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167
Thames Communication.
On 7th May, 1895, Mr. Payne, L.C.C., informed the Vestry that the necessity for
Thames Communication between Rotherhithe and Ratcliff had been admitted by the London
County Council, and that they had endeavoured to bring in a Bill, but that it was so opposed
by the shipping interest that the matter dropped, and the Council would probably now wait
until the Blackwall Tunnel should be completed.
On 2nd July, 1895, a letter was read to the Vestry from Mr. Morton, L.C.C., stating
that the question of the Rotherhithe Tunnel had been before the Bridges Committee of the
Council, at which the Chief Engineer was instructed to gain fall information with regard
to the nature and character of the soil through which the tunnel would have to be
constructed, and that probably some time would elapse before a report upon the subject
would be received from the Engineer, but promising to keep the Vestry fully informed as to
the progress of events.
On 19th November, 1895, Mr. Vice-Chairman Bisley introduced Mr. Fairbairn as the
speaker on behalf of a Deputation from the Eotherhithe and Bermondsey Electoral League,
on the subject of Free Thames Communication at Eotherhithe, who handed in the
undermentioned Memorial:—
ROTHERHITHE AND BERMONDSEY LABOUR ELECTORAL LEAGUE.
"The Ship" Tavern,
St. Marychurch Street,
Rotherhithe, S.E.
November 19th, 1895.
To the Vestry of St. Mary, Rotherhithe.
Gentlemen,
We, the undersigned, representing a meeting of the above League as Ratepayers
of the Parish,
Respectfully Sheweth—That for very many years the public have been
demanding some means of crossing the river from Rotherhithe to Wapping. Several
suggestions have been put forward,such as a Tunnel, Steam Ferries, or bridge. About