View report page

169
On 3rd December, 1895, the Committee reported with reference to the Memorial from
the Rotherhithe and Bermondsey Electoral League, praying the Vestry to take steps to
secure free Thames communication at Kotherhithe; that as far back as 1885, the Vestry
were agitating in the matter, and quite recently presented a Memorial to the
London County Council, urging them to apply to Parliament for powers to establish a Free
Ferry from Rotherhithe to Wapping with the necessary approaches.
Resolved—That the Rotherhithe and Bermondsey Electoral League be informed in
reply to their Memorial, that the Vestry have not lost sight of the necessity for Free Thames
Communication at Rotherhithe, and are urging the matter upon the London County Council.
Town Hall, Vestry Hall, Offices, etc., Erection of
It will be remembered that before the close of last year, the Vestry accepted the plans
of Messrs. Murray & Foster, of Adelphi Chambers, 7 John Street, AV.C., which were
approved by the London County Council; and on 2nd April, 1895, the Vestry Resolved to
invite tenders for the erection of the Buildings, in the "Builder," "Contract Journal,"
"London" and "Southwark Recorder."
The plans being subsequently found not to meet the requirements of the Council with
regard to Stage Plays, but only for Music and Dancing, the Architects were instructed to
make such alterations as were necessary to meet the requirements of the Council in the
matter, and on 30th April, 1895, they wrote stating that a slight modification was required
to the plans, so as to obtain the Lord Chamberlain's licence, as well as that of the London
County Council, and forwarding tracings showing such modification, and that the application
had passed the Committee, and they expected the Official approval in a few days, and on 9th
May, 1895, they wrote again stating that they had that day received the Official approval
to the Town Hall Drawings for the Lord Chamberlain's licence for Stage Plays.
Before inviting tenders for the erection of the buildings, tenders were invited for the
demolition of Nos. 81, 83, 85, and 87, Neptune Street, which stood upon part of the site.
The tender of Mr. W. Penfold, of East Greenwich, was accepted at the sum of £32 10s.