The Sun.
London, England, 1856-01-02 00:00:00

METROPOLITAN BOARD OP WORKS.

The first meeting of this board under the act for prac
tical purposes took place yesterday afternoon, at Burling-
ton-house, Piccadilly ; Mr. Thwaites in the chair. The
board did not meet until two o'clock.
Mr. WILKINSON (honorary secretary) read the mi-
nutes of the last meeting relative to the appointment of
the chairpaan, which were confirmed.
The CHAIRMAN, in commencing the business of the
day, alluded to a feeling prevalent that the meeting had
not been called in accordance with the act, but from, in.
quiries made of others he was of opinion the proper
notice had been given. As the important works lately
connected with the Commissioners of Sewers passed that
day from that body to this board, he thought it right to
make arrangements before the meeting this after-
noon, that no interregnum might take place likely
to lead to dangerous consequences to the public,
and he had continued the sluice keepers, &c., in
office till the 15th. He made arrangements for taking
possession of the late body's premises in Greek.street,
which had that day been handed over to them, and also

for securing the ♦aluable documents connected with the
works, worth from 60,0001. to 80,0001., and which were
now in the hands of persons answerable to that board
for their safe custody. (Hear, hear.) The hon. gentle.
man informed the board that it was his intention not to
take part in the discussions of the board. (Hear.) He
hoped that whatever might be the nature of the ques-
tions brought forward for discussion, the member
of the board would abstain from the introduction of party
warfare and politics. (Hear.) After calling on the board
to support him in discharging the onerous duties of chair-
man, he called on
The Hon. SECRETARY (Mr. Wilkinson) to read the
documents relative to the directions and arrangements
made by the chairman, and alluded to above, which
were approved of by the board and confirmed.
A long discussion took place on certain suggestions
made by the committee appointed at the former meeting
to assist the chairman in satisfactorily arranging the

preliminaries necessary to be got over to proceed effi-
ciently with the machinery of the board. Ultimately a
committee of three was appointed to suggest a common
seal for the board, is order to prevent any injurious con-
sequences that might otherwise arise to the public.
Mr. Bazalgette was directed to take charge of the
main sewers and other works, with the assistance of the
district engineers, and such temporary assistance as he
might require, until otherwise directed ; and that a se-
cretary, treasurer, banker, engineer, and accountant be
appointed.

Mr. WILKINSON referred to a report that was prevalent,
that he would not be keeping faith with the board were

he to offer himself as a candidate far the secretaryship.
He bad never sought office, nor did he intend to offer
himself, but if the board were disposed to confer on him
the office of secretary he would undertake to discharge
the duties.

A resolution was moved, seconded, and carried, and a
committee of fifteen appointed to define the duties of the
above officers, and fix the salaries, leaving the appoint-
ment of the subordinate officers to a future meeting.
A letter was read from Sir B. Hall, announcing that
the Board could not have the use of Burlington-house
for their meetings after the 21st inst.

A letter was read from Sir J. V. Shelley, announcing
his resignation as a member of the board for St. James's.
The letter was directed to be entered in the minutes, and
that the vacancy be announced to the churchwardens of
St. James's.

In a reply to a question relative to the chairman's
double election,

The CHAIRMAN said that immediately on his being
elected chairman he ceased to be the representative of
Greenwich and Southwark, and notified the same to the
♦estry clerks of those districts, at the same time request-
ing them to proceed to the election of his successor. Ho
believed the dicers of those districts had taken the
necessary steps to fill up the vacancies.
A conversation arose as to which was the most cen-
tral spot for the board to select to hold its future meet-
ings, and a committee was appointed to consider the
question and report.

Mr. COLLINSON said he understood the Corporation of
London, on application being made to them to that
effect, would grant the temporary use of the Council
Chamber until the board had decided where their meet •
ings should permanently be held. He moved a resolu-
tion asking for accommodation, which was seconded
by Mr. NICHOLAT, and agreed to.
The appointment of a superintendent architect was
referred to the committee to report on the appointment
of the superior officer of the board.

After a short desultory conversation the meeting
separated.