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481
Every Vestry and District Board within the County of
London and the Lambeth Company's limits joined, and
Mr. Hilton was advised to place this matter, which concerns
all the ratepayers, in the hands of a Solicitor, in order to
get a legal decision. Correspondence took place by which
from 30th of November, 1892, up to the 31st January last,
the Lambeth Water Company have been called upon either
to set about maintaining or to abandon their claim, but
hitherto the Company have evaded compliance with the
demand.
On the 21st December, 1892, the Solicitors gave notice
to the Lambeth Company, that, on the 27th December, Mr.
Hilton, accompanied by a witness, would call at the Chief
Office at Brixton Hill, and make formal tender in coin of
the water rate for the current quarter in full payment of all
water rent due from him. This was accordingly done, and
as the Company refused to accept the payment as full
discharge, tender of the rate was duly made, in accordance
with the Act.
As the domestic rates are not in dispute, a letter was
written on 4th January, undertaking to pay those rates at
any time, provided such payment is received as payment in
full, or that the Company undertake to fulfil the engagement
made on the 13th April, 1891, to maintain their
(alleged) right before a proper tribunal. The Company
merely acknowledged the receipt of this letter.
On 28th January the Solicitors wrote that the natural
conclusion was that the Company could not enforce the
demand, and asked the Secretary whether he had placed the
previous letters before the Board.
The following is the Company's reply :