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The average number of empty houses per quarter has been
2,010. It is satisfactory to note that there has been a steady decrease
in this respect for the last two years notwithstanding the increase in
the total number of assessments.
During the year, 25,234 summonses for non-payment of rates have
been issued (an average of about 6,308 per quarter) which is a slight
reduction on the numbers for last year. Of the number summoned each
quarter about 1,000 appeared before the magistrate to ask for time, and
of these the majority paid the collector before the expiration of the time
granted. The number of distress warrants handed to the brokers has
been 2,672, but in only 571 cases have levies been actually made
and in very few of these was it found necessary to proceed to the sale
of the goods.
In 48 cases warrants of committal were obtained. Of these 17
paid prior to or upon arrest, 20 absconded, and 11 were lodged in
Holloway gaol.
The total amount received by the Vestry Clerk during the year,
and paid by him to the Vestry's Bankers in respect of summons fees
was £1,168 1s,
The return showing the rates levied by the Vestry since the .
passing of the Metropolis Local Management Act, 1855, will be
found in the Appendix.
HIGHWAYS.
The new roads which have been taken under jurisdiction
during the last few years and which for some time after being made
required little or no repairs are now beginning to make an appreciable