the light of well-known facts. Mr. Howell’s deductions – if not his premises had the semblance of being greatly at fault. Here was Mr. Clark supplying from his so-called Eversfield waterworks all the district between York Buildings and the St. Leonards Archway, and had got water to spare for the more eastern district as well. Mr. Howell, however, sensibly admitted that the Local Board might not get all the custom, as some of the consumers would be likely to continue having water from the Eversfield source. Certainly they would, all the time that they could get it at the rate of 6d. in the pound on their assessment, instead of a shilling[1], the very lowest the Local Board could charge, even if they could get the water. But more of this water business – a superlatively important matter – in the next volume.
Drinking Fountains. Notwithstanding the difficulty of procuring a sufficiency supply of the aqueous element for ordinary purposes, the Council were not slow to provide the means for thirsty souls to satisfy their real or fancied wants when out of doors. At a meeting when they were discussing the water supply and its difficulties, it was resolved that two drinking fountains be purchased for £6.10s. each and a committee appointed to select sites. But before the said fountains were procured and fixed, a subscription was set on foot, and £30 of the required sum quickly collected for a drinking-fountain to be placed in Robertson Street, as the first one in Hastings, and to be dedicated to the Countess of Waldegrave, as a testimonial in grateful remembrance and acknowledgement of her Ladyship’s generous support of the religious, educational and benevolent institutions of the borough and neighbourhood.
Fire Escapes. At the Council meeting in June, when Ald. Ross first suggested the construction of drinking-fountains, a letter was received from Mr. J. H. Flynn, suggesting the purchase of two fire-escapes. This, Ald. Ross was also in favour of; but Coun. Bromley objected, on the ground of expense.
Public Seats. At the September meeting, Ald. Ross also advocated plain seats to be placed near Wallinger's Walk, the Harpsichord and the steps out of George Street by the Literary Institution. Lady Waldegrave, he said, had always kindly treated applications made by the Board, and he had no doubt her permission would be readily granted. This was done, and the seats remain to this day.
A Shop in All Saints Street. Mr. Cousens being about to build a new house on the site of 12 All Saints street, which projected out from the line of houses at the north end of the Stag Inn, the Roads Committee recommended £100 to be offered to Mr. Cousens, to clear away the shop for a public improvement. The owner had said he was willing -
- ↑ An explanation of old currency and coinage may be found at the following website Pre-decimal currency, accessdate: 16 June 2022
