The Sun.
London, England, 1854-08-15 00:00:00

REPRESENTATION OF ST. MARYLEBONE.

Yesterday the representative vestry of St. Pancras
assembled in the Great Hall, King's-road, Camden-
town, pursuant to special notice, to meet Sir B. Hail,
and to hear an explanation from the i ight hon. baronet
as to the circumstances under which he. accepted the
office of President of the New Board of Health ; John
Flather, Esq., the senior churchwarden, in the chair.
Sir B. HALL said that he was most desirous that the
whole of his constituents, to whom he was indebted for
everything in public life, should clearly understand the
circumstances under which he had accepted the office
which he then filled. He had represented the borough
of Marylebone for 17 years, and he did not wish to
do anything without the knowledge of his consti-
tuency. So far from his having ever sought for
office, he really, when applied to last Sunday week
upon the subject, recommended a person whom he be-
lieved to be a fit person to fill the important post.
It was represented to him that it was the wish of the
Government that he should accept the office, which was
represented to be one of great responsibility and high
honour. He looked upon the office as one of a social
more than a political character. Of one fact he had to
assure them, that the duties of his office should be ever
transacted with a view to the upholding of the principle
of local self-government as contra-distinguished from
that of centralisation, and to place the department on
such a footing as to command the respect of all parties.
The appointment gave him no power whatever over the
metropolis, except as regarded the provisions of the
Nuisances Removal Act, but he should be glad at all
times to do all he could by way of suggestion ; he had
attended officially at the board for the first time on
Saturday, and had already prepared the following cir-
cular, which would be forthwith issued to the various
clerks of the parishes and unions :
" General Board of Health, Whitehall
August 12, 1854.
" Sir,—l am directed by the General Board of Health
to inform you that it is the anxious desire ci the board to
co-operate with the metropolitan boards of guardians in
preventing and mitigating, as far as possible, the visita-
tion of epidemic cholera, which has already made its ap-
pearance in many districts of the metropolis ; and while
the board would deprecate any diminution of local respon-
sibility or interference with local efforts, it is possible that
their assistance and advice may be acceptable tc boards of
guardians, end they are prepared therthre to direct one
of the board's medical officers, in company with an inspec-
tor from the Poor Law Board, to attend and confer with
the guardians as to the preventive measures already taken
or to be taken, and the arrangements for dispensary accoin
modation and the treatment of the sick, in accordance with
the recommendation iu the minute on preventive measures
already sent. I am therefore to request that you will
convene a special meeting of the guardians for the purpese
of ascertaining whether they aro desirous of receiving the
assistance and advice of this board in the manner above
indicated, and that you will communicate to me the wishes
of the guardians in this respect.
(Signed) "T. TAYLOR, Sec."
He called their attention to this document, more
especially to show that his idea was purely to suggest
and advise, not to command. It had been said by one
of his friends that it was to be regretted that Sir B.
Hall had been placed in so unpopular an office. This
might certainly be sufficient to cast down many, but if
he (Sir B. Hall) could succeed in rendering the office a
popular one, he should feel more than amply repaid
with the feeling that he had done some good to the
state. (Cheers.) The right hon. baronet then made a
similar statement to that which appeared in this journal
on Monday, and concluded by expressing a hope that
what he had dune would meet the approbation of those
with whom he had been so long associated.
Mr. T. E. BAKER moved a vote of thanks to Sir B.
Hall and Lord Dudley Stuart for the efficient and faith-
ful discharge of their Parliamentary duties.
Mr. Churchwarden FARRER seconded the vote of
thanks, which was carried by acclamation,

Mr. 'DEFRIES wished to be informed whether the ac-
ceptance of office would interfere with Sir B. Hall's
Parliamentary duties ?
Sir B. HALL considered that so far from interfering
with his Parliamentary duties, his new office might give
him greater facilities for carrying out any measure he
might bring forward.
Sir B. HALL then retired.