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to pass tho preamble of the Bill, subject to certain
modifications of the Clause, with the view to tho
apportionment of the additional expense between the
owner and tho Local Authority. The Vestry
strongly objected to the decision arrived at by tho
Select Committee, aud so informed the Council.
The original clause provided that the dwellings
were to he lighted upon requirement of tho Local
Authority, tho cost being paid by tho Owner, but
that was altered by throwing upon the Local
Authority half tho cost of the lighting after 11-30
p.m., tho amount to bo repaid by the Local
Authority to tho Owner, and the duty of extinguishing
tho lights being placed upon the Local
Authority. Other local authorities opposed the
Clause in its altered form, and it was eventually
altogether withdrawn. The Vestry expressed to
the County Council their regret at the withdrawal
of the Clause, and their hope that it might be reintroduced
in its original form in the next Session,
to which tho Council replied that, having regard to
the proceedings of the present Session, it would, in
their opinion, bo undesirable to introduce tho
clause referred to until tho Local Authorities are
agreed as to the manner in which the cost of lighting
such staircases shall be borno.
The Vestry rejoined that, in thoir opinion, it is the
duty of tho Council itself to ascertain the opinion
of the Local Authorities, having regard to the
evidence adduced on its behalf before the House
of Commons Committee. Tho Council, however,
stated that, as at present advised, it did not propose
to tako any steps with reference lo the lighting of
common staircases in tho next session of Parliament.
The Unemployed.—In February, a letter was
reeoived from the Local Government Board drawing