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32
Nuisances
to
ways
1876.
Dec. 6th.—Attention of police directed to the habit of shopkeepers
sweeping refuse into the streets.
1877.—In August of this year Mr. Knight, on behalf of Mr.
Nicholson, gave notice to build on Trafalgar Square,
and on the site enclosed by him in 1865. The Yestry
took proceedings to prevent this a more detailed statement
of which will be found under the head of open
spaces.
1881 —
During this year considerable annoyance and cost was
experienced by the proceedings of the Gas and Water Companies.
Several of the streets which had only recently been put into
thorough repair were opened and not reinstated in a way which
met with the approval of the Vestry or their Surveyor.
The Gas Light and Coke Company were by far the worst
offenders, and they declined to employ a steam roller in reinstating
roads where the steam roller had been employed when the road
was made up by the Vestry.
The Vestry determined to try the question and summoned the
Company named before the Police Magistrate. At the hearing
the Company produced a great number of witnesses to say that
it would be dangerous to the pipes to use the steam roller and the
Magistrate dismissed the summons.
Subsequently the Company agreed that a horse roller might
be used and this was accordingly done.
1882—
During this year the Vestry again had considerable difficulty
in getting the Gas and Water Companies to properly reinstate the
roads after they have made openings.
The Commercial Gas Company was the greatest offender.
The Vestry hope that ultimately the Companies will see that it is
to their own interest to at once thoroughly restore the road as
required, rather than have continually to keep making good defects.
It may be stated generally that the Vestry has had the greatest
difficulty in dealing with the unpaved footway or waste in the
Mile End Road. Of late years they have been obliged, at
very considerable cost, every Saturday evening, and sometimes on
other evenings, to keep a body of men on the spot to prevent the
place being made like a fair. On more than one occasion the
offenders have shown determined resistance, and the Vestry feel
that the only way in which they can deal with the matter, is by
having a strong force on the spot. They hope, however, to be able
to acquire the rights of the Lord of the Manor over the space,