View report page

172
Advertisements were issued inviting applications for the post of Clerk of Works for the
erection of the buildings, and 50 applications were received, and on 11th June, 1895, the
Vestry elected Mr. John Carter, of 20, Chadwell Street, Myddleton Square, E.C., Clerk of
Works, to superintend the erection of the new Town Hall, A estry Hall, Offices, etc., at a
salary of £8 10s. per week, subject to a week's notice to quit, to his residing in the Parish,
and devoting his whole time to the duties of the office.
On 2nd July, 1895, the Vestry Resolved to appoint a Committee of seven, consisting of
Mr. F. J. Bisley, Vice-Chairman, and Messrs. Stuart, Mullenger, E. J. Talbot, Moss, Vezey,
and Kimber, to watch the progress of the Town Hall buildings.
On 16th July, 1895, the Vestry Resolved to invite Mrs. Carr-Gomm, the Lady of the
Manor, to perform the ceremony of laying the foundation stone, and instructed the
Committee to make the necessary arrangements.
On 3rd September, 1895, the Town Hall Committee reported that they had been in
communication with Mr. Carr-Gomm, who had written stating that it would afford much
pleasure to Mrs. Carr-Gomm to assist at the ceremony of the laying of the foundation
stone, and intimating Tuesday, the 17th September, as the most convenient day for the
purpose, and they had therefore Resolved that the ceremony should take place on that
day, which was approved by the Vestry.
The Committee also reported that they had instructed the Surveyor to provide some
flags and other decorations for the occasion, and submitted the following inscription to be
placed upon the stone for the approval of the Vestry:—
"This foundation stone was laid on Tuesday, the 17th day of September,
a.d. 1895,by Emily Blanche Carr-Gomm, the wife of Francis Culling Carr-Gomm, Esq.,
and Lady of the Manor of Rotherhithe."
The Vestry Resolved That the inscription be approved and adopted. That the
foundation stone be of red granite, and be laid in front of the buildings facing Lower Road,
and that a separate stone be provided bearing the names of all the Vestrymen, and placed
adjacent to the foundation stone, and in front of the buildings facing Lower Road,