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25
(m) RE-ORGANIZATION OF THE VESTRY CLERK'S AND ACCOUNTANTS STAFF.
The Officers' Committee, on the 12th January, 1893, discussed a letter from
Mr. Milne, the General and Arrears Clerk, stating that in consequence of an
increasing pressure of minuting and other work, caused by the large and increasing
amount of business undertaken by the various committees of the Vestry attended
by him, he was unable to devote sufficient time to the important duty of checking
the Rate Collectors' arrears, The Committee also discussed a joint report of the
Accountant and myself on the matter, and after considering that report, re-arranged
the duties of the Rate staff in some particulars, with a view to The better equalization
of the work of the Vestry Clerk's and Accountant's departments; the
arrangement to be reported on again after its working had been tried.
TOWN HALL.
On the 1st October, 1892, I applied before the Theatres Committee of the
London County Council at the annual Licensing Meeting for a renewal of their
license for music and dancing at the Hall, but the Committee insisted on an undertaking
being given by the Vestry not to use the Hall until the required alterations
had been carried out. This condition was confirmed by the Council, but the Vestry
declined to assent to these terms as they were ready and willing to carry out the
works but were prevented from doing so by the refusal of the Council to sanction the
necessary loan for the purpose. Further application was made by me to the Council,
and on the inconsistency of the position being emphasized, and the serious loss to
the locality which would be entailed by closing the Hall in the winter being pointed
out, the Council ultimately agreed to grant a provisional license up to the 31st. day
of March, 1893, the required works to be commenced after that date.
The negotiations for obtaining the sanction of the London County Council to
the loan required for carrying out the alterations to the Hall ordered by them
resulted in the sanction of the Council to the borrowing of the money being obtained
under their seal, on the 22nd November, 1892. Clauses were also inserted in the
General Powers Bill of the Council to remove the legal difficulties which had arisen
with regard to the building and use of Town Halls by London local authorities for
the purposes of music and dancing. This Bill has now passed both Houses of
Parliament, and will shortly receive the Royal assent, when the Council will be in a
position to advance the amount required by the Vestry. The contract with Mr.
Steed was sealed on the 30th March, 1892, for £5,676, being £250 in addition to
his original tender approved by the Vestry, to meet the rise in wages in the building
trade which had taken place during the delay in obtaining the Council's sanction.
During the year from Lady-day, 1892, to Lady-day, 1893, the Large Hall has
been let 87 times, and the Council Chamber 7 times. Committee-rooms have also
been let separately on various occasions.