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38
-gradual provision out of the rates averaging a halfpenny in the pound
during the next ten years and would also tend to greater irregularity
in the amount of the rate required for local purposes as the need of
heavy outlays of this nature would occasionally arise at an
inconvenient moment. The Council pointed out that the total charge
on the rates for interest on these loans as estimated for the Metropolitan
Boroughs collectively was probably 6,000 per annum upon
a rateable value of 36 millions which would equal a rate of about onetenth
of a penny in the pound and did not seem a particularly heavy
price to pay for the advantage of equalizing the burdens of the
ratepayers ; that this Borough, being traversed by several important
trunk roads, is more than others exposed to the risk of having to
repave with wood long lengths of roadway, so that any obstacle to the
equalization of annual expense would especially press upon Wandsworth.
Under all the circumstances this Council proposed to charge
the current rates with temporary improvements of the value of ^4,000,
and under, and to borrow as hitherto in respect of more costly ones.
To carry this proposal into effect it is intended to fix a sum to be
levied annually as a Fund for wood paving and other works, such sum
to be carried to a separate fund and not merged in the general balance ;
the annual sum so allocated to be revised from time to time but
neither increased or diminished save for special reasons or as a
measure of permanent policy.
31. The London County Council having been asked by this
Seats on Council to provide additional seats on Tooting Graveney
Commons. Common, especially along the Tooting Bee Road, stated
that, in view of the fact that the estimates of expenditure for the year
contained no provision out of which the cost of the additional seats
could be defrayed, the Parks Committee had decided to postpone the
consideration of the question, and that the subject would be again
considered in sufficient time to enable such additional seats as the
Committee might deem it desirable to provide to be constructed and
placed on the Common before the summer of 1905.
32. The London County Council have also been asked to provide
Bowling Bowling Greens on Wandsworth, Streatham, and
Greens. Tooting Commons similar to those provided on other
•open spaces under the control of the County Council.