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reduction of 285 per quarter. This appears a large
number, but it is quite evident that a very large
proportion of the persons summoned are content
to wait for the summons, treating it as the "final
demand" for payment, preferring to pay the small
fee of 1s. charged for the summons and hearing,
and to hold their money, as a matter of convenience,
as long as possible. That this is so is
patent from the fact that only about five per cent.
of those summoned attend the hearing, the bulk of
the remainder paying without further proceedings
being necessary.
166 Committal Warrants were granted in respect
of non-payment of rates, averaging 41 per quarter,
the majority of the cases being those of persons
who set the Vestry at defiance, and have no goods
on the premises on which distress can be levied,
and it may be taken that practically the same
persons form the cases each quarter. In the large
majority of these cases also, when proceedings have
reached this extreme, the money is forthcoming.
An average of 13 cases per quarter were excused
by the justices on account of poverty.
Interest on Bank Balances.—The Vestry have
had before them the question of obtaining interest
on the Vestry's Balance at the National Bank, as it
appeared that a considerable sum was sometimes to
the Vestry's credit during the accumulation of
sums necessary to pay the precept of the Metropolitan
Board and School Board. From a statement
prepared it appears that the average balance
during 1888 has been £3,605 7s., the lowest being
£689 0s. 6d., on the 23rd February, 1888, and the
highest £8,403 15s. 11d., on the 21st June, 1888.
The Vestry have, therefore, been in communication
with the National Bank on the matter, and
have received from the Manager a letter, stating
that they will allow interest at the current rate