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6. That the roads and footpaths in the Parish are constantly being disturbed by
Gas and Water Companies in the laying of pipes and mains, which is a source of
obstruction to traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular, besides damaging the paving, and
the Vestry feel that the time has come when indiscriminate powers should not be
granted to trading companies and others to pull up and disturb the roads and footpaths
of the Metropolis unless some very good and just reason can be shown for so
doing, which reason cannot be shown in respect to the Rotherhithe Parish, having regard
to the fact that ample provision already exists for the supply of electric current
therein.
7. That the Vestry, whilst entirely approving of the idea of the Legislature that
monopoly should not exist and that competition is good for the community, are of
opinion that if any further powers are granted by the Board for the supply of electric
energy within the Parish, it should be to the Local Authority and not to a private
trading company, and with this view have under consideration the question of the
advisability of applying to the Board of Trade for that purpose.
8. That the Vestry already have in course of erection a Dust Destructor and
Wharf in Rotherhithe Street from which electric current may be generated.
And to ask that if notwithstanding the aforesaid objections of the Vestry, the Board
feel disposed to grant the Order, they will, before so doing, hold a local inquiry in the matter,
and if the Order is eventually granted a clause may be inserted therein enabling the
Vestry to purchase the undertaking any time after the expiration of seven, fourteen, or
twenty-one years from the date of the Order upon terms to be approved by the Board of
Trade.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
JAMES J. STOKES,
The Assistant Secretary, Clerk to the Vestry.
(Fisheries and Harbour Dept.),
Board of Trade.
On 21st February, 1899, the "Vestry had before them a letter from Mr. Sydney Morse relative
to the County of London (South-East) Electric Lighting Provisional Order, enclosing
copy of the Promoters' replies to the objections of the Vestry, which he had that day forwarded
to the Board of Trade, also a letter from the Assistant Secretary, Board of Trade,