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155
the area, including trade and tenants' compensation, was
£371,000," and that up to date "129 claims had been
received, representing in the aggregate £414,856." It was
calculated that about 47 claims remained to be received, the
total amount of which would be about £90,000. Only 15 of
the 129 claims had been settled: the aggregate of the claims
in these 15 cases was £16,998, and the aggregate of the
amounts at which they were settled was £12,585. Thirty
claims had been referred to the Solicitor for submission to
the Arbitrator, who would have to decide the amount to be
paid in all cases when agreements are not effected.
It will be manifest from the foregoing statement that
the Scheme will take a considerable time to carry into effect.
No further schemes under Part I. have been taken in hand,
and the Council appear to be desirous that, as far as possible,
Improvement Schemes should be taken under Part II. they
having adopted (13th January, 1891) a recommendation of
the Committee as follows:—
"That having regard to the provisions of the Housing Act 1890, which
enable the Council to combine with the district authorities in effecting
clearances by means of reconstruction schemes, it is desirable that in
future preference should be given to this mode of procedure, and that
schemes under Part I. of the Act should only be undertaken in very
exceptional cases."
A further recommendation to the following effect was
adopted:—
"That where application is made to the Council for contribution towards the
expense of carrying into effect a scheme for reconstruction under Part
II. of the Act, and when the Council assents to make such a contribution,
it be upon the condition, when practicable, that the scheme itself is
carried out by or under the superintendence of the Council."
The Housing Committee, moreover, were authorised—
"Whenever satisfied that there has been default on the part of a district
authority in instituting proceedings under the Act, and after preliminary
communication with such authority, to cause the month's notice
provided by the Act to be given of the intention of the Council to
initiate proceedings, reporting the fact to the Council."