View report page

15
Houses which were built for single families, and when so occupied
were well suited for the healthy enjoyment of all the members of the
family, are now let out in tenements, and are occupied by several
families, for whom they are, in a sanitary point of view, totally
unfitted for habitation, and it is just this class of houses which is the
most difficult for Sanitary Officers to deal with in a satisfactory
manner; for not only is each room overcrowded, and without sufficient
ventilation, but the stairs are generally dark and in a filthy
state; it being the duty of no one in particular to clean them. Such
houses, I believe, are very profitable to the owners, for exorbitant
rents are exacted from the tenants.
It is true that such houses maybe registered under the provisions
of the Sanitary Act (1866), and Bye-laws may be made by each
Local Board for their regulation, but experience has proved that such
Bye-laws are not entirely satisfactory. The Sanitary Act, as regards
the Registration of Houses, has been put in force in this District, and
very good results, as regards the procuring of a better water supply,
have thereby been obtained.
Adulteration of Food and Drugs Act.
Mr. Battram reports that he has submitted to Mr. Young, the
Analyst for the District, four samples of milk, three of bread, and two
of butter, for analysis; one sample of milk was found to be adulterated
with 15 per cent. of water. A summons was taken out against the
vendor, a conviction obtained, and a fine of £1 10s. and 2s. costs was
imposed.
Mr. Wrack reports that during the Quarter ended 2nd July, he
purchased five samples of milk, and four of bread, and submitted the
same to the Public Analyst for analysis, all of which were reported
to be genuine.
Sanitary Works Performed during the Quarter ended
2nd July, 1881.