Guardians of the poor, in the English parochial law are important functionaries elected by a parish or union of parishes; they have the management of the workhouse and the maintenance, clothing and relief of the poor, and in the regulations must comply with the orders of the Poor Law Board, a central authority, whose head is a member of Parliament, their duties are entirely regulated by these orders, and by statutes.
Relieving Officers.—Mr. Murphy, Wye Street, York Road; Mr. Tugwell, 479, Battersea Park Road.
Medical Officers.—Dr. Kempster, 247, Battersea Park Road; Dr. Oakman, The Priory, Battersea Square.
Surveyor and Inspector of Nuisances.—Mr. Pilditch, Stone Yard, Battersea, to whom complaints should be made.
Dust Contractor.—Applications to be addressed Board of Works, Battersea Rise.
Turn-cock.—R. Gray, 24, Dickens Street; Assistant ditto. W. Moore, 24, Parkside Street.
Collectors of Parochial Rates.—Mr. E. Stocker, 37, St. John's Hill Grove; Mr. G. Nichols, Pembroke Villa, Falcon Lane; Mr. G. J. Chadwin, Lombard Road; Mr. O. Shepherd, 15, Middleton Road, Battersea Rise.
Collectors of Queen's Taxes.—Mr. A. G. Iago, Gatcombe Villa, Harbutt Road, Plough Lane, New Wandsworth; Mr. Lewis, Bridge Road.
The Battersea Tradesmen's Club commenced October 1875, may be regarded as a local Institution. Its founder was Mr. Elmslie, the register contains the names of 200 elected members, having for their object the general interest, improvement and prosperity of the parish. The club has sustained a heavy loss by the sudden death of its respected Treasurer, Mr. Henry Kesterton, he was a guardian of the poor, a member of the vestry, and also of the board of works. His straightforwardness and generosity inspired much respect. Deep sympathy with his wife and family was manifested at his funeral, which was attended by a great number of the leading members of the club, and other parishioners. His mortal remains were interred at Norwood Cemetery.