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trict Boards and Vestries, with the view of remedying, if not removing,
the arbitrary and oppressive measures of the Companies. The result
was a considerable reduction in the prices theretofore charged, the
same being reduced, with some exceptions, to the former prices. The
Metropolitan Board of Works, however, brought into Parliament Bills
enabling them—1st. To purchase the existing Companies. 2nd. To
establish independent Gas Works. 3rd. To amend the Metropolitan
Gas Act of 1860, by giving them increased powers to deal with this
important subject. These Bills are under the consideration of
Parliament, and it is hoped that, by one or other of them, the public
will be freed from the arbitrary powers of the Companies, and a
fair and equitable charge for the supply of Gas in the Metropolis
will be established.
Dust and Ashes.
The cost of removing the Dust and Ashes from the dwelling houses
in the District during the year was £1,422 8s. Ad.
Numerous complaints having been made to the Board of the neglect
of the Contractor, an order for the better removal of the dust was
issued, whereby the Contractor was required daily to send a sufficient
number of carts and men into the District for the purpose of removal,
and to go through the entire District once a week, calling in the
several streets on fixed days. Notices of this order, and lists of the
days and streets, were delivered at every house in the District. This
arrangement has worked a great improvement, evidenced by the few
complaints now received at the offices of the Board.
Artizans' and Labourers' Dwellings Act, 1868.
The Board have, under this Act, been endeavouring to improve
the condition of the dwellings of the poorer classes in the District,
and have made orders for the alteration and improvement of houses
in Little Coram Street, Charles Street, Lloyd's Court and King's
Arms Yard. They regret to state that the works ordered to be performed
by one of the freeholders of the property on the south side of
Church Lane have been neglected to be carried out. Those at the
several houses on the north side of Church Lane have been performed
to the satisfaction of the Board, and have much improved the sanitary
condition of the same. Measures are being taken—so far as the law
will allow—to prevent the occupation of the dwellings so neglected
to be improved, and to cause the same to be entirely shut up, which
the Board trust will have the effect of partially remedying the evils
for which the Act was passed.
Railways, etc., in the District.
Prior to the commencement of the present Session of Parliament,
this Board received Statutory Notices of applications by the London