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55
The next proposal referred to the eastern end of the
street. Mr. E. T. Hall, the Architect of St. Ermin's
Mansions, submitted to the Vestry in October alternative
plans for a widening of Caxton Street, and of Great Chapel
Street, the latter to St. Ermin's Hill. Terms were quoted
upon which the owner would be prepared to surrender all
interests free from encumbrances. Beyond satisfying
themselves that the improvement was feasible, as well as
desirable, the Vestry forbore going into the question of
terms, until it had been ascertained from the Council
whether they would be willing to contribute a moiety of
the cost. This circumspection was fully justified, for the
Council, after some delay, declined to grant the application,
on the ground that the extent of the traffic passing the
spot referred to was not sufficient to warrant a contribution."
Alexandra
Gate.
The First Annual Report of the Vestry, at
page 228, gave a review of the negociations
which had taken place with Her Majesty's Office of Works
up to the 25th March of 1889, in the matter of a proposed
widening of the Kensington Road by Alexandra Gate. In
July the Vestry received a letter from H. M. Office of
Works, stating that if the Vestry would undertake to
arrange that the setting-back of the footway should be
continued on the same line down to the Queen's Gate
entrance to Kensington Gardens, the First Commissioner
would be willing to recommend Her Majesty to grant the
necessary license, it being understood that the Vestry should
bear the expense of the alterations; the estimated cost
was £5,000. Although the improvement affected but
slightly the Knightsbridge portion of the parish, it being
in every respect a metropolitan improvement, the department
were informed of the Vestry's willingness to undertake
the execution of the works upon the land necessary for
the purpose being surrendered; and in confirmation of
the preliminary notice given to the Metropolitan Board