The Sun.
London, England, 1867-03-02 00:00:00

TIIE PUBLIC.

A report was brought up from the Works and
General Purposes Committee, stating, with reference
to the memorial from Mr. Drew, Mr. Carproael, and
Mr. Flower, praying the board to take the necessary
steps for securing the oommon ofTooting Bec as an
open space, that they have authorised the solicitor
to state to the Master of the Rolls what steps have
been taken in the matter, and that should the board
be enabled eventually to carry out the arrangement
contemplated, their object will be to devote the
common for ever (with the exception of small out-
lying portions) as an open space for the use of the
inhabitants of the metropolis.
Mr. FREEMAN moved the adoption of the report,
which was agreed to without discussion.
ARTISANS AND LABOURERS DWELLINGS BILL.

The Works and General Purposes Committee re-
ported that they were of opinion that asthe Artisans
and Labourers Bill involved new principles of taxa-
tios it required theserious consideration of th e board.
Mr. Sitar said he agreed with the committee that
a very serious question was raised by the bill, as the
question was whether this board should tax the rate-
payers to supply the funds for building houses for
artisans and labourers. Ther4 were persons who had
various plans for this purpose, and if carried out he
thought they might not only be profitable but very
beneficial; but as there was a proposition for them to
build houses at the expense of the ratepayers, he
hoped the board would have nothing to do with.the
bill.

The CHAIRMAN said the feeling -of the committee
was that the bill proposed a new system of taxation,
for it was such an enlargement of the statute of
Elizabeth that it might become a serious matter to
the ratepayers. If they were to charge the rate-

payers for building these houses for artisans and la-
bourers, then it was a question that demanded seri-
ous consideration on the part of the board. The ma-
chinery pointed out on the bill to be used he considered
to be most objectionable, as the board was to be set
in motion by the grand jury. He did not consider

that this was a proper body to originate proceedings
to rate the metropolis. The first question was, was
that a mode of taxation consistent with the statute
of Elizabeth and the general municipal government
of the metropolis ? There was no doubt that a large
number of houses were unfit for human habitations,
they were dens of fever and disease, and the inbabi-

tants of them suffered a great wrong; but it
was the duty of Parliament to step in and put a stop
to the occupation of houses the condition of which
rendered them unfit for human habitations. They
ought to bring about a practical remedy, either by
sacrificing the property, or compelling the owners to
ptallietii into a proper condition and fit for the use
of the poor. Therefore the committee were the
wore desirous to call the attention of the board to
the bill. If they thought the bill was not offensive
in principle, and that its details could be amended
in committee, then they could vote that the subject
should be referred back to the committee ; but if
they did agree to the principle, then it would be
their duty to oppose the preamble. The board had,
therefore, then to determine what course they would
pursue.

Mr. SAUNDERS believed that the principle of the
bill was a good one, and only required a little care-
ful arrangement of the details.

Mr. LE BRETON moved that the subject be re-
ferred back to the Works and General Purposes
Committee to petition for such modifications in the
bill as they may consider to be advisable. If the
board were to set their faces against the bill in tote
they would get into great disgrace with the public.
Mr. ROCIIE seconded the motion.

Mr. TURNER thought it would be precipitate to
assent to the principle of the bill, and for it to be
supposed that they only objected to the details. He
for one was not at present prepared even to assent
to the principle of the bill.
Mr. FREEMAN said the principle was not a new
one, but one that had been long acted upon by the
board in the making of parks for the recreation of
the people ; and even their sewerage works were for,
the public benefit. This was a sanatory improve-
ment for the purpose of giving a healthy, decent
dwelling- place for the poor man to live in. Two-
thirds of the poor rates went for the relief of the
poor, the halt, the lame, and the blind, and the other
third went to relieve those who suffered by disease
engendered by unwholesome dwellings, as they in
their sickness were thrown for support upon the poor
rates. Ile therefore supported the principle of the
bill.
Mr. COLLINSON also supported the bill.

Mr. ELT said if this bill was passed the board
would become speculative builders on a large scale,
or jobbers for extensive repairs, and there would be
no end of their liability.

Some other members having expressed their views
upon the consequences of the passing of this bill,
The ritIAIRDLW put the motion, which was carried
with two dissentients.

THE TRAFFIC REGULATION (METROPOLIS) BILL.
A report was brought up from the Works and
General Purposes Committee, stating, with refer-
ence to the Traffic Regulation (Metropolis) Bill,
18G7, which was referred to the committee, with
authority to communicate with the several vestries
and district boards of the metropolis to ascertain
their opinions on its provisions, that the committee
do not consider it expedient to send such communi-
c:ition. This recommendation led to a long discus-
sion, but
On the motion of Mr. ROCHE, it was agreed that
the subject should be referred back to the Works
and Improvements Committee, and that they be in-
structed to conduct an opposition to the bill, and
that the clerk do communicate to the vestries the
intention of the board to oppose the bill.

THE NEW LAW COURTS.
Mr. Tt ociiE moved,-' That permission be given to
Captain Shaw to advise the Courts of Justice Con-
centration Commission as to the arrangements for
the Prot-ction of the new law courts from fire, and
that he be authorised to receive from the commis-
sion such remuneration as they may offer him for
his Pervi us."

The motion was agreed to.
PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE.
Mr. LE BRETON moved, " That a committee, con-
sisting of the chairman of the board, the members
of the board who are members of Parliament, and
five other members, be appointed to watch and pro-
mote the progress of the bills introduced by this
board in the present session of Parliament, and
that it be left to such committee to adept such

course with regard to such bills as may appear to
them most desirable for the interests of the public,
and that they do report to the board weekly the
steps which may be taken."
This motion was agreed to 'without discussion.

PROGRESS OF THE THAMES EMBANKMENT WORKS,
The Engineer read a lung report on the progress
of the Thames Embankment Wcrks, which, on the
whole, were going on very satisfactorily.
The other business was disposed of, and the
board adjourned.

MOSES and SON
are Ready-made and Bespoke Tailors, Habit
Makers, Woollen Drapers, Hatters, Hosiers, Boot and Shoe
Manufacturers, and General Outfitters for all Classes.

LONDON HOUSES,
154, 155, 156, 157, Minories ; 83, 81, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89,
Aldgato ; 506, 507, ;;08, New Oxford-street ; 1,2,
3, Hart-street ; 137, 138, Tottenham-court-
road ; 283, Euston-road.
COUNTRY BRANCll—Bradford, Yorkshire.