REPORTS FROM, AND CORRESPONDENCE WITH, SURVEYORS

LD/I/MR

REPORTS FROM, AND CORRESPONDENCE WITH, SURVEYORS

1903-1927

Formal reports to the Commissioners on the state of the levels appear to have commenced in the 1880s, since, prior to this, the Surveyors had only been called upon to make reports on specific matters. At first, it would seem that the formal reports were made orally, but, by c.1900, written reports tend to be more usual. The intervals between reports varied considerably, from a few days to three months and occasionally longer [The Felpham and Bognor Level was an exception to this statement, in that, at least from 1909, regular fortnightly reports were made by the Foreman.]. In most cases the report is noted in the minutes as having been read, but when an important point was raised the report was copied into the minutes in full. On the appointment of a Superintending Surveyor in 1914, the Level Surveyors' reports, although still submitted, decline in importance. From his appointment, the Superintending Surveyor made regular reports to the quarterly Courts of Sewers, but, until 1917, the reports are usually only noted in the minutes of the Court. From July 1917 to April 1925 the original manuscript reports are pasted into the minute books and from July 1925 until 1939 the reports are printed with the agenda and committee reports, and pasted into the minute books [Mention should also be made of the reports of Captain Edmund Robinson on the Pagham Harbour Outfall Sluice-- LD/I/AO2/26,28 and 32.]

English