7th Jan. 1854. Notice of motion from Jno. Hope - that the Water Supply Committee...

7th Jan. 1854. Notice of motion from Jno. Hope - that the Water Supply Committee consider and report re Council obtaining water for pushing of sewers, watering the streets, & extinguishing fires from the Canal near Christleton, leaving the supply of filtered water for domestic and private purposes to the present company.

11th Jan. 1854. Draft resolutions of Town Council meeting on this date as to measures to support the promoters of the Bill re the River Dee.

12th Jan. 1854. John Greenwood from the Treasury, returning conveyances from the Corporation of Chester to Evans and 6 others to the Town Clerk, executed by the Lords of the Treasury.

14th Jan. 1854. John Greenwood from the Treasury to the Town Clerk, returning the approved draft mortgage, Corporation of Chester to Tilston, for engrossment. When the deed is returned he is to send a list of the sums raised under the same authority which was to the amount of £1940.

18th Jan. 1854. Letter from William Bartlem to the Chairman and gentlemen of Finance Committee, for an increase in salary for cleaning and looking after the Exchange, to which he was appointed on the retirement of Miss Turner.

28th Jan. 1854. Note from W.H. Brown asking for Finance Committee to be convened for Monday at 11.

n.d. Note for the action of the Town Clerk re arrears of rent due to 2 Feb. 1854, from Peter Jones Tar Inn, Crane St.: John Perry, 30 Middle Crane St; W.Manley, publican, Crane St.

6th Feb. 1854. Printed summons to Quarterly meeting of the Council on Friday next, with note of business to be transacted. Signed: John Walker, Deputy Town Clerk.

14th Feb. 1854. Copy resolution of the Corporate Estate Committee held 14th Feb. concerning the rent to be charged Miss Truss for the house and land in her occupation at Saltney, and for her to give up that portion of the land sold to Mr. Dawson. Signed: Jas Paul and addressed to Edwd. Roberts: with pencil note added re payment by Miss Truss.

n.d. Jas. Paul to Mr. B.Baylis asking for a description of the land at Saltney sold to Mr. Bickley and Miss E.Mussel-white.

n.d. Note [By Mr. Baylis?] describing plots of land sold at Saltney.

17th Feb. 1854. Jas.Paul from the Town Hall, asking for a description of land at Saltney to the persons named.

27th Feb. 1854. J.Williams, from Bank, to Mr. Paul, Town Office, stating that Alderman Griffith has promised to represent him at the Election on Wednesday for St. Oswald's Ward.

2nd March 1854. Jno.Finchett Maddock, Clerk to the Magistrates, from 4 Abbey Square, to John Walker, Esq., Deputy Town Clerk, forwarding a copy resolution of the Magistrates of the 27th Feb.:- having considered the resolution of Finance Committee requesting the production of the Mayor's Rolls from 1st Jan. 1836 to the present so that they might examine the Minutes of proceedings with the returns of Fines and Convictions: they consider that the book called the Mayors Roll is a private memoranda kept by the Clerk for their protection and that it is not expedient to produce it as requested by the Finance Committee - All convictions made by the Magistrates are regularly returned to the Clerk of the Peace.

3rd March 1854. Thos. Poole from Cross, Chester, to the Finance Committee, requesting payment of a bill headed "Water Supply Committee" which was objected to at Christmas last.

Postmark 4 Mr.1854. Envelope addressed to the Town Clerk, with note "Returns as to Police", containing

17th Feb. 1854. Henry FitzRoy from Whitehall to the Town Clerk, a circular letter, asking for a return of the number of Police, the cost of the same, and the number of prisoners committed yearly.

Note of number of Chester Police Force from 12th Feb. 1836 to 13 Jan. 1853.

Cost of Police Force in the City of Chester from 1 Jan. 1836 to 31 Aug. 1853. Signed: Ed.Roberts, Treasurer.

A Return of the number of prisoners committed to the City Gaol Chester, yearly from 1st Jan. 1836 to 10th March 1854 both before Trial or upon Conviction. Signed: Henry Steel, Governor.

1854. Printed Police Centralization: Report of the proceeding ... with reference to the consolidation of the Police of Boroughs and Counties, as recommended by the select committee of the House of Commons, and of the Interview with Viscount Palmerston.

