James Hills Evidence
Opposed private bill committee evidence on the Sunderland Improvement works. James Hills, the local ironmonger, gave evidence in favour of the introduction of the Bill, despite its possible repercussions on his business.
To find out more, please click ‘Transcript' above.
James Hills Evidence
1847
Parliamentary Archives HL/PO/PB/5/13/10
Transcript
Q: Then there is no dispute locally at Sunderland as to the pressing necessity for a measure of this kind between the Corporation and the Commissioners
A: It is admitted by all parties
Q: Can there be the slightest doubt
A: Not the slightest
Q: You said that in your capacity of Vice Chairman of the Board of Guardians you had occasion to visit the residences of the lower classes of Sunderland<
A: Yes, in Bishop Wearmouth more particularly
Q: In what state are they
A: I visited on district called Numbers Garth in which a vast number of poor reside and where there are a great number of lodging houses principally occupied...