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for the Metropolis, the Vestry passed a resolution on the 10th
May, agreeing in principle with the proposal, subject to
adequate safeguards against a natural tendency to extravagance
on the part of authorities who would derive benefit
from uniformity.
Having regard, however, to the many important subjects
then engaging public attention, and to the fact that the
Local Government Bill, which was at that time before Parliament
and has since become law, would largely equalise the
Poor Rate in the Metropolis, the Yestry did not deem it
opportune to press the subject on the Government or the
Legislature.
THE RATING OF PUBLIC COMPANIES.
In the month of December, a letter was received from the
Guardians of St. Olave's Union, calling attention to the
present system of rating public companies owning docks,
railways, and property of similar description, upon their
profits instead of the annual value of their property.
Lpon the subject being considered, it appeared to the
Yestry that while the authorities of parishes in which docks,
railways, and other undertakings are being carried on at
unremunerative or with diminished earnings, are sufferers,
under existing circumstances, yet these authorities would
largely benefit by the operation of the present system of
assessment on the recurrence of more prosperous times. The
matter is also vastly complicated by the network of railways
extending throughout the kingdom, because at present each
parish receives a contribution from a railway passing through
its area, even although it may contain neither station nor