mr. Cartwright see Mr. Hardie tonight if possible, and ascertain if he is willing to give up the contract to Smith & Knight ; advising Mr. Dobson accordingly and acting further in the case as he be advised by the Company's Solicitor.

Meeting held June 4th 1860.

Read - a letter from Mr. Hardie dated . . . . . on the subject of his contract of 7th Nov. 1859 with the Company.
Mr. Batchelor having reported that Mr. Mitchell will undertake to complete Mr. Hardie's contract in five or six months ordered.
That he and Mr. Cartwright see Mr. Mitchell on the subject and, if possible, arrange with him to do it in four months.

Meeting held June 18th 1860.

Read - A letter from Mr. Mitchell dated June 18th 1860 offering to complete this contract.

Resolved - That Mr. Mitchell's offer be accepted provided he undertake to complete the work in five months from 30th June 1860.
Mr. Mathews at Mr. Hardie's expense to prepare such a document as will legally join Mr. Mitchell in the contract, but the contract to be in no other way interfered with.
N.B. Mr. Mitchell's letter was sent to Mr. Mathews for an agreement to be prepared. Mr. Mathews will please refer to his note to me dated June 26. 1860.