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House Duty in whole or in part. Considering the large proportion
of common charges now borne by the local rates, the
exemption of any important annual value from local charges
would seriously affect the poorer classes.
The only satisfactory remedy is to abolish the Inhabited
House duty altogether, and as it realises only about
£2,000,000 a year, it can scarcely be beyond the ability of a
Chancellor of the Exchequer to re-adjust the fiscal arrangements
of the nation to replace this sum. Failing a repeal, the
imposition of a Duty at a uniform rate upon all buildings,
whether inhabited or not, would be preferable to an indefinite
continuance of the present anomalies. But whatever may be
the remedy, the Vestry feel that they have made out a case for
redress, and are disappointed that Mr. Goschen held out no
hope that so great an inequality in taxation would beremoved.
VESTRY PROPERTY.
Vestry Hall.—No repairs of importance have been
required during the year. The want of adequate office
accommodation, especially for the Surveyor, compelled the
Vestry, with some degree of reluctance, to terminate the
tenancy of the St. James's Savings Bank, in order that the
room occupied thereby might be utilized for Vestry purposes.
Stables and Stoneyard.—No repairs or other works
have been required during the year.
Disinfector.—The Disinfector has been used for disinfecting
bedding, clothing, &c., for parishioners on 81
occasions, compared with 25 occasions in 1886-7, and 36.
in 1885-6.