October 11th 1919 (from Birmingham Corporation Savings Bank - J P Hilton to Neville Chamberlain)
Dear Alderman Chamberlain,
I enclose
letters to the ten Joint Stock Banks whom we have dealt with in the Bank during the past three years.
I think you would like to associate
yourself with the sentiments expressed and the same letter would serve as an instruction to them to return the unsold coupons.
If you
will sign these letters and return to me I will forward them.
Yours obediently,
J P Hilton
Manager
October 11th 1919 (from Birmingham
Municipal Bank - J P Hilton to Neville Chamberlain)
Dear Alderman Chamberlain,
I have received a letter from Mr Lees stating that the
Water Department are prepared to reduce the rent to £400 for the first year rising to £450 for the second, £500 for the third and
£550 for the fourth year, but subject to revision at the end of three years should experience show that the cost of administration
etc., had increased in the meantime. I consider this is a splendid achievement on your part in getting the rent reduced so substantially
although you know my opinion regarding the premises. It will at least give us an opportunity of looking round for premises more adaptable
for our purposes and more likely to attract depositors.
With regard to the cost of alterations I have asked the Water Department to
obtain an amended tender consequent upon our not requiring the use of the Chief Accounts Clerk's office and for certain alterations
which I desire for the better protection of the Cashier. I have also asked the Estates Department to give me some idea of the cost
of the alterations so far as the Bank is concerned so that we can see what it means to satisfy the requirements of the Water Department.
Your
obedient servant,
J P Hilton
Manager
October 11th 1919 (from Birmingham Municipal Bank - J P Hilton to Neville Chamberlain)
Dear
Alderman Chamberlain,
I enclose herewith copy letter received from Mr Wilde, Estate Agent, with reference to premises in High Street.
You
will see it is again a case of being just too late.
Your obedient servant,
J P Hilton
Manager
October 10th 1919 - from Frank Wilde
to J P Hilton (letter copied to Neville Chamberlain on October 11th 1919)
Union Chambers, 63 Temple Row, Birmingham
re Premises High Street (opposite to New St:)
I have made enquiries in relation to these Premises, and am informed that within the last few days they
have been let on lease for seven years at the following Rents:
Bird dealer pays £500 p.a. and Rates
Auctioneer " £500
p.a. and Rates
Sheffields for Hoarding £100 p.a.
I understand that the Freeholders had originally asked for £800 Ground Rent let on a 99 years' Lease, and £10,000 to be spent
on buildings.
Naturally I cannot vouch for the above information, but having regard to the source from which I obtained it, I believe
it to be substantially correct.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Wilde.
October 13th 1919 - from Neville Chamberlain to J P Hilton
Dear Mr
Hilton,
Mr Chamberlain is much obliged for your letters of the 11th. and has signed the letters to the Banks.
Mr Chamberlain thinks
we ought to accept the proposal of the Water Dept. it being understood of course that we are not bound to occupy the premises for
three years but can leave if we find something better.
Mr Chamberlain is sorry about the premises in High Street.
Yours faithfully,
Secretary