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the plans, as the suggestion had emanated from the branch of the
Architect's Department of the Council, dealing with means of escape
in case of fire.
The matter was reported to the Vestry on the 10th October
when a resolution was passed directing a communication to be sent
to the Superintendent Architect of the Council stating that as the
Vestry were strenuously opposed to the erection of bridges over public
streets they were unable to reconsider the matter, and expressing the
surprise of the Vestry that such a suggestion should have been made
by the Department.
To the intense surprise of the Vestry, they subsequently received
a letter from the Superintendent Architect stating that the Council
had given their consent to the erection of the two bridges. The
Vestry thereupon passed a resolution protesting against the action of
the Council and empowered the chairman and vice-chairman to take
whatever action they might deem necessary in the matter. The
Council was at the same time asked to state the authority under
which they claimed to have jurisdiction to permit bridges of this
character to be erected over public streets. No satisfactory answer
was, however, received from that body, and the Vestry on the 19th
December directed notice to be served on Messrs. Harding & Sons
warning them not to proceed with the erection of the proposed bridges
over the public highway. Messrs. Harding & Sons, however, proceeded
with the work and completed the bridges.
Some doubts were then expressed as to the powers of the Vestry
to compel the removal of bridges of this character, placed at a considerable
height over the roadway, and after hearing the opinion of
counsel, the Vestry deemed it advisable to take no further action in
the matter.
At the same time they protested most strongly against the action
of the Council in suggesting the erection of constructions over the
public highway, especially in view of the fact that that body as well
as the Vestry are the custodians of the rights of the public over the
streets and roads of the Metropolis.
PUBLIC LIBRARY LOAN.
At the meeting of the Vestry on the 19th December, 1899, a
report was received from the Public Library Commissioners to the