NOT IN AUCKLAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 147, 12 September 1927, Page 13

NOT IN AUCKLAND

BAILIFFS SEIZE A TRAM Making a strategical entry into the Camberwell Green depot of the London County Council’s tramways one afternoon last month, Mr. H. E. Bockett, high bailiff of the Hackney Borough Council, and one of his assistants, took possession of a tramway-car and posted up a notice stating that it had been seized by the Hackney Council for non-payment of rates by the L.C.C. Rumours of the coming of the bailiffs had reached the L.C.C. authorities, but by arriving some time before they were expected they effected an entry in the absence of the depot foreman. Even when the bailiffs were installed in the tramway-car, with their notice posted, it was a dismaying prospect which faced them, for, comfortable as some tramway-cars may be for short journeys, nobody has yet recommended them as places of permanent abode—at least without extensive alterations. The problem of obtaining food supplies had also to be faced. Fortunately for the bailiffs negotiations on the question at issue were soon initiated. The He u ckney Council claimed the payment of more than £7OO in rates for the Upton House L.C.C. School at Hackney. The school has been empty for some time, and the L.C.C. contends that it is not liable for rates. When informed that the bailiffs had taken possession of the tramway-car, an L.C.C. official applied at Lambeth County Court for its release and entered into a bond to bring a case against the Hackney Council within fourteen days. The Judge accepted this arrangement, whereupon L.C.C. and Hackney officials went to the tramway depot. The notice was removed and the bailiffs, having made history in their profession, were relieved. The party then dispersed with expressions of mutual goodwill.