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192
they had exercised. An Order was made, and Mr. Stotesbury
ultimately paid.
For two years negotiations had been proceeding to
obtain a contribution from the owners of land abutting
the proposed bridge, towards the erection of the Bridge,
which the Metropolitan Board would not undertake unless
one half of the expenses were subscribed, and the owners
holding land would convey the same for the purposes of the
bridge. A Deed of arrangement dated the 11th May, 1888'
was executed, by which all the owners, including Mr.
Stotesbury, conveyed their land to the Board, and reserved
a right of compensation for land that might be injuriously
affected, and which was not required for construction of the
bridge.
The Road having been paved under contract in the
usual way, the Surveyor apportioned the difference between
the estimated and actual expenses among the Owners, but
before doing so the New Streets Committee decided that
Mr. Austin's opinion should be taken. The opinion was
submitted to the Committee. I advised the Committee
on prudential grounds not to pay the owners their share of
the money until the determination of Mr. Stotesbury was
known. The Committee however ordered it to be paid
forthwith. It must be mentioned that this Vestry and
the Greenwich District Board of Works contributed £3,800
out of the Rates for making the bridge and approaches,
which included Mr. Stotesbury's land and two houses. On
receiving the Notice of Action I again submitted the matter
to Mr. Austin for his advice thereon, and his opinion was
submitted to the Committee.
Mr. William Howe was appointed Chairman of the Special