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over which a common right to graze cattle exists, during the Autumn
and Spring seasons of the year.
There is no doubt that Lammas rights exist over this and a quantity
of other land described on the ordnance maps as the "Town Meadows,"
but as this part of Fulham is no longer used for purposes of agriculture,
these rights have ceased to be of great use or importance to the
inhabitants, and until they are settled, the land must be unproductive
and idle. Much of the land, lying as it does beside the river, is
suitable for wharves, and the remainder would, no doubt, make valuable
building land. It is, therefore, to the interests of the Ratepayers to
make an arrangement so that this land can be utilised.
Previous to suggesting the lines of an equitable arrangement between
the Vestry (as the representatives of the Ratepayers) and the Gas
Company, it will be necessary to give particulars of other matters
relating to this question.
In the year 1879, the Gas Company, with the support of the Vestry,
obtained an order to close Sand's End Lane, the Vestry receiving in
consideration of their support the sum of £1,000, the Gas Company
also laying out and making the Imperial Road. This amount was paid
and invested in Consols in the name of the Vicar and Messrs. F. C.
King and W. H. Lammin.
The area of the land in question held by the Gas Company, over
which Lammas Rights exist, is (exclusive of three acres afterwards
referred to) 24½ acres, and I estimate the increase in the value of the
land by the extinction of the rights, to be at least £500 an acre, or
£12,250.
The Imperial Road (area about three acres) represents a value of
say, £3,GOO, made in accordance with the previously mentioned valuation.
It is, therefore, suggested that in consideration of the Vestry surrendering
Imperial Road to the Gas Company, and assisting the
Company to acquire absolute ownership of the 24£ acres named above,
and further, to co-operate with the Company in such way as may to
them seem best for the extinction of the aforesaid Rights, the Gas
Company shall pay to the Vestry the sum of £5,000, and convey the
plot before referred to of three acres of land as shown on plan.
It is also further proposed that the Company should widen Bagley's
Lane to 40 feet wherever their property abuts upon it, that the Company
should acquire and give a right of road from the three acies
named above to the Town Mead Road, and further, that all expenses of
carrying out this arrangement shall be borne by the Gas Company.
It is not necessary for me to enter into any description of the