HN10/356/DB26

Statement signed by Arthur Vernon, surveyor & valuer of 11 Queen Victoria Street, London and High Wycombe... 'He is a surveyor and valuer of 40 years experience, is a past president of the surveyors' institution, and knows this fishery and neighbourhood well. The Chenies Trout Fishery of His Grace the Duke of Bedford is apart of the River Chess, and extends from the Water Splash on the road to Latimer to the water cress bed near Sarat Mill House, a distance of about 2 miles. With the exception of a break in the Parish of Flaunden, extending for about 300 yards, which is the property of Mr. Clutterbuck. The quantity of water passing through this fishery is comparatively small and varies with the season, and the stream (except at the Mill Head of Chenies Mill) is narrow, varying from about 15ft to 50ft in width. It could not be maintained as a Fishery without a large number of artificial weirs, hides, and protection of the banks. Owing to the facility with which this stream might be poached, it is also necessary to its existence to employ special keepers and watchmen At the present time owing to the many year; care and watchfulness, and the comparatively small amount of fishing, the river is well stocker with trout, and it might command for a year or two a large rent, but this would disappear without the present conditions and expenditure, and only a very moderate rent could then be obtained. The neighbouring scenery and seclusion of this stream lends some additional value to its attractiveness. I am of opinion that from the estimated value should be deducted the necessary expenses to maintain the fishery in a state to command such value or rent. I agree with Mr. Eve as to the seven items of statutable deductions, and I think the full gross value which could be obtained for this fishing by the year should be put at the sum of £150, less say £75 deductions, leaving the net estimated rental at £75 per annum'

c.Apr 1910

From: 1910 To: 1910

item

Vernon, Arthur,
Clutterbuck, Thomas

surveying, surveyor, valuer, trout, streams, River Chess, fishing, Chenies Mill, poaching, keeper, watchman, Flaunden