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65
They accordingly wrote to Mr. Goschen and to the
Hon. W. F. B. Massey-Mainwaring asking their
support. Mr. Goschen replied that he was fully
aware of the importance of the subject, and that
any proposals which may be made to Parliament
for an alteration of the law in the direction desired
would receive his careful consideration, but added
that, although the present system may work hardship
in certain cases, he feels that a very strong
case would be required to induce Parliament to
depart from a principle which has been so constantly
maintained. Mr. Massey-Mainwaring replied
that he would gladly bring any influence he
had to obtain Government action to be taken in
the form of a Bill to prevent Water Companies
from proportionally increasing the water rates as
increased valuation occurs in the new Valuation
List. The Vestry thereupon asked Mr. MasseyMainwaring,
M.P., to move a resolution in the
House of Commons in favour of the suggested
restriction.
A letter upon the same subject was subsequently
received from the Vestry of Islington stating that
they will take no action in the matter, as the proposal
is silent as regards the reduced values, and
they cannot consistently ask for such lop-sided
legislation ; whilst any legislation that would
render the Valuation List inoperative would prove
rather to the advantage of the Water Companies
than to that of the ratepayers.
Water Pipes.—A letter has been received from
the Vestry of Paddington stating that they have
instructed their representative on the London
Water Supply Conference to press for such legislation
as will throw upon the Water Companies the
responsibility for the maintenance of the communicating
pipe from the Company's main to the screw-