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time issued by the Metropolitan Board of Works, requiring private
owners of riverside property in the District to raise the frontages
of their several wharves and premises to a corresponding level.
In most instances these notices were complied with immediately;
in others the works were delayed for a considerable time; but all
have now, it is believed, been carried out in accordance with the
Metropolitan Board's requirements. Moveable slides, or dams,
having in some cases been sanctioned for the convenience of
wharfingers in loading and unloading goods, this Board, in January
last, addressed a circular letter to the owners of the wharves in
question, calling their attention to the danger to which the district
will be exposed in the event of the same not being kept in working
order, and ready for use at all times; it being the intention of the
legislature that the barriers should always be kept in position,
except when business, necessitating their removal, is actually
being carried on. Neglect in this respect has, nevertheless,
occurred; the parties have been summoned, and mitigated penalties
inflicted, which it is hoped will operate as a caution. It is much
to be regretted that the original application made by this Board
to the Metropolitan Board for an Embankment was not complied
with, and that that Board should have resorted to expedients for
keeping out the tide which involve risk, are not of a permanent
character, and require constant attention and supervision. Under
these circumstances, this Board has thought it necessary to retain
the inner defences, which on so many occasions have been efficacious
in averting inundations, until such time, at least, as the new
works shall have been tested and proved to be a sufficient safeguard.
Schemes in
Parliament.
Parliamentary Plans and Books of Reference were, in November
last, deposited with the Clerk of the Board in respect of the
following projected new Railways, Widenings, and Extensions:—
South Western and City Junction.
Waterloo and City.
South Eastern Railway (New Lines and Widenings).
Ditto (various powers).
The Board instructed Mr. J. H. Bukney, of No. 27, Borough
High Street, Solicitor, to prepare and lodge petitions against the
above (with the exception of the last-named, which will not