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35
opinion that it would be desirable for the prompt and efficient
carrying on of the Vestry's business that a Junior Clerk who could
write shorthand should be appointed. He has drawn the Committee's
attention to the great increase in the clerical work since
1871 (when the clerical staff was increased to four) by the establishment
of the Wharf, the printing of the Minutes, and the greatly
increased number of meetings, together with other reasons which
were set out in a communication of the late Vestry Clerk in 1888
(Minutes, 1887-8, page 295), upon which the Vestry appointed
another clerk. The Vestry Clerk also points out that even with
that addition constant night work on his part was necessitated to
keep the work from falling into arrear, and that the additional
demands on his time as Vestry Clerk will make it impossible for him
to continue the same amount of detail work which he has hitherto
done. There is, however, the fact that the office accommodation,
even for the present staff, is utterly inadequate, and the inconvenience
at present experienced would be intensified by the further
appointment. The Clerk has therefore expressed bis willingness to
endeavour to carry on the work, without filling up the vacancy, it
being understood that the appointment is rather in abeyance than
done away with.
New Vestry Hall.—The inadequacy of the present
Vestry Hall for the purpose of carrying on the
parochial business properly has been long patent to
those who have given any consideration to the subject,
but the prospect of a suitable and central site
being found when the new street, now called Rosebery
Avenue, was formed, has had the effect of
delaying the provision of the necessary accommodation.
The site has now presented itself in the
vacant ground to the north of, and immediately
adjoining, the present Vestry Hall, and it has been
purchased by the Vestry from the County Council
for the sum of £6,210, a loan of £6,200, at 3J per
cent., being obtained for the purpose, repayable
over a period of 56 years. Active steps are being
taken to proceed with the building at as early a
date as possible.
Valuation Lists.—Uniformity in Procedure.—
The Vestry in February received an invitation from
the Couuty Council to appoint a representative to