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116
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
Two applications were made to the Police Court, one for overcrowding
of a workroom (Dressmaker), and the other for recovery of
debt for the removal of trade refuse. In the overcrowding case an
order to abate was made carrying with it a penalty of £1 and costs.
The case of Willesden* District Council versus Lockharts, Ltd.,
raised a very important question as to the definition of Trade refuse,
A notice was served upon the owners of a lock-up shop used as a
restaurant under section 49 of the Public Health Act, 1875, to remove
an offensive accumulation which the Council maintained was not house
refuse. Owing to default of the defendant, the Council themselves
removed the refuse and applied to the Court for the recovery of the
expenses incurred. The defendants alleged that the accumulation
consisted of house refuse aud relied on the judgment given in the
Westminster Borough Council v. Gordon Hotels Limited. The magistrates,
however, held that the refuse was trade refuse and gave judgment
for the Council with costs. Leave of appeal was granted, but in the
result the judgment of the magistrates was accepted.
The following table summarises the work of the Inspectors and
Health Visitors in carrying out the provisions of the Public Health
Act.