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was largely due to the fact that the work was undertaken with the
object of providing work for the unemployed. Unhappily the men
themselves did not realise that a Parish such as this cannot afford to
pay the trade-union rate of wages for loafer's work. But, on the
other hand, it must be remembered that the season of the year when
the work was begun, was such that ordinary energy could scarcely be
expected. There was a distinct loss on the job, but the lesson learned
was salutary. The direct employment of labour, as a policy, can only
succeed when wage-earners themselves, no less than their leaders,
learn that an honest wage demands and expects honest work.
Block Carriageways.—The repaving of the Old Kent Road
with wood has been finished in the course of the year. The estimated
cost was not exceeded, and although part of the pavement was laid
at the beginning of the frost of February and March, 1895, little, if
any, serious damage has resulted. On the whole, therefore, the Parish
has reason to be satisfied with the result. It should not, however,
be forgotten that the cost has to be repaid in seven years, and that
for the next six years this repayment involves a l½d. rate. Those
who criticise the expenditure of the Yestry should not forget the
expense that this undoubted improvement has involved. It is obvious
that if money is spent one way it cannot be spent another, and the
importance of the Old Kent Road as a thoroughfare, as well as the
convenience of the inhabitants, justified the expenditure.
The wood paving in the Borough High Street has been relaid
during the year, in accordance with the Vestry's contract with the
Improved Wood Pavement Company. The Parishioners should remember,
when considering the cost of the Old Kent Road, the cost of
this analagous piece of work. The Parish pays £454 18s. 8d. per annum
for twenty years ; and the Company are obliged to repave once in five
years. On the Old Kent Road, Jarrahdale Jarrah blocks have been
used, in the Borough High Street assorted pitch pine. The life of
Jarrahdale Jarrah blocks has yet to be proved ; but judging from the
experience gained in the London Road and in the St. George's
Circus, where this wood is used, the London County Council in that
they only allowed the Parish to borrow for seven years, have certainly
safeguarded the interests of the ratepayers.