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14
The Metropolitan Board promoted a Bill to authorise the
establishment of free ferries at Woolwich and Greenwich, but
owing to excessive claims made for compensation in respect to the
Greenwich and Poplar ferry, that was abandoned.
Water Companies' Charges.
An important Act has been passed this Session making the
Rateable Value as defined by the Parochial Rate books the basis of
Water Companies' charges. This gives a legislative effect to the
decision in the case of the Dobbs' Appeal.
Electric Lighting Orders.
The Provisional Orders obtained by the Metropolitan Brush
Electric Light Company in 1883 have been revoked by the Board of
Trade, in consequence of the inability of the Company to proceed.
London and North-western Railway.
This Company sought for powers this Session to make a level
crossing in Worship street, to connect the coal yard with the goods
yard. The proposal was opposed by the Vestry and the Metropolitan
Board, and was abandoned.
Electric and Telephone Wires.
Several of the Metropolitan Vestries and District Boards
requested the Government to appoint a Select Committee to consider
what regulations and provisions were required for the protection of
the public from danger alleged to attend the unauthorised extension
of these overhead wires all over the Metropolis. A select
Committee was appointed, and heard evidence pro and con upon the
question. The report of the Committee was entirely unsatisfactory
to the various Local Authorities, and apparently to the Government,
inasmuch as no steps seem to be contemplated to give effect
to the Committee's recommendations.
Islington to City Subway.
A Bill to authorise the construction of a tunnel under the City
road, from Islington to Moorgate street, was introduced to Parlialiament.
A portion of the works would have been in Shoreditch
Parish. The Parliamentary Committee did not think it necessary
to oppose a soheme which from the first appeared to possess no
vitality. The Bill collapsed after 1st reading.