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The Board concurred as to the above resolutions and caused
a Petition to be presented to the House of Common in opposition
to the Bill, and praying that, if passed into law, it might
be amended ill the direction suggested in such resolutions.
Water Supply
In the Session of 1867, an Act was passed modifying the
powers possessed by Water Companies, under Section 32 of
the Metropolis Water Act, 1871, to cut off water from premises
for non-payment of water rate; and, in March last, a communication
was received from the Vestry of Clerken well,
suggesting a similar amendment of the law. in regard to cutting
off water in consequence of waste. The Board concurred us
to the suggestion, but were of opinion that local authorities
should not incur any responsibility in respect of the carrying
out of works on default by the owners of premises in so doing.
Coal & Wine
Dues.
The question of the renewal of the Coal and Wine Duties,
which will expire in July, 1889, was further considered at the
instance of the City Corporation, who sought to have them
renewed, but a resolution was passed to the effect that it is
not desirable that the duties should be continued.
Uncertified
Deaths,
In reply to a circular letter from the Vestry of St. .lames,
Westminster, relative to the registration of uncertified deaths,
the Board expressed an opinion that it should be made imperative
that all deaths presented to the local Registrars for
registration should be accompanied by a certificate from a duly
qualified medical practitioner as to the cause of death ; and, in
cases where no such certificate is forthcoming, that the
Registrar should report the omission either to the Coroner,
or to the Medical Officer of Health for the district, in order
that proper inquiry might be made where necessary.
Poor Rates,
&c.
The Board also had under consideration a circular letter
from the Vestry of Lambeth, forwarding copy of resolutions
as follows, and expressed its concurrence therewith, viz.:—
"That the amount of the Poor Rate is at present very unequal in
the several London parishes, and this Vestry is of opinion that there
should be one uniform Poor Rate over all the Metropolitan area."
"That it is a great injustice to the ratepayers; of the Metropolis
that all the improvements effected in London should be paid for by
the householders, and the Vestry recommend that the Ground Rents