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66
Collection of Dust.—On the 26th June 1895 the Vestry resolved:—
That the dust and refuse from all model dwellings in the parish be collected
twice a week, viz. on Wednesday and Saturday.
The question of providing a permanent cover for the dust carts
while collecting was urged upon the Vestry by the London County
Council, and was receiving careful consideration. The standing
order under which the Sanitary Inspectors are required to report
the condition of all ash and dung pits had not been amended at the
close of this Report, as no effectual improvements could be secured
until the stud of horses for this work had been increased.
Disposal of Refuse.—The Clerk read the following letter to the
Vestry on the 18th September 1895, resigning his appointment as
general agent for the disposal of refuse under the standing order of
16th February 1887 :—
Vestry Hall, Walworth, S.E.
Gentlemen, 18th September, 1895.
As the Vestry are not only desirous hut appear determined to
manage the affairs of the parish by giving directions, in preference to
taking advice and leaving an official quietly to work out its resolutions,
I have considered it advisable this morning to take legal advice as to my
position with the Vestry in connection with the disposal of the house
and street refuse arising from the parish ; and I have determined to act
upon the opinion thus obtained.
It is only fair to the present Vestry, however, to explain the growth
of matters leading up to my appointment as General Agent for the
disposal of this refuse.
When the town sidings were opened in July 1873, a contract was
entered into by Mr. James Allen and Mr. John Wood to clear all trucks
consigned to them for the nine months ending Lady-day 1874, and pay
the Vestry for such refuse at the rate of 1s. 6d. per ton.
Upon the termination of this contract (the Vestry having no place
to send the refuse) it was decided to appoint an agent, at a commission
of 3d. per ton, to dispose of it to farmers and brickmakers, to regulate
consignments, and make all necessary arrangements with the Railway
Company for delivery. This appointment was made on the 17th March
1875 (all consignments from Lady-day 1874 to this date having been
arranged by myself). On the 4th August 1875 the Vestry sanctioned a
further commission to the agent of 25 per cent. on the amount realised
by sales over and above tho cost of carriage.
By the following December, however, in consequence of numerous
complaints from farmers of irregular consignments, and also of the nondelivery
by the agent of any return as to sales effected, the Vestry were
obliged to investigate matters : the result being that the agent resigned,
which the Vestry were glad to accept.