6th. March 1854. Printed summons to attend a Monthly meeting of the Council on the 10th of March, with a note of business to be transacted. Signed: John Walker, Deputy Town Clerk. With

6th Feb. 1854. Printed summons to attend a Quarterly meeting of the Council on 10th February, with a note of business to be transacted. Signed: John Walker. Endorsed: "Council Notice 10th March 1854".

6th March 1854. Printed summons(as in 746) addressed to Thos.Dixon, Esq. White Friars.

6th March 1854. Printed summons to attend a Special meeting of the Council on 10th March, with a note of business to be transacted. Signed: John Walker, Deputy Town Clerk. Endorsed: "Notes for Special Meeting of the Council 10th March 1854."

6th March 1854. Printed summons to attend a Special meeting of the Council on 10th March; addressed to Thomas Dixon, Esq., White Friars.

6th March 1854. M/S. notice of a Monthly meeting of the Council to be held on 10th March, with a note of business (printed and stuck on); signed: John Smith, Mayor.

6th March 1854. M/S. notice of a Special meeting of the Council to be held on 10th March, with a note of business (printed and stuck on); signed: John Smith, Mayor.

8th March 1854. John Greenwood from the Treasury, to the Town Clerk, returning the deeds, Corporation to Tilston and Corporation to Salmon and Antis, executed by the Lords of the Treasury, with the deed, Corporation to Wigginer, in duplicate, to which their Lordships are merely approving parties.

n.d. Notice of motion by Jno. Hope for the Council meeting of 10th March 1854:- that the Council order the removal of the nuisance of boats lying at the Canal at the end of Queen Street for the loading of night soil:- that the Surveyor or Deputy Town Clerk be requested to state why the clauses of the Improvement Act re the draining paving &c. of new streets have not been carried out in reference to those streets brought under consideration of the Council early last year.

n.d (for 10th March 1854) "Memorial from the Inhabitants of Queen Street as to Boats on the Canal loaded with night soil read to the Council 10th March 1854" "No order made".

11th March 1854. Charles Turner, Official Assignee, from 53 South John Street, Liverpool, to John Walker, Town Office Chester re St. Jones. Mr. Shone made a proof on this estate. It will be necessary for this gentleman to fill up the form attached to the circular sent to him and the order will be sent pursuant to his order.

11th March 1854. Fred. Potts at Chester to Mr. Baylis, City Surveyor, asking the sanction of Improvement Committee for the brick wall he has completed in the Groves. He desires permission to continue the wall if he wishes at some future time.

13th March 1854. Letter from the Town Clerk of King's Lynn to the Town Clerk, Chester, desiring a copy of any report adopted by the Watch Committee upon the Bill recently introduced in the House of Commons for establishing a Uniform Police Force throughout the Kingdom.

17th March 1854. John Trevor from the House of Industry, Chester, to Mr. Walker concerning the best method of levying a Watch Rate in view of legislation 6 Wm.IV.c.76; 1 Vict. c.81; 5 & 6 Wm.IV. c.76.s.84.

17th March 1854. Jno. Finchett Maddock, Clerk to the Magistrates, to John Walker, Esq., Deputy Town Clerk, St. John Street, sending a Copy Resolution of the Magistrates of the same date, that the persons appointed by the Finance Committee be allowed to inspect the Mayor's Rolls in the presence of the Magistrates' Clerk and to make memorandums of all fines appearing to have been made by the Magistrates the examination being confined to that object.

22nd March 1854. Order, printed, from the General Board of Health to the Town Clerk, for carrying out the Nuisances Removal and Diseases Prevention Act 1848. With envelope.

22nd March 1854. M/s notice of a Special meeting of the Council to be held on 27th March, with note of business. Signed: John Smith, Mayor.

31st March 1854. M/s. notice of a Special meeting of the Council to be held on 4th April, concerning the proposed building of Militia Barracks in the Nuns Gardens. Signed: John Smith, Mayor.

31st March 1854. Harry Crain from Worthenbury to Miss Benion, Wrexham, stating that the proposed exchange of lands at Isacoid would be of benefit to both parties. As there is little or no difference in the value of the lands on each side side, he does not think she should be charged twelve shillings for the consideration of right of road. He would be glad to meet Mr. Davies on the spot and if they could not come to terms call any of the neighbouring farmers who he is sure would be the means of coming to an amicable arrangement.

4th April 1854. Printed summons to attend an adjourned Special meeting of the Council on 6th April, with a note of business. Signed: John Walker, Deputy Town Clerk.

