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107
execute such works as it might deem necessary to prevent
overflow. In pursuance of its provisions, barriers have been
erected which have proved fairly effectual in putting a stop
to tho inundations.
On the 5th April, 1898, the Board, under certain
provisions contained in the Act of Parliament, 2nd Will. IV.,
c. 28 (one of the London Bridge Acts), succeeded to the
reversion in fee simple of the arches forming the southern
approach to London Bridge, minus a small portion situate in
the adjoining district of St. Olave and which reverted to the
St. Olave District Board of Works. On the expiration of the
leases granted by the City Corporation to the late Mr.
Alderman Humphery under the Act, the two district boards
entered into possession of tho arches, and, as the result of a
valuation made by Messrs. Field & Sons, it was mutually
acrreed to let the same to the tenants of the arches for a term
of 21 years, at rentals amounting to £740 per annum. This
sum has been apportioned pro rata, as follows:—
St. Saviour £668
St. Olave 72
£740 per annum.
The Board had previously been in receipt of a rentcharge
of £19 7s. 2d. per annum upon the arches, but this
lapsed on the reversion to it of tho fee simple.
In 1891 the Board resolved to discontinue the system of
employing contractors for the execution of paving and jobbing
works, and a little later on, it also undertook the works of
scavenging, collection of dust and refuse, and watering of the
roads by men in its own employ, and established a plant of its
own. A number of carts, vans, &c., were purchased, and a
piece of vacant land, situate in Lavington Street, was taken on
lease of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and fitted up for
the purposes of a depot. Under the direction and supervision
of its Surveyor, Mr. G. R. Norrish, the system has been found
to work well and satisfactorily, and it is thought to be a great
improvement upon the old method of contracting.
In 1884, the Board erected a lavatory at the Borough end
of Southwark Street for the convenience of both sexes. This
was a great success, and in 1893 the Board resolved to provide