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25
extensive powers sought by the Company, one of which was
to suspend wires over the public streets without the consent
of the Local Authorities, provided such wires were above
the height of the fronts of the houses ; great opposition was
offered by the various authorities affected.
This Yestry passed a resolution that it was undesirable
that any private Bill should pass, but that it is desirable
that the Government should introduce a Public Bill upon
the subject of general application giving Local Authorities
the power to deal with the question.
London Government Bill.—The Government, in the
Queen's Speech at the commencement of the Session, again
announced their intention of introducing a Bill for the
reform of the Government of the Metropolis, but at Ladyday,
the date to which this Report extends, the Bill had
not been introduced. The Vestry, however, appointed
delegates to a Conference at St. Marylebone upon the subject,
where a resolution was passed, declaring the conviction
of the Conference of the importance of local control in
parochial government, and that they view with anxiety
and proposal to interfere with the principle of autonomy in
local affairs, and adjourning the further consideration of
the question until the Bill is introduced.
Baths and Washhouses,—In January last, the question
of the adoption of the Baths and Washhouses Acts, was once
more brought before the Yestry, and a Committee was
appointed to obtain information as the working of the
Public Baths and Washhouses already established, in continuation
of the Report thereon of 1874, to ascertain if a
suitable site can be obtained within the Parish, and to
consider the advisability of the adoption of Acts by the
Yestry. The Committee had inspected a number of the
Establishments in London, but had presented no Keport at
the 25th March, when this Report closes.