4th April 1854. Printed summons to attend an adjourned Special meeting of the Council on 6th April, with a note of business. Signed: John Walker, Deputy Town Clerk.

10th April 1854. Memorial from inhabitants in the neighbourhood of Smiths Court, Crook Street, to the Council, calling attention to a foul and offensive privy and ashpit in Smiths Court belonging to Mr. Robert Smith, and asking that it be remedied.

12th April 1854. John Reddish, Superintendent, from Police Office, Nottingham, to John Hill, Esq., Chief Constable, Chester, sending details of the strength of their Force and the annual cost in relation to population from 1842 to 1853.

13th April 1854. Saml. Highfield from Roodee Gas Works, Chester, to the Mayor, suggesting the appointment of a committee to confer with him concerning the removal or alleviation of a restrictive clause in his licence from the Corporation.

21st April 1854. E.French at Chester, to J.Walker, Town Clerk, apologizing for his absence from Council that day.

April 1854. Saml.Taylor to the Mayor and Town Council, agreeing to make proper inspections of the Market and Slaughter Houses for the sum recommended by the Corporate Estate Committee.

n.d. Friday morning. Note from Mr. Platt stating that although he will be out of town in the morning he hopes to return in time for the meeting.

n.d. Friday. Note apologizing for Mr. Thos. Dixon's absence from Council meeting that morning.

n.d. Excuse for not attending the morning's Council meeting from Mr. Rowe.

19th April 1854. Meadows Frost to John Walker, Deputy Town Clerk, sending an apology re Friday's Council meeting.

21st April 1654. Roberts Frost to John Walker, stating that his father cannot attend the Council meeting.

28th April 1854. Rich.Jones from Manager's Office, General Railway Station, Chester, to John Walker. He has arranged to have the lamps on the Bridge lit as proposed. Mr. Lee is coming tomorrow and Walker will hear from him then about the street.

28th April. Note to John Walker, stating that Mr. R.G.Temple will be absent on his circuit the whole of this week.

8th May 1854. Letter from Runcorn Boneworks Co. to the Town Clerk, stating that they have sent some bone manure to Chester for a farmer who had a portion weighed on the Railway machine and then had the greater part weighed on the Boughton machine. They ask whether the Boughton machine is a Corporation machine and what is its character as there is a discrepancy which will cause them to lose something like £3.11.3.

13th May 1854. Summons to attend a meeting of the Common Lodging Houses Committee on Monday next to consider a communication from the Board of Guardians on the subject of the Common Lodging Houses in the City. With a note in pencil of a draft motion.

19th May 1854. Benjamin Huxley from 28 Henry Street, New-Town, Chester, to the Council. Having been informed by Mr. Jones, the present holder of the Phoenix Tower that he is shortly to retire, he applies to succeed him and gives the names of gentlemen recommending him.

n.d Note from Ed. Roberts at the Exchange, to John Walker concerning three rents which are causing difficulty. Note added "Applied for 24th May 1854". With:-

Scrap of paper with note of three rents.

"25th May 1854. Watch Committee" Statements by Constables and other witnesses as to the conduct of Police and difficulties with water plugs at a fire at Messrs.Bellis & Williams Yard in Commonhall Street. 26 pp.

27th May 1854. Jas.Paul, for Thos. Finchett Maddock, to Messrs Bowers Bro., asking for the Christian and surnames of the persons in their firm and the Christian name of Massey so that he can take proceedings against Upton and Massey. The names required have been added to the foot of the letter.

29th May 1854. J.Laing, from Crystal Palace, Sydenham, to the Mayor inviting him to attend the opening of the Crystal Palace on Saturday, 10th June.

29th May 1854. Edward Fairbrother, at Chester, applying to Committee for an increase in his present wages of 12s per week, because "everything is increasing in value".

29th May.1854. John Hughes from Newgate Street, to Mr. Paul at the Town Office. It is inconvenient for him to attend a meeting of Corporate Estate Committee that morning but he is willing to leave the matter to Mr. Harrison or Mr. Hankey, surveyors, to settle the terms of compensation for the extra expence in making the buildings on the Saltney land and the deterioration in value of the property.

3rd June 1854. Thos. Frith from County Court of Surrey, Croydon, returning a brief leaned to him by Mr. Maddock.

