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perhaps on the ground of its poverty or its turbulence. For certain
purposes, however, the City still exercises considerable power in this
parish. The Bridge House Estate Commissioners are the largest
ground landlords, and the vast majority of its inhabitants work within
the City boundaries. It is believed that a Bill will be promoted by
the Corporation of London at an early date to secure the inclusion of
certain districts, and the Parish will be well advised to take the
matter into its careful consideration.
An important conference has been held during the past six months
and its meetings are not yet ended—to consider what duties, if
any, might be transferred from the London County Council to the
various Local Authorities. It is often urged that too much detailed
work already rests upon the Council, and that some evils of centralisation
must sooner or later appear. Inasmuch as the matter is still
under consideration, this is not the time to present a final report, but
here, again, the Parish would be well advised to pay careful attention
to this matter, and if need be, to make their opinions heard. It
would appear, however, that the ultimate solution of this problem of
devolution must depend on the areas of local self-government which
shall be hereafter provided in place of the present Vestries and
Boards of Works, and on a readjustment of the burdens of local
taxation.
One other matter must be mentioned in the period covered
by this Report, Mr. Alexander Miller resigned the office of Vestry
Clerk after many years of service. Having regard to this fact, the
Vestry unanimously voted him a superannuation allowance. He
carries with him the regard of many friends, made during nearly 30
years of public life. As Vestryman, as Guardian, as Churchwarden,
as Vestry Clerk, he has endeavoured to serve the Parish ; and the
wish has been generally expressed that he may long live to enjoy the
remembrance of past services. He has been succeeded by Mr. J. A.
Johnson, Solicitor, who comes to fill this important office, with high
credentials and considerable experience of municipal life.
THORY GAGE GARDINER,
Chairman.