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(7) Levying and collecting the rates, from which
large and, unfortunately, rapidly increasing,
sums are paid annually to authorities entirely
independent of local control.
Upon the last-mentioned point it may be here observed
that there has been a growing tendency for some years to
include in the local rates various sums for Metropolitan
purposes. Thus since the year 1S55 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. The extent to which this operates upon
local rates will be seen on reference to the statement of
moneys raised with the parochial rates for metropolitan
purposes, which is given on page 35.
THE ELECTION OF VESTRYMEN AND AUDITORS
OF ACCOUNTS
Was held on Monday, the 19th day of May, the places appointed
for the purpose being—Pall Mall Ward, United
Hotel, Charles Street; Church Ward Vestry Hall, Piccadilly;
Golden Square Ward, Craven Hall, Marshall Street; and
Great Marlborough Ward, Board Room, Poland Street.
The total expense of conducting the elections amounted
to £4 14s. 6d., and an order for the payment of this sum
from the Poor Rate was made by the Vestry in accordance
with the statute.
A list of the Vestrymen and Auditors of Accounts wilI:
found on pages 7 and 8.
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