3rd June 1854. William Roberts to W.H. Brown, Chairman of Finance Committee, requiring payment of the £100 lent to the Corporation, unless they will allow 4½ from the next half year, 19th Oct.next

3rd June 1854. Jas.Paul, for J. Walker, to S. J.Roberts. As Alderman W.H.Brown will not be at Council meeting on Friday next, he asks whether he must insert in the notices that Roberts will call attention to the resolution of Finance Committee re the drain in Upper Northgate Street.

With:- reply added by S.J.Roberts, asking for Brown's name to be put to the motion. He will attend to it if Brown is absent.

5th June 1854. John Smith at Chester, to John Walker, Esq. sending his apology for absence from Council on Friday next.

7th June 1854. Meadows Frost to John Walker, Esq., making his apology.

7th June 1854. W.H.Brown to John Walker, Esq., apologising for his absence that meeting. He expects that some member of Finance Committee will take charge of the motion which stands in his name and shield him from the vengeance of his friend Rogers with which he is threatened,

7th June 1854. E.W.Topham from The Barrs, Chester, to J.Walker, apologising for his absence from the Council meeting on Monday.

7th June 1854. Affidavit of Samuel Harrison of the City of Chester, rope and twine manufacturer, that Joseph Croft, nephew of Daniel Gee of Chester, was bound apprentice to him by an indenture of 22nd April 1847, which was not enrolled. Signed: Samuel Harrison, before Wardell, Magistrate of the City of Chester.

7th June 1854. R.D.Thomas from Christ Church, to John Walker, Deputy Town Clerk, acknowledging an order from the Council requiring him as incumbent to drain and pave Gloucester Street. He would be thankful to see it done but there are no means connected with this church to accomplish it. Christ Church is a district in the parish of St. Oswald and his emolument from it is very small, chiefly derived from pew rents which he divides with a curate. There are not even funds for repairs and cleaning the church. He adds that the parish of St. Oswald levies a Church rate in the district of Christ Church but makes no allowance to them out of it. The Vicar of St. Oswald's also claims two-thirds of the fees received at Christ Church for churchings and interments, so if the work is compulsory it should be thrown upon the parish of St. Oswald.

8th June 1854. Edward Hughes from Shrewsbury to J.Walker asking for details of the regulations re Firemen and Police.

8th June 1854. J.Hicklin from Queens Park, to J.Walker, apologising for absence from Council as he is going to London for the opening of the Crystal Palace.

n.d. Thomas Clare from Pulton Place, asking to be excused Friday's Council meeting.

n.d. Mr. Whaley, from the Albion, Hoole, excusing himself from Council meeting.

9th June 1854. Mr. James' excuse for not attending Council.

9th June 1854. Mr. James from Thomas Dixon.

9th June 1854. Mr. James from John Bithell, from Foregate St. Brewery, for Mr. E.R.Seller.

9th June 1854. Mr. James from Wm. Johnson.

9th June 1854. P.Eaton to John Walker, excusing himself from Council meeting.

9th June 1854. E.Gerrard to John Walker, excusing himself from Council meeting.

19th June 1854. W.Manley from Crane Street, stating that as he has not yet been paid by a customer in Manchester he was unable to pay the rent due for the gardens last week. He hopes to settle the matter tomorrow.

20th June 1854. Printed summons of a Special meeting of the Council on Monday, 26th June, with note of business. Signed: John Walker.

23rd June 1854. M.Simon Snow from Lache Hall. The tenant of the Castle Street warehouse (who is a joiner) was asked to replace the trapdoor, and stated he had done so. The writer will ascertain what more is required and will have it done.

26th June 1854. John Finchett Maddock, Clerk to the Magistrates, to John Walker, Deputy Town Clerk, calling attention to the state of the new gratings at the back of the Exchange, several accidents occurred from the iron bars being too far apart.

1st July 1854. E.Roberts, from Treasurer's Office to J.Trevor, stating that the vacant garden in the Tower Field, lately held by Mr. Manley, contains 23 roods & 2/6; the annual rent being £2.17.6.

(Received 3rd July 1854) Hy. Cutter to J.Walker sending notice of motion for the paper for Friday next: To bring under the consideration of the Council the very defective and irregular mode in which the houses of the City have been numbered, with a view to a uniform system being adopted.

18th July 1854. Charles Townshend to Jno Walker stating that a certain trap door was attached to a cellar leased for a long term and quite out of the control of the Dean and Chapter who are not liable for repair.

