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for domestic purposes by measure. The scale of charges
proposed by the Bill being at the rate of 6d per 1,000
gallons, with a minimum charge of 3s. per Quarter. The
Bill also provided that the rateable value, according to the
latest poor rate assessment, was to be taken as the " annual
value," in all cases where the Water Companies were
authorized to charge according to value.
Your Board considered that a basis of charge according
to quantity of water used was more equitable to the consumer
than a per-centage upon the annual value of the
property, with the addition of extra charges for W. C'.s.,
high pressure, &c., &c., and accordingly petitioned the
Legislature in favour of the Bill.
The Bill was read a first time on the 11th day of
February, but the second reading was refused on the 11th
day of March.
The Metropolitan Board of Works introduced a Bill into
Parliament authorizing that Board to make and oppose
applications to Parliament, and to prosecute and defend
legal proceedings relating to the supply of water in the
Metropolis. The Bill was read a second time in the House
of Commons on the 27th February 1884, and now stands
for considei'ation in the whole house.
No action was taken by your Board with respect to this
Bill.
Dwelling-houses Inspection.
A Bill for the sanitary inspection of dwelling-houses,
under the title of "The Sanitary Inspection Act, 1884,"
was introduced into the House of Commons and read a
first time on the 6th February, 1884.