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desirable for him to take independent action. He presumed
that these authorities would fully consider the
question in the light of the information adduced at these
inquiries, and would place their views before the Government.
For his own part, he could promise that the
Government would give full, careful, and he hoped satisfactory
attention to the suggestions and reports which
those bodies might make.
On the 31st July, an adjourned meeting of the Conference
was held to consider whether any further action
should be taken in view of the reply of Mr. Ritchie to the
deputation, and the following resolutions were passed:—
1. That as the London County Council has no power to
duce a Bill into Parliament for the purchase of the Water
Companies' undertakings, the Vestries and Distriot
Boards represented at this Conference be advised (following
the precedent successfully set in the case of
Metropolis Gas Legislation) to unite in giving notice
of and preparing a Bill for such a purchase, and for
power to set up a competing supply.
2. That each Vestry and District Board be asked to contribute
the sum of £10 under the 92nd section of the Metropolis
Local Management Act, 1855, towards preliminary
expenses, such as service of notices, advertising,
drafting, and depositing a Bill for the purposes named
in the foregoing Eesolution.
That a Committee, consisting of one representative from
each Vestry and District Board taking part in this
Conference, be appointed to prepare such Notices, and
draft Bill, and to take such other steps as may be
necessary for promoting the Bill.
4. That the opinion of Counsel be taken as to the legality
of Vestries contributing towards the preliminary
expenses of promoting a private Bill dealing with the
Water Question.