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Bill, considering the plan of the proposed improvement involved an enormous
unnecessary cost, a large part of which would have to be borne by
the East-end of London, while the benefit—which could be obtained at a
much smaller cost—would be exclusively for the "West. The Bill was
withdrawn.
In May, some ratepayers in Brick Lane (which is supplied with gas by
the Commercial Gas Company) complained that, as they believed, they
were charged for more gas than they consumed, and desired to have the
gas tested, and the evil complained of remedied. Under the direction of
the Sanitary Committee, the Medical Officer of Health tested the gas, and
reported he found the quality above the standard prescribed by the
statute.
A serious explosion took place on the premises in Cambridge Road, of
Messrs. Baker, the makers and sellers of fireworks. As this was not the
first explosion on the premises of Messrs. Baker, it caused great alarm to
the whole neighbourhood, and the Vestry were strongly urged by the
inhabitants to take measures to prevent Messrs. Baker carrying on their
business in a place surrounded by houses and densely populated. Messrs.
Baker denied that they made fireworks on the premises. Notice was
given to them that' the grant of the renewal of the licence to sell fireworks
would be opposed by the Vestry, and ultimately the application
for a renewal of the licence was withdrawn.
In January, the Rev. G. H. Tidcombe resigned the appointment of
Afternoon Lecturer of the Parish Church, on his appointment to the
Vicarage of St. Peter's, Hammersmith, and the Rev. H. M. Baker was
elected as his successor.
The subject of an improved approach from Shoreditch, and from
Bethnal Green Road to Approach Road, is under consideration, and the
Surveyor is preparing plans, with the view of a proposal being submitted
to the Metropolitan Board of Works. It is felt a new approach from
Shoreditch would be of great benefit to the Parish. The cost of making
it will of course be large, and a special Act of Parliament will have to be
obtained, as in the case of the "Whitechapel improvement.
Deputations from the Vestry have attended meetings, and taken part in
the movements, for securing an equalization of rates in the metropolis.
The Bill for the valuation of property in the metropolis will probably
secure a more uniform assessment of all the metropolitan Unions and
Parishes, and so, to some extent, benefit this Parish.