The Sun.
London, England, 1858-05-19 00:00:00

THE MAIN DRAINAGE OF LONDON.

A public meeting was held in reference to this
sulject at the Freemasons' Tavern, Great Queen'
street, but which, although it had been publicly
announced by advertisements, was thinly attended.
The chair was taken by Mr. W. Crawford, M.P.
for the city of London, who was supported by Mr.
W. Cox, M.P. for Finsbury ; Mr. Ayrton,
for the Tower Hamlets, and several other gentle•
men interested in this question. After the hon•
secretary had read from several gentlemen apoin"
gies for their non-attendance, a series of resolutions
was proposed and adopted. The object of the
meeting was—
g. To consider the present position of the question of
the main drainage of the metropolis, and to take the
❑ecessary steps for protecting the interests of the metro.
politan ratepayers in Parliament."

Mr. JOHN `'PACE a member of the Shoreditch
vestry, proposed, and Mr. PREECE, member of the
Mile-end vestry, seconded—

" That the Plans hitherto proposed for the mein
drainage of the metropolis are incomplete, conflicting,
and unsatisfactory, certain to entail a heavy burden on
tht ratepayers, and of problematical utility to the publics
health. That while it has not been proved that the
Thames exerts a prejudicial influence on the health of
the metropolie, it is still desirable to improve the drain'
ing and self-cleaosirg powers of the river, and to pro,:
vent the deposit of mud in its channel and on its banks.
This resolution, although it encountered Bogle
little opposition, especially in reference to the non-
prejudicial influence of the Thames in its present
condition, was declared by the chairman to be
carried. Mr. Frederick Doulton, a member of the
Lambeth vestry, then proposed, and Mr. G. •A•
Youngman, a member of the St. Pancras vestriv
seconded, a further resolution—
" That the utmost uncertainty appears to prevail igl
the minds of the framers of the reports and estiroatel
hitherto prepared as to the extent and cost of the work
required, ranging from upwards of 2,000,0001. to nearly
11,006,000/., demonstrating that this important clue7e
tion is not yet ripe for solution, and that a hasty dec.,:
skin will impose a frightfully enormous taxation upon
the already heavily burdened ratepayers, and that there,
fore, before any final course be adopted, there should 11;
a complete and comprehensive report upon the vibe,.
question, and ample opportunity should be given to tu
ratepayers to examine and consider the same."
This resolution, like its predecessor, proved ale°
all
subject of some little difference of opinion, but
appeared unanimous on the unsatisfactory rePr.,,va
sentation of expense, varying as it did with so
a margin in the estimate of cost to effect the obi%
contemplated by the advoc rtes ;for cleansing t,O
u,
Thames. It was, however, conclusively agreedL
It was then moved by Mr. Farrar, of St. Nue°g /
and seconded by Mr. Elt, of Islington—
" That the metropolitan delegates be requested tor;
press upon the Metropolitan Board of Works the vi vob
,xpreseed in the foregoing resolutions, and to take B
steps as they may see fit for the proper representation
of the same in Parliament."
After this resolution bad been approved an car
pi•
ried by the meeting, a vote of thanks was tint' of
mously given to the chairman, and the busineEo

the evening brought to a close.
The specie by the Parana, 300,0001., will be deliverl
on Thursday. It consists of 91,5001. in gold 0
108,500/. in silver. The gold by the Roxburgh Co l;11
201,0681., has ccme to hand, but has not yet been
posed of,