View report page

18
ing supply might not be so economised as to render
unnecessary any very costly scheme for an additional
supply of potable water, and also to consider the
proposal to bring sea water to London.
The following resolutions were passed by the
Conference, viz.:—
1.—That this Conference having in view the report of the Royal
Commission on the water supply of the Metropolis (1893) is of opinion
that no scheme should be proceeded with until proper enquiry has been
made as to what economy of the existing supply could be effected by
using unfiltered or sea water for sanitary purposes, and the probable
cost.
2.—That it is desirable to bring sea water to London for sewer
flushing, street watering, and other purposes.
3.—That should the Water Companies' interests not be purchased
an obligation be imposed upon them to reduce their charges in the event
of the scheme for bringing sea water to London being carried into effect
as regards those premises supplied therewith.
4.—That in the opinion of this Conference the water supply of
London should be under the control of a body directly elected by the
ratepayers, and not in the hands of private companies.
5.—That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be forwarded to the
President of the Local Government Board and to each of the Vestries
and District Boards of the Metropolis.
The last two resolutions were passed after the
Board's representatives had left the Conference; the
fourth resolution was not in accordance with their views.
Water Transfer The eight Bills promoted by the London
Bills. County Council to whic reference was
made in the last Report were suspended at the end of
the Session and have again been taken up. The
Council appear to have communicated with the Government
to ascertain whether they would assist in passing
the second reading of the Bills, and the President of
the Local Government Board intimated that the acceptance
of the principle that compensation should be
paid to the Water Companies under the provisions of