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measures to compel the owners to raise their river-walls to such a height as will prevent
flooding in future; also, a letter was written by direction of the Vestry to Mr. John
Tolhurst, with a copy of the before mentioned letter to the Metropolitan Board of
Works, requesting him to use his influence at the Board to get the matter attended to
at once. On the 31st January, 1881, a letter was received from Mr. Tolhurst upon
the subject, and stating Sir J. Bazalgette, the Engineer to the Board, informed him
that at least one-third of the survey of Rotherhithe is complete, and the remainder well
in hand, and although the resent rise of the tide being in excess of previous instances,
will necessitate additional survey. The Engineer will very shortly be in a position to
report and lay his plans before the Committee of the Board. A letter dated the 2nd
of February, 1881, from the Clerk to the Metropolitan Board of Works, was received
in reply to the Vestry's communication as to the overflow of the Thames, on the 18th
January, 1881, and stating the subject was receiving the consideration of the Board,
and that there would be no avoidable delay in exercising the powers of the Board under
the Thames River (prevention of Floods) Act, 1879.
The Vestry gave directions for the raising of the frontage of the several rightsof-way
in this parish, where required, to prevent flooding.
In consequence of a heavy snow storm which occurred on the 18th January, 1881,
the Vestry were compelled to employ extra labour to clear away the snow from the
roads and streets of this parish, at a cost of £176 3s. 11d.
In January, 1881, the Vestry caused a Petition to be prepared and presented
to the Commons House of Parliament, praying for the reasons stated therein, that an
enquiry might be instituted, either by a Committee or Commission appointed for the
purpose, into the general management of Guy's Hospital, in the parish of St. Thomas,
Southwark, in the county of Surrey. This petition was presented to the House of
Commons by Arthur Cohen, Esq., Q.C., one of the Members for the Borough of
Southwark.
At a Meeting of the Vestry held on the 1st of February, 1881,
Mr. Bisley moved in pursuance of notice given to that effect, that in consequence
of the great increase in the business of the Vestry, the Vestry Meetings be held
fortnightly, viz.: on the first and third Tuesday in each month, instead of monthly.
The motion having been seconded by Mr. Wilson, it was put to the meeting and
declared to be carried, and it was
Resolved accordingly.
It was also
Resolved that the Bye Law of the Vestry, No. 1, be altered in accordance with the
foregoing resolution, that the ordinary meetings of the Vestry be held on the first and
third Tuesdays in each Month, instead of the first Tuesday as therein stated.