View report page

48
1. That, having regard to the present highly unsatisfactory state of the
River Thames between Richmond and Wandsworth at low water tides,
caused by the lowering of the surface level of the river, this Conferenceviews
with alarm the proposal, which is understands will be included in
the Port of London Bill for the deepening of the river below London
Bridge, as it would probably cause a further lowering of the water levels
between the points above referred to, and would not only seriously interfere
with the traffic of the river, but intensify the unpleasantness at the
present time experienced from the wide stretches of may banks at low tide.
2. That representations to this effect be made to the President of the
Board of Trade, and that he be urged to make provision in the Port of
London Bill for protecting the interests of those districts represented at
this Conference, by the construction of a lock and weir in an approved
position, or by such other efficient means as may be found advisable.
3. That in the opinion of this Conference the advice of an expert
engineer should be obtained (a) as to the probable effect upon the water
levels of the river below Richmond of carrying out a scheme of deepening,
below London Bridge as suggested, and (ft) as to the advisability of constructing
a half tidal lock below Wandsworth, as suggested in the Report
made by Mr. Pritchard, M.I.C.E., to the Conference of Riparian Authoritiesin
1897.
4. That several eminent engineers be invited to state the terms on
which they would be prepared to advise the Conference on the points
mentioned.
5. That the several Authorities represented at this Conference be
informed of the resolutions passed, and asked whether they are prepared tocontribute,
on the basis of rateable value, to the cost of obtaining the
expert advice referred to.
67. The Council presented a petition to the House of Commons
based upon the foregoing resolutions (1) and (2), and
appointed Alderman Bulcraig and Councillor Taylor its representatives
on the proposed deputation to the Minister in charge of
the Bill.
68. The deputation waited upon Sir Hudson Kearley, M.P.,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, on the 26th June,
when Sir Hudson Kearley promised to consider whether anything
could be done with respect to the damage which it was suggested
would be caused to the upper reaches of the river, though he
thought the Body to appeal to would be the new Port Authority.
With regard to the direct representation of Riparian Authorities
on that Body (which the deputation also suggested), Sir Hudson
Kearley could hold out no hope of the adoption of the suggestion.