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1. That in the opinion of this conference the Riverside Vestries
and District Boards should inform the Metropolitan Board of
Works that they object to that Board obtaining powers from
Parliament for compelling the Local Authorities to construct and
maintain all such works as that Board may think necessary to
prevent the waters of the River Thames from flooding over the
walls and defences abutting thereon, and also to that Board being
empowered to compel the Local Authorities, in default, to pay the
costs incurred in carrying out such works.
2. That the Metropolitan Board be requested to furnish the
Riverside Vestries and District Boards of Works with a copy of
the proposed Bill before submitting the same to Parliament.
3. That a copy of the foregoing Resolutions be forwarded to
the Metropolitan Board of Works.
A conference was also held at the Lambeth Vestry Hall upon
the subject, when a Resolution was passed (in which the Representatives
of this Board took no part), expressive of opinion that
the Bill should be opposed on the ground that it would be unjust
to the Riverside parishes, and that the costs to be incurred should
be made a charge upon the whole of the Metropolis.
It was ultimately resolved by this Board to present a petition
against the Bill, in order that the Board might be in a position to
give evidence in opposition to its provisions; and a petition has
accordingly been presented against such Bill, with a view to the
protection of the interests of the District.
HIGH TIDES.
With regard to the question of raising Union Stairs, I, with
Mr. Nathan, the Chairman of the Board, had an interview with
Sir J. Bazalgette, who stated that the Metropolitau Board could
not undertake the liability of preventing the flooding of any public
place under the jurisdiction of the Local Authorities. Pursuant to
the instructions of the Board, I made temporary arrangements for