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13
Several of the Bills were either withdrawn or thrown
out, but they each and all received most careful attention,
and where it was apparent that the Vestry would
not be allowed a locus standi before the Committees
they caused urgent representations to be made through
the proper channels on any points which they considered
objectionable.
Of the three first-mentioned Bills the last only passed
into law. One of the effects of that Act is, to give the
Metropolitan Board of Works power to make regulations
for the government of slaughter houses, and to
appear before the Licensing Justices and oppose any
license.
The Bills mentioned in items (g) and (i) will not be
proceeded with.
The Municipality of London Bill, introduced into the
House of Commons by Lord Elcho, is another attempt
in the direction taken first by the late Mr. J. S. Mill and
afterwards by the late Mr. C. Buxton. Lord Elcho, in
introducing it, admitted that he had not given the
matter much attention, and it would appear from the
form of the Bill that the idea of the promoters is to
legislate on certain theoretical ideas without very distinct
knowledge of what they are seeking to abolish.
The Vestry do not think it at all probable that the Bill
as drawn has the slightest chance of becoming law.
The Metropolis Gas Companies Bill (e) will be pressed
on by the promoters (the Metropolitan Board), and the
Vestry hope that it will be successful, as the proceedings
of the Gas Companies, as a rule, shew that some
legislation to make the interests of the Companies and
Consumers more identical is much required.
The Artizans Dwellings Bill, will give power to the
Metropolitan Board of Works (under certain control)
to deal effectually with many of the unhealthy closelypacked
districts in the Metropolis. The Act is not
confined to the Metropolis only.