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below, is one which perpetuates, though it considerably modifies
the contract system, while it commends itself to our judgment by
the fact of its having been already adopted and applied to the dusting
alone with complete success, and as consequently the best
adapted for our own purpose, and most calculated to ensure
that result which we all desire, although it may not be accomplished
without incurring the small additional cost which this change has undoubtedly
involved wherever it has been effected. I deem it only
candid to acknowledge this contingency at the outset, while still
according to the plan my warmest adhesion, but I do not accept as
inevitable a permanently increased annual outlay, as such matters
must always adjust themselves in time, though on the first year the
cost might for several reasons certainly be in advance of the price
which the Contractors would ask if the old plan were continued, as
they infinitely prefer the latter, and perhaps would endeavour to prove
it to be the more economical.
Under this proposed new system the Contractor would be required
to find his own places of deposit, and to remove all the Dust
and House Refuse at a price per load—say of two or three cubic
yards—providing carts, horses, baskets, ladders, and shovels, and
also a man to each cart, who would be responsible to the Contractor
for the cart, horse, and implements in his charge. Several men
would also have to be engaged by the Vestry as dust collectors, in
the proportion of one man to every two carts employed, to assist
the Contractor's men in their filling, and to direct and control
their movements in accordance with such instructions as
they may receive from time to time. The men thus in the
direct employment of the Vestry, should have no interest
in the number of loads removed, of which each would have to keep
an account, but should be paid by the day instead, and be held
responsible that no gratuities are demanded, although they should
be allowed to share in any which may be received; but waste of
time in "totting" should be strictly prohibited. A thorough
system of check will be necessary, but can only be properly worked
out in practice, although much will depend upon the shoots as it is
there, or in their vicinity, that it may be deemed expedient that
reliable checkers should be placed. The unreasonable condition
now imposed upon the Contractors to remove all the refuse collected
entirely away out of the parish is frequently evaded, and should not