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65
With regard to the principle previously followed in dealing with the requisitions
of ratepayers, the lists were prepared containing entries of appeals received
from time to time, but the old or rather the existing valuation was repeated in
the column headed "gross value as estimated by Overseers," so that the matter
was left entirely to the discretion of the Assessment Committee—this necessitated
in every case the strict compliance by the appellants with the formalities
set forth in the Valuation Metropolis Act, 1869.
We could not help recognising the trouble to which the appellants were thus
subjected—in many instances a day's pay would be lost; in many others,
important engagements had to be set aside; and in all cases it required attendance
and waiting until the case was called on by the Committee.
After consideration we decided that a great deal of this trouble might be
obviated where similarity in the character of property existed and the evidence
in our possession was clear'. We were therefore of the opinion that we were
not justified in placing figures in the column referred to, which upon examination
appeared unjust and excessive ; but by using our discretion, as it seemed
was implied by the words in the heading of the column in the form given in
the schedule of the Valuation (Metropolis) Act, we hoped to save the ratepayers
in many cases the trouble and inconvenience caused by the former plan.
In dealing with the last Provisional List, we examined the circumstances
connected with each case, and satisfied ourselves that the new values were
reasonably fixed. It will be observed upon reference to the case of Mr. Nalder
(mentioned under the title of "Quinquennial Valuation"), that it has since
been proved by the ruling of Sir Peter Edlin, Q.C., that our new course' is the
correct one.
BOROUGH REGISTRATION.
In order to insure the more efficient registration of Voters for this Borough,
we have instructed the Vestry Clerk to apply for summonses against those
owners who neglect to furnish the names of their tenants under 32 and 33 Vict,
cap. 41, sec. 9, but although this plan may effect an improvement in the
Franchise, it seemed to us that the registration work might be more effectually
carried out by personal enquiry from house to house. At the same time we
observed that the money expended for outside labour, i.e.—service of summonses,
service of commitment notices, publication of notices of Vestry election and the
result thereof on Church doors, also notices of Poor Rate audit and of New
Rates twice in each year, and the several notices under the Valuation Metropolis
Act, 1869, together with other business which might be performed by the same
person, was about equivalent to what a messenger might be engaged for, and
consequently came to the conclusion that there would be a considerable advantage
in having such a person generally in readiness.
We accordingly appointed a messenger and clerk at a weekly salary of 30s.
such salary to be charged on the Summons Account, to perform the following
duties, viz.: —
1. To attend at the offices of the Churchwardens and Overseers during
the usual business hours, and at such other times as may be necessary.
2. Twice during the year to call at every house or tenement in the
parish, and ascertain the correct names of the occupiers, together with the
exact date of commencement of occupation, or if the occupation has commenced
since the 15th July last, all intermediate residences and the date of
occupation in eaoh case, and any other particulars necessary for the proper
registration of voters which the Vestry Clerk may deem advisable.