Bennett's of Ballinacurra Descriptive List (Ref. B609)

B609/

‘the position we are placed in by the constantly increasing demands of our work-people for higher wages and the advance of charges in every department’, and notes that malting costs have doubled since the existing commission was agreed. A letter dated 7 February 1872 to the Post master, Cork, inquires about the possibility of opening a telegraph office at Ballinacurra post office. A letter of 28 September to the Cork Distillers complains of the system of buying barley at the ‘opening price’. The opening price, yet to be known for this season, ‘we suppose rests as heretofore with Messrs Beamish & Crawford to fix’. A letter of 22 September 1874 to AGS expresses concern at the ‘unfavourable comparison we make with your other correspondents in the prices of Barley’, but notes the shortness of supply this season, and the ‘peculiar market’ in which the company operates. In a letter of 30 January 1885 to Francis Warham, Dublin, John H Bennett states ‘I purpose carrying on the business of that firm [McCall & Co] in my own name until arrangements are made to enable me to resume the former title rendered void by my father’s death, as he was sole representative of McCall & Co’ [see also 23 February]. There are also several letters to AGS regarding continuing arrangements, and later legal letters regarding the succession. A letter of 6 October to Thomas Ryall concerns collection of overdue rent from tenants [of John H Bennett]. Bennett states his willingness to consider the ‘special circumstances’ of any who may seek ‘a moderate abatement and if distress really existed I would grant it as far as I could afford as I know agricultural depression is prevalent. I do not intend however to give way to an organised demand for reductions such as is now going the rounds’ [see also other letters on this subject, including 13 April 1886, in which Bennett states his willingness to sell to tenants under the Ashbourne Act; see also B609/9/A/5]. Undated [February 1886] is a statement of ‘Particulars of property at Ballinacurra Co Cork portion of estate of WH Bennett deceased required to be valued’ [for poor law valuation purposes]. Dated 28 May is a statement reengaging Edward Redmond as foreman maltster. In a reply to AGS dated 19 June Bennett comments on the character and capabilities of ex head constable Vaughan of Midleton, a prospective agent for the sale of AGS grains in the Midleton district. Bennett notes he would have been happy to offer his own services in this regard. Dated 7 September is a statement of contract on the part of John H Bennett with AGS for the manufacture of malt on commission for 1886/1887. [Gen] B609/1/B/5 General Letters Letterbook, 27 January 1887 to 9 September 1915. A damp press letterbook. Partially indexed. In addition to copies of letters to customers, suppliers, and business associates, the volume also contains copies of letters to architects and others regarding building work at Ballinacurra [see, e.g., 17 May 1887; 16 October 1896]. In addition, there are legal letters relating to personal and family finances [see, e.g., 4 August 1901], to tenants on John H. Bennett’s lands [e.g., 18 July 1892], and some personal letters [e.g., 16 September 1898 regarding purchase of yacht, Vanity]. A letter of 5 February 1887 to JF Codd, Dublin Corn Exchange, concerns a new seed scheme. Bennett agrees to place before farmers in his district ‘the generous offer of seed on such favourable terms’, and refers to ‘the disastrous failure of the barley crop last season’. Letters of 13 and 14 March 1888 concern the removal of a Mr Forde from his post as general assistant, book keeper and cashier, owing to his involvement in the theft of some barley. He is offered a second assistant post