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(f) Costermongers in King Street.
On the 19th April, the Council adopted a resolution
expressing the opinion that, having regard to the congested
condition of King Street and the large expense involved in
the proposed widening thereof, the time had arrived when
it had become absolutely necessary to remove the itinerant
traders from that street, and referring it to the Law and
Parliamentary Committee to take the necessary steps for
their removal within a period of six months. In accordance
with that instruction, notice was served upon each person
who was in the habit of standing with a barrow or stall in
King Street, that in consequence of the obstruction thereby
caused, the Council would not permit the continuance of the
practice after the 1st October. This notice was, however,
disregarded, and it therefore became necessary for proceedings
to be taken in the matter. Summonses were accordingly
applied for and granted under the Metropolitan Police Act,
1839, against 33 offenders, and were heard before Mr.
Lane, K.C., at the West London Police Court. The Council
was represented by Mr. Bodkin, of Counsel, and the
defendants by Mr. Elliott, of Counsel. The hearing occupied
several afternoons, and Mr. Lane gave his decision on the
26th January, 1906, in favour of the Council, and inflicted a
nominal penalty upon the defendants in each case.
With five exceptions the costermongers removed their
barrows from King Street and took up positions in