ing (Nov. 2nd) the Special Committee reported that they had been met by the projector and solicitor, and after a full consideration of the subject, they recommended the Council to adopt the following:- To grant by lease for a term of 150 years (provided the necessary consent of the Treasury could be obtained) at the annual rent of £5, such portion of the stonebeach from the parade wall extending seawards 300 yards, as may be required by the Company or their trustees for the purpose of erecting a pier of the above length, and in width about 20 feet, with a landing end seaward 40 yards square, and the site of such pier to be about the centre of Verulam place; that in such lease a condition to be inserted that the maximum toll to be levied shall not exceed one penny per head each visit; that the pier shall not be used for any other purpose than as a promenade or pleasure pier, and that no goods nor merchandize liable to toll to the Corporation or Local Board shall be landed thereon without consent in writing being first obtained from the Corporation or Local Board; that the lease be void if the pier be not completed within two years from the date of such lease; and also be void in case the pier be allowed to get out of repair, or be unfit for use, or be deserted by the company and kept closed for 6 months consecutively at any time during the term except for necessary repairs. A question was raised by Alderman Rock, whether the Lord Warden was not the custodian of the shore below the stones’ foot, but the general opinion appeared to be that the jurisdiction lay with the Admiralty. The Committee’s report was adopted.
Bathing Machines and Bathing
It was resolved, at the meeting on May 4th, that clause 5 of the bye-laws, relating to machines for bathing, should be amended so as to include stands for them as well as for carriages, and that the alteration be sent to the Secretary of State for confirmation. The new proposals, as placed before the Council on Aug. 3rd, were that bathing-machines for ladies and gentlemen respectively, should be kept 75 yards apart; that a boat should be kept at each bathing-machine station; that all articles found in bathing-machines and public carriages should be taken to the Police Station if not claimed within 24 hours, but to be returned to the finder if no owner be found within six months; that no pleasure-boats pass within 50 yards of bathing machines; and that no bathing be permitted without proper bathing-dresses between the hours of six in the morning and nine in the evening at any place from the old East groyne to 39 Tower. [Mixed bathing and some other modern privileges would not have been allowed in those days].