20th July 1854. James Frith, Clerk to the Board, from the House of Industry, to J.Walker, Deputy Town Clerk, enclosing a copy of the proceedings of the Sanatory Board held there that day.

Copy Order of Sanatory Board made 20th July (John Trevor in the Chair): that notices under the Sanatory Act be served upon Mr. Edward Owen for the nuisances in Owens Entry, Northgate Street.

24th July 1854. Memo: signed Ed. Roberts, that the Seal of St. John's Hospital, heretofore in the possession of the Chester Town Council, was this day given up by them to the Charity Trustees.

Aug. 1854. Copy proceedings at a Monthly Court of the Guardians of the Poor, held on Thursday, 3rd August (John Trevor in the Chair). It is proposed to the Town Council that instead of calling for the Watch rate or any Municipal rates to be paid out of the Poor rates, that the call be made under the same statutes to collect an equal pound rate as therein is expressed.

6th Aug. 1854. E.Topham from London to J.Walker, apologising for absence from Council meeting on Friday.

7th Aug. 1854. E.Upton to Mr. Thos. Finchett Maddock at Abbey Square, asking that Mr. Bower's bill may stand over for another week.

9th Aug. 1854. Meadows Frost to John Walker, apologising for his absence from Council meeting that day.

11th Aug. 1854. Peter Hewitt to John Walker, apologising for absence from Council meeting that morning.

11th Aug. 1854. S.Crookes to John Walker, apologising for the absence of Mr. E.R.Seller.

11th Aug. 1854. Another copy of apologising for the absence of Mr. E.R.Seller.

11th Aug. 1854. Anne Jones to Mr. E.R.Seller, apologising for Mr. Jones' absence.

11th Aug. 1854. E.Topham to Mr. E.R.Seller, apologising for his absence.

11th Aug. 1854. C.Leet to Mr. E.R.Seller, excusing Mr. Royle's absence.

12th Aug. 1854. Henry G.Harper, from Eastgate Street, to Mr. E.R.Seller, excusing himself from attendance that morning.

n.d. Friday morning. E.Gerrard to Mr. E.R.Seller, excusing himself from attendance that morning.

15th Aug. 1854. Statement shewing the number of cattle that entered Chester Cattle Market in the years 1852, 1853, and 1854.

15th Aug. 1854. Ed.Roberts at the Exchange, to John Walker, stating that nothing can be done re the application of the Town Council for the Potato Market until five of the Charity Trustees can be brought together at a meeting called after 10 days notice. At present there are not five Trustees in Chester. He advises that the plans be ready so that no time be lost. He doubts the Trustees can abate the present rent of £31.4.0. but suggests that the buildings proposed could be very occasionally used by the Poor Relief Committee, who at present pay £5 a year for premises and would probably pay that or more for a place to make and distribute soup for 3 or 4 weeks during the winter. A note is added re production of plan and elevation, terms of lease, etc.

17th Aug. 1854. Potte's & Roberts at Chester to John Walker, re Blue School and Corporation, sending an abstract of title.

18th Aug. 1854. E.Edwards to Mr. Paul. He has received a letter from a man stating that he will be here on Tuesday or Wednesday next, when the rent due for the premises adjoining Whalley's in Watergate Street will be paid.

Aug. 1854. Copy proceedings of the Monthly Court of the Guardians of the Poor held on Thursday, 24th August (John Trevor in the Chair). The Board leaves the contracting for pauper lunatics with the Magistrates and raises no objection to Haydock Lodge if that asylum should be approved by the Secretary of State; and they consider that from its contiguity it would be the next best receptacle to the Cheshire Asylum.

25th Aug. 1854. Chester & Chester from Staple Inn, to John Walker, sending a copy of the New Bribery Act and calling attention to the 15th Section by which the Returning Officer has during this month to appoint an Election Auditor. With a covering letter from John Walker per Saml.Smith, to Mr. Paul referring the matter to him for action.

29th Aug. 1854. Geo. Allen from 50 Newgate St. London, to John Walker, acknowledging a communication from the Watch Committee and plan of the mode to be adopted for lighting the roads near Overleigh. He has forwarded the same to Lord Westminster, who at present is in Dorsetshire.

Treasurer's Estimate for the financial year ending on the 31st August 1854.

