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damages to the amount of £250. In the other case a road was
left after repairs (as alleged) in an improper condition, and a
horse was damaged. It is possible that the Vestry had a legal
defence to this Action, but it being a matter of doubt and not, in
a pecuniary sense worth contending, it was settled for £50
damages and costs.
DISORDERLY HOUSES.
Several prosecutions have been instituted against the keepers
of houses kept for immoral purposes. In all cases the really
offending parties were fined or imprisoned. Where the fines were
paid the Treasury remitted the greater portions of them towards
the Vestry's expenses. In several cases the parties, anticipating
summary proceedings, decamped.
Representations have been made by several parties to the
Home Secretary as to the very unsatisfactory condition of the law
in relation to this question, and urging that the duty of prosecution
should not devolve upon the Parochial Officers (who are not Peace
Officers) but upon the Police, and there is reason to believe that
the Home Secretary coincides with this View. It would be worthy
of consideration whether a united representation to that effect
should not be made to the Government by the Local Authorities.
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS.
The measures introduced into Parliament during the present
Sessions, affecting the Parish of Shoreditch, were few in number,
but of some importance.
The only Bills of general importance were the London
Government Bill of Sir W. Harcourt, and the United Telephone
Company's Bill.
The former Bill was a measure long promised, and had been
dealt with to a certain extent by anticipation. The Vestry in April,
1882, passed a resolution expressing approval of a measure for the
reform of the Government of London, which would provide for the