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17,624. In answer to question 2968, Mr. Jennings stated that
there are 10 publicans on your Vestry; is that so within your
knowledge?— I should say that there are; that would be only
10 out of 72.
17,625. At question 2971 he was asked: "Is there much
"interest taken in the parish in the elections of the Vestry? "
and his answer was "No, very little," Do you think that much
interest is taken in the elections to the Vestry ?— Yes.
17,626. (The Chairman.') How many people vote?— It all
depends upon the circumstances. Sometimes we have 80 or 90,
and sometimes we have 200 or 300. At other times when there
is no poll, elections are carried by comparatively few. For
instance, in the case of Mr. Ball, who was stated to be elected by
13 "at the head of the poll," it so happened that there was no
polling at the election of Mr. Ball, but simply a show of hands;
and as I have already said Mr. Ball is, I think, very much
esteemed in his own ward, and he had no opposition to meet.
When there is opposition we have a considerable amount of
excitement and sometimes a great deal of activity in coming to
the poll. Sometimes things pass off very quietly where there is
no opposition.
17,627. (Lord Carrington.) In answer to question 3021 the
witness stated in March last there were on the Vestry 13 or 14
house owners; is that the case?— I should think that is very
likely. As I have already stated, a great many men try to get a
little property together, a little house property amongst other
things, and they think it no crime, or no disparagement to
their eligibility for seats on public boards.
17,628. At question 3091 the witness was asked : " Have you
''ever known any inspection of those houses made by the agents
"or sub-agents of any of the freeholders during the leases, or
"has any report been made to them as to overcrowding or
"want of repairs?" and his answer was "No." Has it ever
come to your knowledge that such inspections have been made
by the landlords, or the agents of landlords, such as Mr.
Boodle?— No, it has not. At least I have never heard of it
until just recently.
17,629. At question 3174 the witness was asked: "Do you
"know that, in fact, throughout a large part of Clerkenwell
"families are residing in single rooms ?" To which he replied
in the affirmative. Do you think that there are many such cases?
—I should say not, decidedly. There may be cases.
17,630. (The Chairman.) Do you doubt that fact ?— I doubt it.