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removed, and the space laid down in grass with a few shrubs and
flowers.
SHORTLANDS AND NUNHEAD RAILWAY.
The works on this Railway are being rapidly proceeded with.
At the present time none of the road approaches to bridges are
completed. The elevations of the public road bridges were submitted
to the Board for approval, as provided in the Act. All
the over bridges will have steel girders, with ornamental columns,
where the span exceeds 40 feet on the square. A system has been
adopted which I have always advocated, viz., laying the permanent
way over the bridges on the ordinary transverse sleepers,
packed underneath with ballast. I believe this will deaden the
sound of passing trains very much. It is proposed to have four
stations in the Lewisham District, viz., Brockley, Catford, Bellingham,
and Beckenham Hill. There will also be another station
nearer Shortlands, just out of the District, on the Cator Estate,
which is to be named Ravensbourne. I expect the line will be
opened early next year, and I think it cannot fail to be useful to
the public.
SOUTH EASTERN METROPOLITAN TRAMWAY.
This Tramway, which commences at South Street, Greenwich,
and terminates opposite the Black Horse p.h., Rushey
Green, Catford, was constructed during the year. The work was
not commenced until June, and as it had to be completed
by the 7th August, had to be pushed on rapidly. It took up a
good deal of my time. The Board of Trade Inspector passed
the line on the 5th August, and it has been opened for some
time.
PARLIAMENTARY SCHEMES.
The only Bill deposited during the year was for acquiring
additional land in Morley Road, Sunninghill Road, and Beaufort
Gardens for the purposes of the South Eastern Railway. I hear
nothing of this Company widening their main line or carrying out
their pledge by building a station at Further Green.
FLOODING, FRONTAGE LINES, ROAD
IMPROVEMENTS, &c.
A piece of ground at the back of Molesworth Street, containing
nearly four acres was purchased by the Board. This will