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levied, and expressed the opinion that the scheme was
impracticable, and that even if it could be carried out
it would be costly, cumbrous, and inequitable.
The London Owners' Improvement Rate Bill,
introduced by the London County Council, was
withdrawn, the Speaker having decided that it could not
be proceeded with as a private Bill. It proposed to
authorise the Council to levy a rate of not exceeding
fourpence in the £ for the purpose of defraying one-half
of the cost of improvements, the rate to be paid in the
first instance by the occupier and deducted by him from
his rent.
The only provision in the London Streets (Removal
of Gates, Bars, &c.) Bill affecting this District was that
which authorised the Council to remove a bar across
Beechcroft Road, Streatham. As soon as the
Parliamentary plan was deposited, the Board placed
themselves in communication with the owner of the
gate (Miss Bell), who readily undertook to remove it,
and no Parliamentary powers in the matter were
therefore required.
The object of the Sale of Pood, &c., Acts Amendment
Bill was to extend the provisions of these Acts to the
wholesale trader and manufacturer. The Board,
however, whilst fully agreeing with this object, were of
opinion that the provisions of the Bill would not only
fail to meet it, but would create additional obstruction
to the carrying out of the law. They therefore
petitioned against the Bill, pointed out the amendments
which they thought would improve the existing Acts,
and suggested that a Select Committee of the House of
Commons should be appointed to consider the matter.
The Bill has not vet reached the second reading.