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74
If a thoroughfare is declared a "main road" the maintenance
thereof passes under the Local Government Act to
the County Council, unless the Local Authority exercise the
option conferred upon them by the Act and retain the maintenance
of the road in their own hands. In the latter case
the Council are to make a contribution towards the cost
incurred by the Local Authority instead of themselves
carrying out the work.
It is evident that if the extent of main road3 in the
Metropolis is largely increased, the amount of the precept of the
London County Council will necessarily be proportionately
augmented, and that, indirectly, the burden of local taxation
may be varied in incidence. It might happen, for instance,
that the suburban districts would be called upon to pay a
considerable sum for the repair of main roads, and derive but
little direct benefit in the form of contributions ; while,
although more central districts were equally called upon to
pay a larger sum to the County Council (this sum being
raised according to the rateable value of the district), yet
they would derive considerable benefit in the form of contributions,
owing to the greater length of main roads situate in
the district. The question, when it is dealt with, must be
settled in a comprehensive manner, and it is therefore not
surprising that the County Council hesitate to declare any
further thoroughfares main roads.
MAINS UNDER STRERTS.
In the month of November the Vestry assented to the
London Electric Supply Corporation laying mains of a
pattern submitted under certain streets in the Parish. The
mains actually laid, however, differ considerably from the
pattern approved, and do not afford the same amount of