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combined. By this means an undue preponderance will be given
to the strength of the City vote at the expense of the Municipal
Districts, the number of Common Councilmen to which the City
is fairly entitled being 16.40 only.
This Board carefully considered the Bill at a Meeting held on the
7th ultimo, when conflicting opinions were expressed regarding its
merits or demerits, it being maintained on the one hand by
supporters of the measure that it would carry out a much-needed
reform, and meet the requirements of the Metropolis; on the other,
that it would be fatal to self-government, and lead to increased
expenditure. Ultimately the following resolution was put to the
vote and carried by a small majority, viz.:—"That while we fully
agree as to the necessity of Reform in the Government of London,
we cannot accept the proposals of the Government, as they would
virtually destroy Local Self-Government, and cause an increase of
taxation without any corresponding advantages."
Death and
Retirement of
Members.
The Board greatly regret to have lost by death the services of
Messrs. Lawson, Rideal, and Rutt, during the past year, and by
retirement, of Mr. Cathie, who held the office of Chairman of the
Finance Committee for several years prior to his retirement.
More recently, Mr. Thorn, who had been a Member of the Board
from its first formation, in the year 1855, and Chairman of the
Sanitary Committee during the whole of that period, and who,
luring the past fifteen years had been regularly chosen to preside
at the meetings, and was the accepted Chairman of the Board,
tendered his resignation. The Board were most unwilling to lose
the services of a gentleman who had been connected with them for
so long a time, and whom they so highly respected, and urged him
to re-consider his determination, assuring him of their constant and
unfailing support. Mr. Thorn was, however, firm in his resolve,
and the Hoard had no alternative than to accept his resignation.
W. H. ATKINS.
Board Room,
Emerson Street, Bankside, S.E.
24Ih June, 1884,