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way of recoupment. The times are not favorable for letting, and
some time may elapse before any reduction of the charges on the
Vestry from that source is obtained.
PUBLIC MEASURES.
Several Bills were introduced into Parliament more or less
affecting Local Government. The Valuation Bill which was ultimately
withdrawn; the District Auditors' Act imposing a stamp
duty upon the District Auditors' Certificate towards the payment
of his salary; the Sale of Food Act Amendment Bill to remove
certain doubts and simplify proceedings; an Act to remove a legal
difficulty respecting the qualification of holders of small tenements
for the Parliamentary franchise; the Artizans and Laborers
Dwellings Act, 1868 extension to give greater powers to the Local
Authorities, the former Act being practically a dead letter, and an
Act to give greater scope to the Metropolitan Board in disposing of
sites cleared under the Artizans Dwellings Act, 1875, are among the
most important affecting local government.
HARWAR STREET IMPROVEMENT.
The arrangements between the Vestry, the Drapers' Company,
and the Charity Commissioners, for the removal of Harwar's Almshouses,
in Kingsland Road, and the completing the thoroughfare
through Harwar Street, late Thomas Street, have progressed somewhat
slowly owing to some difference between the Company and
the Commissioners. These have now been settled and the order will
shortly be issued.*
The scheme to be sanctioned will be the conversion of the
benefits of the Almshouses into twelve pensions,—six men, married
or single, and six women, single or widows, of £30 per year each. The
present inmates will receive £35 15s. per year. One half of the
*Sealed and issued on the 12th of August.