1st Sept.1854. R.G. Temple from the Lache, stating that, the soundings of the River Dee having been taken, it is desirable that no time be lost in having the required affidavit of those soundings sworn and served upon the River Dee Company. Mr. Williams wishes to see the draft affidavit before it is sworn.

4th Sept.1854. Printed summons to attend a Monthly meeting of the Council on Friday 8th Sept., with a note of business to be transacted. M/s notes have been added.

4th Sept.1854. Another copy; signed John Walker and addressed to Alderman R.P. Jones, Stanley Place.

11th Sept.1854. Williams & Mowle from Egerton Street Foundry, to John Walker, asking him to prepare the agreement for them to carry a flue under Egerton Street, permission having been granted by the Council.

14th Sept.1854. John Walker from John Street to John Trevor Chairman of the Board of Guardians, asking whether any of the Grave yards in Chester are closed and, if none are closed he asks which it is adviseable to draw the attention of the Board of Health to. With a pencil note of reply.

15th Sept.1854. James Frith, Clerk to the Guardians, from Chester House of Industry, to J.Walker. A covering letter for the Medical Officer's report re nuisances. Note added "Put the Nuisance Removal Act in force".

18th Sept.1854. Note from J.Roberts of Newgate Street, to Mr. Jas. Paul, stating that he has not and never had any property at or near the Kale Yards.

19th Sept.1854. Receipt for rents due from Mr. William Manley (listed) for various gardens held of the Corporation.

20th Sept.1854. Note of fees payable by the Mayor, Aldermen, etc. for a hearing in the County Court of Cheshire.

28th Sept.1854. James Frith, Clerk to the Board, from the House of Industry, to J.Walker, enclosing a copy of the proceedings of the Sanatory Board.

15th Nov. 1854. E.Martin from Henhull Cottage, to Wm. Cooper Lord Crewe will resist to the utmost any fresh claims upon his Blacon property and Martin does not think it would be prudent for him to enter into correspondence with Mr. Walker He asks to be informed if any process is served or steps taken and he will place the matter in the hands of their London Solicitor. Notes added re history of the matter.

24th Nov. 1854. William Cole, Town Clerk of Ruthin, asking under what act the appointment of a Deputy Mayor has been made in Chester as such a proceeding there would be most convenient.

8th Dec. 1854. Blake, Tylee & Tylee from Essex Street, Strand to J.Walker, stating that Lord Crewe's agent, Mr. Martin, has forwarded his letter concerning the claim for payment of the Chester Watch Rate made by the Corporation on his Lordship's Blacon Estate. They observe that the estate has never paid this and a similar claim was successfully resisted some years ago. They ask for an explanation.

13th Dec. 1854. Note of biddings for Market Tolls for the coming year 1855.

15th Dec. 1854. R. Temple from The Lache, stating that his father will be unable to attend committees on 26th and 27th Dec., and asking for the agreement to be sent, with regard to the road, as soon as possible for the signatures of Mr. Wood and himself.

16th Dec. 1854. Chester Toulmin & Chester from Staple Inn to John Walkerre Maddock. They cannot find the agreement between the Corporation and Mr. Wm. Jones.

n.d.1854. Memorial from inhabitants of Bridge Street, to the Improvement Committee, calling attention to the dilapidated state of the steps opposite Mr. Robinson's of the Feathers Hotel, which since the alterations made at the Feathers Lane have been the principal way through and out of Bridge Street Row.

n.d. [Watermark 1854] 'Corn Market Minutes': Liverpool Corn Exchange - Notes of business.

n.d. [Watermark 1854] Report to Committee as to Courts, &c., in Chester, in connection with an alleged infringement of the Improvement Act, recommending that opinion of the Council be taken at the next meeting as to the expediency of proceeding. If the Council determine to take proceedings it is advised that the cases be referred to the Law Committee.

n.d. Copy proceedings of the Race Committee held at the Exchange on Thursday, 11th January, 1855, signed by Thos. Dixon, Chairman. The balance sheet for 1854 having been found satisfactory, the resolution and the statement are to be deposited in the custody of the Deputy Town Clerk.

