'_Mill Bank Water_ is raised and laid into Houses in the Parish of _St. Margaret's, Westminster_, from the _Thames_. The Water House is situate on the E. side of _Mill Bank_, for which the Proprietors, who are in Number 5, had a Patent granted them by K. Charles 2 about the Year 1673. Their Stock and Income is divided into 8 Shares. Rates are at least 10_s._ _per Ann._, but commonly 20_s._, and for Brewers and extraordinary Occasions more than so many Pounds.' The water was supplied in primitive pipes of wood, some being of the very small bore of one inch. 'The Governor and Company of the New River, being inclined to contract for Wooden Pipes of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 Inches Diameter in the Bore, to be delivered at any Place within the Bills of Mortality, as occasion shall require, do hereby give notice, that they shall be ready to receive proposals for that purpose, any Thursday, at their Office at Puddle Dock.'[84] [Footnote 84: _London Gazette_, Feb. 27/Mar. 1, 1714.] An adventurer's share in the New River Water Company was then worth 4,500 guineas; and Hatton, in his 'New View of London,' says: 'They now Let the Water to most Houses without Fine or Lease, according as they Consume Water, to none less than 22_s._ 8_d._ per Ann., but to some Brewers, &c., for 40_l._ per Ann., which, and all common Cocks, they Let by Lease and Fine.' The river was scoured out twice a year, and a staff was kept of '12 Walkers between _Ware_ and _London_ (who daily take care that no Infectious or other thing be thrown into the River that might in any way prejudice it, whereby it is kept Sweet and Wholesome).' The following advertisement appears in the _London Gazette_, April 20/May 3, 1703: 'The Governor and Company of the _New River_ brought from _Chadwell_ and _Amwell_ to _London_, having from time to time made several Orders and Regulations for the Ease and Benefit of those who make use of their Water; but being informed, that several Misrepresentations are Industriously spread abroad to their Prejudice, they have thought fit to publish the following Orders, which have been made from time to time since at several Courts. Viz: '_Ordered._ That no Private Family that is served with the Water of the _New River_, shall be required to take a Lease of the said Water; but that what Rent shall be agreed on with the Collectors to be paid, shall be received by them without the Charge of a Lease. 'Whereas Strict Charge hath been given to the Collectors, and all other Officers of the said _New River_, That they behave themselves Civilly and Respectfully to such as use the said Water: If any do otherwise '_Ordered_. That upon any Complaints to the Meetings of the Company every _Thursday_ at Three in the Afternoon, at their Office at _Puddle Dock_, Reparation shall forthwith be made to the Party grieved.