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14
parliamentary bills, etc.—continued.
Corporation, 20 by the London County Council, 15 by the County
Councils of Middlesex, Surrey, Essex, Herts, Bucks, Berks, and
Oxford, and 7 by the Corporations of West Ham, Richmond,
Kingston-upon-Thames, Windsor, Reading, Abingdon, and Oxford.
On the 26th February, 1891, it was resolved that the Rt. Hon. W.
II. Smith, M.P., be requested to support the Bill.
London Water (Meter).—This Bill proposes to give to domestic
consumers the option of paying for water as for other commodities,
i.e., in proportion to the quantity used, and on the 26th February,
1891, the Vestry determined to request the Borough Member to
support the Bill.
Metropolis Management and Building Acts Amendment.—
Powers are sought to enable local authorities to repair any road
which may not have become a new street, without prejudice to the
recovery of expenses from the owners. Penalties are to be imposed
for making sewers contrary to plans approved. For purposes of
effecting the widening, &c., of any street, local authorities may take
portions only of houses and buildings. Subsoil may not be removed
without the consent of the local authorities or the London County
Council. Local authorities arc not to be liable for injury, caused by
steam rollers not exceeding 10 tons in weight, to mains or pipes, if
laid at a less depth than 24 inches from the surface of the street.
No action was taken thereon by the Vestry.
Metropolitan Water Companies Charges.—The purpose of
the Bill is to prevent the increase of water rates by reason merely
of an increase in the rateable value of premises which may be unconnected
with water supply, and may involve no increased consumption
of water, and it is proposed that the rate charged in the
last financial year shall not be increased because of the rateable
value having been raised except for the reasons particularised in the
Bill. In case of dispute, a County Court Judge shall have power to
make an absolute order for payment of the proposed increase, or a
less amount, but in no case shall the Company be entitled to