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7
The rateable annual value in April 1895 was £479,941, and the
number of assessments 17,634; a penny rate producing £1,805.
The rates made and collected during the year amounted to 6s. 8d.
in the pound, viz.:—Poor Rate, including Police, County Rate,
Public Library and Baths and Washhouses, 3s. 10d.; General Rate,
including Lighting and Assessments by the London School Board,
2s. 7d.; and Sewer Rate 3d.
Vestrymen.—Mr. H. Harvey (St. Peter's Ward) resigned his
seat as a Vestryman on the 22nd January 1896, and Mr. T. Shorland
(Trinity Ward) on the 19th February ensuing, each paying a fine of
one shilling under the standing order of the Vestry. These vacancies
having occurred within six months of the date fixed for the annual
elections, did not necessitate an election.
Vestry Hall.—The use of the building for the purpose of
a public meeting was granted to the Secretary of the United
Shop Assistants' Union on the 8th July 1895, and to the Early
Closing Association for a similar purpose in January 1896. Also
to Mr. W. R. Higson, Returning Officer, on the 12th and 16th of
July 1895, for the nomination of candidates and counting of votes
respectively at the Parliamentary General Election.
The ironwork on the roof of the towers of the Hall, being in a
rusty and defective condition, was repaired by Mr. J. Marsland.
At the request of the Medical Officer of Health, who desired an
additional room for his own accommodation which the existing space
in the Sanitary Department would not permit of, the room on the
landing adjoining the small Committee Room (allotted by the Vestry
for the use of the Chairman) was with the consent of the latter
repapered and furnished at the close of the year as a private office
for the Medical Officer, who thereupon shared the use of the room
with the Chairman of the Vestry.
The following alterations and improvements in the gallery of the
Vestry Hall were also decided upon at the end of the year:—
Gas light to be fixed at back of clock; second and third seats raised
four inches and extended to staircase, with gangway behind clock ;
additional seat placed against wall; all lumber cleared out; partition
at end raised 2½ feet higher; ventilator in end or back wall; and
an extra step from stairhead to level of back platform.