WILTS & BERKS CANAL TRUST

The first half yearly meeting of the shareholders was held at the company's offices in Swindon on Friday, the chairman Mr Henry Taylor presiding. In moving the adoption of the report, the chairman congratulated the company that they were able to show a balance in their favour, after paying all liabilities up to 25th March.

He stated that from that date their expenses would be considerably reduced as they had effected a reduction in salaries of £370 per annum, and relet their wharves and premises at an increased rent of £300 per annum. This included the house, and land and wharf at Swindon which the late manager had free of rent,, the saving thus effected would be sufficient to pay six per cent, on the paid up capitol of the company, and he trusted with this economy and the increased rents, combined with the amount to be received for tolls, would be such as to give the proprietors a handsome dividend in the future.

Mr G.F. Fox seconded the adoption of the report and the shareholders were highly pleased with the future prospects, the chairman alluded to the death of Mr Robert Pictor of Box, one of the directors of the company, and spoke of the valuable assistance he had redered since its formation. The whole of the directors then retired from office in accordance with the Act of Parliament, and the following were elected for the ensuing year:

Mr Henry Taylor, Windsor Terrace, Clifton - Mr Thomas Turner, Grove House, Swindon - Mr George F Fox, Keynsham - Mr. Adam Twine, Wootton Bassett and Mr James Hickins, Tyneham

Mr Edward Ormond solicitor, Wantage and Mr Lewis, Wootton Bassett were appointed as auditors. A vote of thanks to the chairman for his valuable service during the existence of the company was unanimously carried.

Swindon Advertiser - March 26th 1887