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178
respectively. This arrangement did not commend itself to
the Vestry, and they united with the Westminster District
Board of Works in an endeavour to retain the ancient
Borough in its entirety with a representation of four members.
Failing the adoption of this course, the Vestry
suggested that Westminster should be divided into four
divisions with a population of about 50,000 each, this
appearing to be the basis upon which representation was
granted to urban constituencies throughout the kingdom by
the Bill, or that at least the proposed new Borough of Strand
should be named St. James's after the Parish which contains
the largest population and highest rateable value within its
limits, and bears the name of the Court of Great Britain.
The co-operation of the members for Westminster was sought
to effect some such alteration in the Bill, and wras
cordially given. It was with much gratification that the
Vestry learned that the Government recognised the justice of
the claim of Westminster not only to retain its ancient title,
but to additional representation. The Borough of Westminster
is consequently to return four members to Parliament
in future instead of two as hitherto, and for this
purpose to be divided into four divisions, each returning a
member.
With regard to the Metropolitan Board of Works (Various
Powers) Bill, a clause appeared therein which would give the
Board power to erect hoardings without obtaining the
statutory license from the Local Authorities. The conflict of
authority apparently opened up by this clause seemed so
objectionable, that the Vestry determined to oppose the provision,
a course which was also adopted by many other local
authorities. The Board subsequently announced their
intention of withdrawing the clause at the proper stage
of the Bill in deference to the general objection which had
been raised to it.