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9
The Vestry feel that it is their duty to protect the
principle of local self-government, and to oppose the
centralizing tendencies which they are sorry to say are
very prominent in most of the measures introduced.
They accordingly petition Parliament against the Bill
in every case where the principle is threatened.
The Vestry are sorry to have to report that during
the year there have been several very heavy storms which
have caused the flooding of the basements of many of
the houses in the Hamlet, but of those in the Centre
Ward in particular. The remedy for the evil does not
rest with the Vestry but with the Metropolitan Board of
Works, and the Vestry have accordingly made strong
representations to that Board on the subject.
Before that Board can proceed in the matter, it will
be necessary to apply to Parliament for further powers,
but the Vestry hope that this will be done ere long and
the evil abated.
The Vestry have considered it within the scope of
their duties, as representatives of the ratepayers, to
take some steps with regard to the Whitechapel Hay
Market, which, in the opinion of the Vestry, is an
obstruction to the traffic going westward from this
Hamlet and other east-end parishes, and ought not to
be allowed longer to remain.
They, accordingly, after consulting the wishes of
several of the adjoining parishes, memorialized the
Metropolitan Board of Works for its removal, and
supported the memorial by a deputation.
The subject has been referred to the Solicitor to the
Board for him to report upon, and matters are,