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168
1893, two years ago, it was proposed to establish a Steam Ferry from Rotlierhithe to
Stepney, which was abandoned, owing to the opposition of the St. George-in-the-East
Vestry, who required a direct Ferry, and about nine months ago the matter was placed
before the Members of the Rotherhithe Division of the London County Council, who
promised to use their best efforts to bring the proposal before the Bridges Committee
of the Council, and also that instructions had been given to the Engineer to prepare a
plan for a Tunnel, and up to the present no report has been given.
Your Memorialists respectfully consider that after all these years of delay the
public requirements of the District have been apparently neglected. The
St. Ceorge-in-the-East Vestry are still in favour of a direct Steam Ferry.
Your Memorialists consider with them that a Free Steam-boat Ferry would
meet the requirements of the District.
The proposal for a Tunnel would mean a further delay.
And as the greater portion of the vehicular traffic to the South side passing over
the Tower Bridge comes towards Rotlierhithe (85 per cent.), no doubt 50 per cent.
enters the Docks.
And as the Districts of Greenwich and Deptford are agitating for a Steam Ferry
we believe no very serious opposition can be raised against the same for
Rotlierhithe.
We respectfully submit the time has arrived for the Vestry, as representing the
public requirements of the District, to at once place the proposal before the
London County Council Bridges Committee, and urge them to include the
same in their Omnibus Bill, in the coming Session of Parliament, 189G, in view of the
necessity for Free Thames Communication being established in Rotlierhithe.
And Your Memorialists will as in duty bound ever pray.
Richard Faiiirairn,
William Henry Foreman,
Henry Simpson,
W. E. Skudder,
J. G. Baker,
H. J. Huff.
The Memorial was referred to the General Purposes and Works Committee for
consideration and report.