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29
"In the early part of 1886, when very great distress prevailed,
this Board advanced several New Street paving
works for the benefit of the unemployed, and the Board's
proceedings at that time were fully explained to you in
their letter of the 16th March, 1886, to which I am directed
to refer you. The Board had not, however, at that time
such severe weather to contend with.
"The Board arc not aware that there is any lack of work in
the District, except that occasioned by the severe weather,
and in fact there arc some important railway and contract
works recently proceeding, but partially stopped, and the
Board's general paving works are in a like manner at a
standstill in consequence of the severe frost."
With regard to the suggestion in Mr. Ritchie's letter
for concerted action with the Guardians, the Board explained
the fact that they each year, by arrangement with the
Guardians, furnished a quantity of granite spalls for breaking
in the labour yard.
The Board submit this correspondence as indicating the
action taken by them in this matter during an abnormally
severe winter.
The Overhead Wires Bill.
The subject of this Bill received the consideration of the
Board during the year, and in February the Board presented
a petition to the Local Government Board, of which a copy
is appended, see page 28.
The Bill is at present before Parliament.
The clauses relating to Subways were omitted from the
Bill at an early stage.
Tents, Vans, Sheds, &c.
The attention of the Board was called to a number of
gipsies encamping in vans and sheds on enclosed ground at
Ladywell, in the occupation of a farmer there. The Board
were informed that the land was let to the occupiers of the
tents at a weekly or other rental, and that so far as could be
ascertained no sufficient sanitary accommodation was provided
for the occupiers. The Board therefore, to meet the case,