1854. Note of business at a meeting re the holding of a Musical Festival in the City.

n.d. 2nd Motion - suggesting the form of guarantee for indemnifying the Committee.

n.d. 3rd Motion (incomplete) re Royal persons to be invited to become patrons.

n.d. 3rd Motion concerning persons to be invited to take the honorary office of Stewards, and that the Lord. Lieut. the Marquis of Westminster be requested to officiate as President.

n.d. 4th Motion - a vote of thanks to the Bishop.

n.d. Draft of motion asking members of the Royal family to become patrons.

n.d. Rough note that enquiries be made as to the best method of effecting engagements for the Festival. [858-864 were found in a group together]

n.d. [? 1854] Notice of motion from Wm. H. Glover to J. F. Maddock:- that the proceedings of the last Quarterly meeting ... re an alleged nuisance near Egerton Street are null and void - not being in accordance with the "Standing Orders" of the Council.

n.d. [1854 ?] Note of resolution, addressed to the Town Clerk, that the establishment of a Lunatic Asylum at Abbots Grange is undesirable.

Bundle, containing papers mainly relating to water supply and the River Dee.

n.d. /Watermark 1847/ List of names of River Dee Commissioners.

/Watermark 1850/ Copy of section 6 of 13 & 14 Vict. c.32. Also draft letter concerning the Bill which Lord Shaftesbury is bringing in to amend the Nuisance Removal and Diseases Prevention Act, and asking if a clause might be inserted making provision for Town Councils to pay the necessary expenses out of the Boro' Rate. Pencilled on the back is a draft of minutes of the Water Supply Committee criticising the Water Works Company.

7th June 1852. Letter from S.J. Roberts, Chairman of the Chester Waterworks Co. to J.F.Maddock, Esq., He has been appointed to wait upon the Committee appointed with reference to the supply of water.

5th Aug. 1853. Motion of John Rodgers to move that the bill of Messrs. Lightfoot & Lanceley for a force pump be paid.

/Watermark 1853/. Copy of part of agreement with River Dee Company.

Envelope addressed to the Common Lodging Houses Committee of the Town Council of Chester: containing -

23rd Feb. 1854. Covering letter from Thomas Evans, Secretary, from the House of Industry, for

Copy of resolution passed at a meeting of the Sanatory Committee held at the House of Industry, 23rd Feb. 1854, recommending the withdrawal of the licences from houses (in Stevens Street) as the 'Common Lodging Houses' Act requires that each lodging houses should be supplied with water.

2nd May 1854. Draft minutes of Water Supply Committee expressing dissatisfaction that the undertaking given by the Company in December last that full and detailed plans and estimates of the work should be submitted to Committee before work began, has not been complied with.

11th May.1854. Letter from G.Braine of Shipping Dues Commission Office, to the Town Clerk, asking if any, and what sum, is charged on the Borough Fund, of which the proceeds of the toll on vessels entering the River Dee, form a part.

1st June 1854. Letter from Alex: Mackintosh to John Williams, Esq., Chester, from Shrewsbury & Chester Railway Offices, giving the cost of fixing a tide gauge at the Cheese House.

1st June 1854. Draft of business of alteration in clause of Chester to Farndon Turnpike Bill and concerning the salary of the Supervisor of the River Dee.

24th June 1854. Letter from John Jas. Moore from London to John Walker, Esq., asking for the petition for a harbour of refuge to be sent.

25th July 1854. E. Pover from Waterworks Office to Jno. Walker, re his letter concerning fire-plugs.

n.d. /Watermark 1852/ John Jones from 125 Northgate St. to John Walker, Deputy Town Clerk, enclosing motion for inclusion in next notice of business of Council;

Motion:- To consider the defective state of the weights and measures in this City

n.d. Motion by Alderman W.H. Brown:- that it be referred to a committee to report whether it would be in the public interest to agree to a modification of a clause in the grant to Mr. Highfield and enable him to increase his capital in the gasworks and extend their operations generally.

30th Dec. 1854. Geo. Haswell from Vicars Cross to John Walker, sending the number of deaths registered during the years 1851, 1852, 1853 for the parishes of St. John, St. Mary, St. Michael and St. Olave as:-

1851.....354

1852.....322

1853.....336.

n.d. Note of numbers of deaths in the Cathedral division giving the quarterly figures:-

1851.....361

1852.....344

1853.....339

n.d. Note requesting Mr. Wood to inform Mr. Paul of the number of population of Chester taken at the last Census and also the average rate of mortality of the inhabitants of the whole town. Added in different hand: 1851 Population Castle Div. 14916; Cath.1. Div.12820. The average annual number for the 8 years ending Christmas 1853 was 494 in Cath.1.Div. He has no information re Castle Div.