View report page

21
The recent development of the London water question
was dealt with at length in last year's report, and is further
referred to on page 115 of this report. It is therefore
unnecessary to enlarge upon it here. It may, however, be
added that the Vestry have the best reason for believing
that Mr. Beal felt most keenly the opposition of the London
County Council to the Metropolis Water Supply Bill of
last year, in the promotion of which he took an active part.
This Bill Mr. Beal regarded as being capable, by slight
amendment, of placing the water supply of London on a
proper basis.
Another important question which Mr. Beal pressed
forward was the adaptation to altered circumstances of the
ancient charities of the City of London, and it is scarcely
too much to say that his persistent action led to the passing
of the City of London Parochial Charities Act, 1883, which,
it is hoped, will largely promote technical instruction by
providing means for assisting in the erection and maintenance
of Polytechnics in various parts of London.
As a mark of respect to Mr. Beal's memory, the Vestry
adjourned without transacting any business, on his death
being announced at their meeting on the 11th June.
DEATH OF MR. FREDERICK CRANE.
Although Mr. Crane retired from the Vestry in the year
1889, on account of advancing years, and therefore was not
a member at the time of his death, which occurred on the
20th May last, his services to the Parish extended over so
long a period and were of such unusual value that the