Clause 74, empowering Vestries, &c., with sanction of the Metropolitan Board of Works, to effect improvements within their districts, &c. Remark referred to:—‘We think this clause requires remodelling. It does not go far enough. We think the clauses for improving streets in the Towns improvement Clauses Act should be embodied in this Act, particularly sec. 67; and also the clauses of the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act, enabling the Vestry to take compulsory possession of land.’
Clause 75, enacting that buildings projecting beyond the general line of the street, where taken down to an extent exceeding one half, shall be set back to the general line. Remark referred to:—‘This should be extended to Vestries with the consent of the Metropolitan Board of Works.’
Clause 78, empowering Vestries &c. to drain and pave courts, &c. on default of owners, in lieu of enforcing penalties. Remark referred to:—‘The judgment when recovered should be a first charge on the property, with power of sale in default of payment, on three month’s notice affixed on the premises.’
Clause 93, enacting that a Vestry or District Board may require payment of costs or expenses from an owner or occupier, and the occupier paying to deduct from rent. Remark referred to:—‘We do not think the clause goes far enough. The Vestry to be properly protected against their enormous outlay, should have a statutable charge upon the premises for moneys expended by them recovered by judgment. We see no reason why the Vestry should not have a power of sale something similar to that given to the Commissioners of Police under the 74th section of the Metropolitan Buildings Act, 18 & 19 Vic., cap. 122; unless this is effectually done, the annual loss to every parish which carries out the intentions of the Metropolis Local Management Act, must be considerable; the Act will become a dead letter, or Vestries must be protected from loss.’
Resolved,—That the attention of the Solicitors be directed to the discrepancy between the marginal note to Clause 52, and the body of the clause.
Resolved,—That the Solicitors do endeavour to obtain the following alterations:—Clause 90 in the Bill above referred to, line 29, omit the words, ‘which may be unfit for the keeping of swine, or where the breeding, feeding, or keeping swine may create a nuisance or be injurious to health,’ in order to insert the words, ‘within forty yards of any street.’
Line 31, insert after the word ‘place’ the words, ‘or in any locality, premises, or place in such manner as to be a nuisance to other persons residing near thereto.’
Resolved,—That the Solicitors and the Vestry Clerk be instructed to arrange with Mr. Tite as to the best mode of obtaining the above alterations in the Bill now before Parliament.
The Vestry Clerk to W. Tite, Esq., M.P.
April 25th, 1861.