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17,789. You think that the compensation will he greatly
reduced by its effect?—I should hardly like to answer that
question as I have not fully studied it. We are just about
arriving at that.
17,790. (Mr. Mc Cullagh Torrens.) Applying your attention
strictly to the question asked you by the Chairman; since the
amending Act of 1882, has it formed a subject of consideration
at the Vestry whether some of the improvements which they
desired might not be made by the Metropolitan Board of Works,
the burden being thereby extended over the town?—The general
feeling of the Vestry no doubt was this: that the whole of this
work might become a metropolitan and not a local matter.
17,791. As regards charge?—As regards charge.
17,792. But as regards choice?—As regards choice I think
that the local authorities should very properly have a voice.
17,793. Some persons in local authority would like to have
the choice and to leave the town the charge?—The local
authority would like to have the suggestion at least as knowing
the locality best.
(The Chairman.) The local authority has the suggestion under
Sir Richard Cross' Act; but probably it would not be found that
the suggestion was enough to get tho thing done.
17,794. (Mr. McCullagh Torrens.) As a matter of fact, have the
Metropolitan Board of Works to your knowledge in any instance
since tho passing of Sir Richard Cross' Act adopted the smaller
improvements which, in their alternative jurisdiction, they were
empowered to adopt?—The only one that they have adopted in
our parish is the Pear Tree Court scheme.
17,795. But that was far before. Let me recall your attention
to the difference between the two Acts. Parliament determined
that they would give an alternative power and right to the
Metropolitan Board of Works in case of neglect by the local
authorities to take up the work and do it, and charge the amount
first to the town and eventually as a penalty to the locality?—
Yes.
17,796. Acting upon that amended scheme, which was supposed
by Parliament to give an alternative, do you know of any
instanco in which the Metropolitan Board of Works have applied
the powers so vested in them?—Certainly not in our parish.
17,797. Or in any other parish?—Not that I am aware of.
17,798. Did you ever hoar that they had applied those
powers?—No.
17,799. Have you hoard that they have refused to apply them ?
—I believe 1 have.