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11
order to avoid disorganisation and destruction of discipline,
to entrust the surveyor with full authority for the engagement
and discharge of workmen, and the assignment of
their duties. The annual report of the surveyor at page
46 will give particulars of the cost of the new system
during the past twelvemonths ; it is only necessary here to
state that the total cost of executing the services has been
£10,584 14s. 10d., which includes £1,325 8s. 4d. for rents
and the payment of instalments and interest on loans. This
result is perhaps somewhat more expensive than if the
contract system had remained in vogue, but, even supposing
that the 'ring' had not managed to increase the contract
price, a comparison with the present condition of the
streets and dust-bins in the parish, with what they were
under the old regime more than compensates for the increased
outlay. The Vestry were so satisfied with the manner in
which the Joint Committee had carried out their trust,
that they resolved to create the Joint Committee as a
Standing Committee, to be responsible for, and to exercise
all the powers of the Vestry in relation to the cleansing
and watering of the streets and the 'dusting' of the
parish.
The underground convenience in Whitehall, constructed
by Messrs. B. Finch & Co., at a cost of £1,192, was opened
on the 3rd March and placed in charge of two caretakers
in uniform, at 25s. per week. The receipts of the year
have amounted to £142 9s. 10d., or an average of £2 14s. 10d.
per week.
TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT.
The Churchwardens and Overseers, assisted by four
members of the Vestry who had previously served one or
both of the offices, have continued, during the past year,
the management of the parochial buildings, which are
vested in them by statutory authority. The amount paid
to the credit of the Poor Rate was £29 10s. 6d., representing