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67
The Vestry then determined, as from the 16th February 1876, to
appoint an agent to act under myself in obtaining orders and to regulate
the delivery to farmers and others, at a salary of £100 per annum, with
a free railway pass. This appointment however was determined on the
10th August 1877, as it was found upon inquiry that nearly all the
consignments were made through orders obtained by myself direct from
farmers without the knowledge of the agent.
The Vestry then gave me an assistant clerk, and I undertook the
regulation of the consignments upon orders sent in by the stationmasters
and others, to whom a payment of 3d. per ton commission was authorised.
This arrangement worked well for a period of nearly ten years, when in
consequence of party feeling and a strong opposition to my Depot
management I was compelled to place my resignation before the Vestry
as from the 31st December 1886.
Upon the recommendation of a committee of the whole Vestry the
Vestry then appointed me as manager of the Town and Country Depots
as from the 1st January 1887, at the maximum salary of £300 per
annum. The managership however did not include any responsibility
as to the disposal of the refuse, and this gave rise to the report presented
to the Vestry by Mr. Nores on the 8th February 1887 (see page 78 of
the Vestry's Annual Report) and the adoption of the standing order of
the 16th February 1887 (see page 131 of Vestry's Pocket Book).
The opposition to the dual appointment continued year by year
until I was again forced to resign all control over Depot matters on the
7 th May 1890, but did not resign the agency created by the beforementioned
standing order. After much pressure, and with great
reluctance, I consented to the duties hitherto performed as Depot
Manager being incorporated with my duties as clerk ; and this incorporation
took effect as from the 18th June 1890, at a salary of £800 per
annum.
Although there is now no dual appointment, the opposition to that
portion of my duty relative to Depot matters continues; and there is
evidently a strong suspicion that all or the greater portion of the 2d,
per ton commission finds its way into my pocket as an augmentation to
my salary. I can assure the Vestry that at times the commission has
been insufficient to meet the expenses necessary to secure the removal
of the refuse from the town yard, and that taking the expenses year by
year I am out of pocket by the agency.
The agency being distinct, I am advised that I can give it up when
1 like; and I therefore beg to give you notice that I shall cease to act
as your agent for the disposal of the mixture and ashes and breeze as
from the 29th instant.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant,
(Signed) L. J. DUNHAM.
To the Vestry of St. Mary, Newington.
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