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77
Upon these notices being considered, the Vestry resolved to
oppose the applications of Mr. Barrow and Mr. Phillips, and to
favourably endorse that of Mr. Bignell. With regard to the application
of Mr. Phillips, however, further particulars as to the
purposes for which the Galleries were intended to be used, and
the terms upon which the site was held, were subsequently submitted,
which led the Vestry to modify their original opinion, and
they decided not to press their opposition.
When the applications came before the Court of Quarter Sessions,
Mr. Barrow's application was refused, and a license as applied for
was granted in each of the other cases; the dancing license of
the Piccadilly Art Galleries, however, being restricted to occasions
when the Galleries are let for private parties only.
PARLIAMENTARY SCHEMES,—SESSION 1883.
In addition to the notices and plans relating to applications for
Provisional Orders under the Electric Lighting Act, 1882,
mentioned on page 59, a notice and plan of a proposed Mid-Metropolitan
Railway were deposited with the Vestry Clerk in the month
of November, pursuant to the Standing Orders of Parliament.
The projected railway, which was intended to be constructed
underground, would enter the Parish at its western boundary in
Oxford Street, and run the whole length of that portion of the
street which is in St. James's, provision being made for a station
near Oxford Circus. An influential deputation of ratepayers and
residents in Oxford Street waited upon the Vestry, and in view of
the vast interruption to business which the construction of the line
would involve, urged the Vestry, as the local authority, to oppose
the scheme. The whole matter was carefully considered, and it
appearing that great loss would be inflicted upon the whole Parish,
and especially upon that part abutting on the proposed railway
during the construction of the works, and probably afterwards,
without any corresponding benefit to the public, the Vestry asked
the Metropolitan Board of Works to oppose the Bill. Objection
was also raised by the owners and occupiers of certain properties
affected by the scheme, on the ground of non-compliance with the