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respondence, in the course of which it was stated that the
Westminster Bridge Estate had been so appropriated as to
preclude its being handed over, the Lords of the Treasury
finally replied that they could not re-open the question.
The subject is one that affects the whole Metropolis, and
the Vestry have accordingly directed the attention of all the
Metropolitan Vestries to the matter at issue. A copy of the
correspondence with the Treasury was also forwarded to
the Metropolitan Board of Works.
FIRE PREVENTION.
The occurrence of six deaths at a fire in Edgware Road in
the month of June naturally attracted public attention to
the means available for the protection of life and property
from. fire.
The fire in question broke out about the time that the hours
of attendance of the men in charge of the fire escapes expired
(6 a.m.), and the Vestry suggested to the Metropolitan
Board of Works that the escapes should always be kept in
readiness, and in charge of a responsible attendant, day and
night. The Board replied that the funds at their disposal
for Fire Brigade purposes would not admit of the large increase
in staff which this proposal would involve, but in order
to afford additional protection at one particular part of the
day, fire-escape men would in future commence and end
their period of duty one hour later, that is to say, their hours
would be from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
With a view to ascertain to what extent property in this
parish in particular was exposed to risk of fire, and in what
manner precautions were adopted or protection afforded
irrespective of the Fire Brigade, the Vestry addressed a
circular to each ratepayer inviting information on the sub-
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