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The Vestry have also various powers under the Metropolitan
Paving Act, 57 Geo. III., cap. 29, commonly known as
Michael Angelo Taylor's Act, the Nuisances Removal Acts,
the Metropolitan Building Acts, the Metropolis Gas Act, the
Sanitary Act, 1806, the Artizans and Labourers Dwellings
Act, 1868, better known as Torrens' Act, and other statutes.
By the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts of 1875 and 1879, the
Vestry are empowered to purchase samples of food and drugs
for analysis, to appoint a Public Analyst, and to prosecute
vendors of adulterated articles. Proceedings under these
Acts during the past year are mentioned on page 69.
There has been a growing tendency for some years to
include in the local rates various sums for Metropolitan purposes,
over the expenditure of which local authorities do not
possess the slightest control. Thus, since the establishment
of the Metropolitan Board of Works in 1855, the Vestry have
at different times been required by Parliament to provide
funds for—(a) Main Drainage; (b) Fire Brigade; (c) Elementary
Education; (d) Thames Bridges—purchase, maintenance,
and rebuilding; (e) Artizans' Dwellings, and other
purposes. A statement of moneys raised with the parochial
rates for Metropolitan purposes is given on page 35.
STANDING ORDERS.
Operative Resolutions in the nature of Standing Orders
have been passed during the year as follows:—
27th May, 1885.—That the wood paring repairs be for the present
carried out by the Vestry's workmen instead of by contractors
(W. 9, p. 10).
27th May, 1885.—That in future the Accounts of the G&s Light and
Coke Company be laid before the Lighting Committee tor
examination instead of the Works Committee L. L, p.
30th Septembor, 1885.-That all the officers of the Vestry be
directed not to absent themselves in future. without the
sanction of the head of their department, and until proper