solved to apply to the Secretary of State for permission to carry out the plan, so that the gaol (then only used as a lockup) might be again used for the detention of prisoners, whereby a saving of from two to three hundred pounds a year might be effected.
The Harbour Question was discussed at the January meeting, and somewhat warmly. The Clerk intimated that although it was a private matter, promoted by those who signed the memorial to the Board of Trade, he thought the Council might wish to appoint a committee to watch the proceedings in the interest of the town. The schedule of tolls had been advertised, and it there were any objections to the provisional order, they must be made before the 31st of January. His own name appeared as solicitor to the promoters, but if it was thought he could not thus act and be their solicitor too, he would withdraw. Messrs. Gausden, Poole and Bromley expressed themselves opposed to the project; but Mr. Putland was in favour of the schoeme, and said he looked upon it as likely to keep up the trade in the old part of Hastings. Messrs. Duke and Vidler were also in favour of the project. Ultimately, on the motion of Mr. Gausden, a committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs Jenner, Clement, How, Duke, Picknell, Gausden, Winter, Vidler and Neve. This committee met on the 14th, 17th and 20th of January, and at a special Council meeting on the 24th the committee recommended to forward in writing a statement bearing the Corporation seal the following suggested alterations:-
1st. - That no power be given to the company to levy tolls and dues until the works are made available as a Harbour.
2nd. - That in the 4th clause of the Order, being the "limits of the Order", the parish of St. Leonards be inserted with the other parishes.
3rd. - That in the 32nd clause, giving the company power to appoint meters and weighers. "Coal Meters" shall be excepted, as they now are, and always should be appointed by the Hastings Local Board.
That the following addition be made to clause 34, which gives power for the Corporation to purchase works, viz - "It being declared that the Council should have no power in the event of such transfer, to rate or otherwise involve the Borough of Hastings for construction, maintenance and support of the said Pier and Harbour and other works."
In the schedule of Tolls, the Committee recommended the following alterations and additions:- Schedule i.- Instead of charging for every vessel using the harbour according to the respective burdens, a toll should be levied upon every vessel using the Pier or Harbour for refuge according to registered tonnage at 6d. per ton., and for every vessel loading or unloading, 9d per ton. That the toll for slates should be 6d per ton, instead of a toll at per thousand. - Coun. Winter proposed the adoption of the report, remarking that after what had taken place at the meeting last week, it would, he thought, be useless to repeat any argument in opposition to the scheme. It had been attempted to prove in committee that those arguments were sound, but they were overridden, and a -
