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26
would have to be by a public bill ; that it was doubtful
whether the Council had power to promote such a bill,
and they recommended that the Council should call the
attention of the Local Government Board to the matter
so that it might receive consideration in connection with
any proposed changes in the local government of London.
This report was approved by the London
County Council, and the Board decided to leave the
matter in the hands of the London County Council and
the Local Government Board.
Loans for carrying
out Works in New
Streets.
The Hammersmith Vestry having suggested
to the London County Council
mat powers snould be obtained for Vestries and District
Boards to borrow money for the purpose of
carrying out works in new streets, so as to enable them
to spread the payment by owners of property of the cost
of such works over a period of hot exceeding 20 years,
the Parliamentary Committee of the Council stated
that in the absence of any generally expressed agreement
between local authorities they did not think it
desirable to recommend the Council to undertake the
promotion of the desired legislation. The Hammersmith
Vestry thereupon communicated with the several
Vestries and District Boards on the subject. This
Board disapproved of the suggestion, as it appeared to
them that the effect would be that Local Authorities
would provide money to assist owners of land and
speculative builders to carry on their operations for the
development of estates; and that, moreover, by deferring
payment of the charges in question, such persons
would be able to escape still more than they do at
present the liabilities which fall upon them, as they
would pass such liabilities on to the purchasers of new
houses, who are frequently not made aware of the
charges to which property purchased by them is liable.
Although only six of the Local Authorities were in