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School Board Rate in this and other Parishes in the Metropolis. The Committee
reported that having conferred with the Churchwardens and Overseers, and heard their
explanation, are of opinion that the irregularity in the School Board Rate, arises from
fact of the precept being based upon the rateable value without-allowing for compounded
and empty properties j and that such irregulaiity must exist until the piecept be m&de
upon a three years average of the actual collectable value ; it was
Resolved, that the report of the special Committee be adopted.
The Vestry having had under consideration a letter received from the Vestry Clerk
of St. Ceorge, Hanover Square, as to the annoyance caused by the noisy hawking of
Newspapers, Fruit, and other goods for sale in the streets on Sundays ; it was
Resolved, that this Vestry support the action taken by the Vestry of St. George,
Hanover Square, in the matter, and that the attention of the Police Authorities be
called thereto, with the view to their taking steps to have the annoyance
complained of, moderated.
The Vestry subsequently received a communication from the Assistant Commissioner
of Police on the subject in reply, stating, "The course adopted since the passing
"of the Sunday Observation Prosecution Act, 1871, (34 & 35, Vic., cap. 87,) as far as
"the Metropolitan Police practice is affected, is for the Commissioners to give written
"consent, under the Act, to Local Boards or Vestries, when applied for, to prosecute any
"particular persons, (which the Commissioner has been advised is necessary to the
"validity of the consent.) for an offence under the Act, 29th Charles the 2nd, c. 7 ; and
"all prosecutions must be instituted within ten days after the commission of the offence,
"it is to be observed that the itinerant sellers of fruit, vegetables, or newspapers, on
"Sundays, in the absence of any local Act, cannot be effectually prosecuted, but so far
"as relates to the disturbance of divine worship, Police remonstrance, (always made if
"suggested by the clergyman or Churchwardens or other officials,) has often been
"found effectual."
In December, 1886, the Vestry passed a resolution as follows, viz. : —
Resolved, that the Inspector be instructed to keep the whole space of the
footpath in the public way, Deptford Lower Road, clear from the ground upwards,
and m the event of any obstruction taking place in the free use thereof by the public, he
be authorised to take proceedings against the parties so offending ; and that a notice
be printed and posted throughout the parish, calling attention to the necessity of
the public pavement being kept clear.
The Vestry having had under consideration a letter, received from the Clerk to
the Vestryof St. Martin-in-the- Fields, with copy of a resolution passed by that Vestry
as follows:—
"Resolved, that the School Board lor London be informed that the Vestry having
"been led to believe that it is the intention of the Board to promote a Bill in Parliament,
"to obtain powers for the purpose of making superannuation allowances to their officers,