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8
TAMES COMMUNICATIONS.
The Metropolitan Board introduced into Parliament a Rill for
the construction of a Tunnel between Shadwell and Rotherithe,
and Steam Ferries at points lower down the river. Private parties
promoted a scheme for the construction of a Duplex Bridge near
to the Tower. Several communications were received from the
Water-side Local Authorities, some supporting, others opposing
the various sohemes, and asking the Vestry's assistance. The
Vestry, while fully recognizing the necessity and importance of
improved communications between the North and South, east of
London Bridge, but having no very direct interest in any of the
rival schemes, and seeing that the Waterside Local Authorities
were by no means agreed as to the merits of any of them, declined
to take any action for or against thorn. None of the schemes were
sanctioned by Parliament.
SCHOOL BOARD EXPENDITURE.
Communications were received from several Vestries and
Boards protesting against the increased expenditure, and consequently
increased money demands by the London School Board.
The amount required from this Parish for the year 1883 was
£1(5,641 7s. 9d., and for 1884, £19,525 13s. 2d., being an increase
of £2,884 5s. 5d. for the year. The Vestry, it is true, is the moneyraising
authority for the School Board, as well as for several other
Metropolitan Authorities, but beyond performing this ministerial
duty, it has no connection with or control over the School Board.
The Members of the School Board are elected directly by the
Ratepayers, and the Vestry, considering that the remedy, if any
exists, is in the hands of the Ratepayers, declined to interfere with
or to express any opinion upon the question.
METROPOLITAN WATER SUPPLY.
Several attempts have boon made by private Members; in the
House of Lords, by Lord Camperdown, and by Mr. Torrens in the
House of Commons, to amend the Water Acts, in respect to the
Companies powers and charges. None of these proposals made
any progress