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11
After the close of the last year, applications were received
from Drs. Loane and Atkins, (two of the Medical Officers of the
Guardians), and from the Relieving Officers, asking for some
remuneration for the services performed by them for the Vestry
during the Small Pox epedemic, and the Vestry granted to each
of the Medical Officers named £5 5s. od., and to each of the
Relieving: Officers £3 3s. od.
Small-pox
epidemic,
1880.
The Metropolitan Board of Works having determined under
the powers given to them, to construct a storm overflow sewer,
for the purpose of relieving the existing sewer during times of
storm, the Vestry thought it would be a convenient time, and save
expense, if that Board would, whilst constructing the overflow
sewer, lower the level of the existing sewer, so as to enable the
Vestry to alter the sewers under its control, and so secure a
better system of drainage in some parts of the Hamlet. The
Vestry accordingly Memorialized the Metropolitan Board
on the subject, but that Board declined to do as asked, stating
that in their view it would be better to await the experience of
the overflow sewer.
Floodings.
In connection with the repairs of the Vestry Hall, it was
mentioned in the last Report that a large claim for extras had
been sent in. The amount of extras so claimed was £gj 4s. 4d.,
but after considerable negociation the contractor accepted £50
in full discharge of all claims.
Ve3try
Hall.
The Vestry are sorry to have to report that they have again
been engaged in an expensive litigation, which has, at present,
proved adverse to the Vestry, but which involves such serious
questions that the Vestry feel it incumbent upon them to take it to
the Court of Appeal.
The facts of the case are very simple. The Plaintiff was
going home from work two days after the memorable snow
storm of the 18th January, 1881, and when passing along Charles
Street, it is alleged he slipped on the iron plate forming the
cover to the water meter box, which by wear had become
smooth. The Plaintiff alleges, that allowing it to become
smooth, is negligence which renders the Vestry liable. The
Vestry contend that it is not negligence, and that even if it be,
the Vestry put it in its place and own it in their capacity as
Surveyors of Highways, and that therefore they are not liable
upon the well established law, that Surveyors of Highways are
not liable for non-feasance, but only for mis-feasance.
Blackmore
v.
The
Vestry.