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51
In connection with the testing of drains conducted by the Health
Department during the year, difficulties have arisen in connection
with testing for the following reasons :—
1. Drains have been altered without notice, and consequently
the necessary alterations have not been made in the
Surveyor's plans.
2. Drains have been re-constructed contrary to the
Council's Bye-laws with respect to new buildings.
Repairs. Under Section 41 of the Public Health Act, 1875, in
connection with the repair of drains, it is often necessary for the
Council to undertake the work and charge the owner with the
cost. Under these circumstances it is right that the Council should
not be liable for damages except in case of negligence.
It also happens that certain workmen undertake to repair
drains who are quite incompetent to do so and the Council should
have power to proceed against these persons in case of improper
construction or repair.
Sanitary Conveniences. On the erection of a new building
where a sewer and water supply can be obtained, the Council have
power to require that such new building shall be provided with
proper and sufficient water-closets. This power requires to be
extended so that where a sewer and water-supply are not available
the Council may require the provision of proper and sufficient earth
closets or pail closets.
The Council should also have the power to require the provision
of water-closets, pail closets, earth closets and urinals for workmen
engaged upon any works or buildings.
Soil-Pipe. In the course of inspections it is found that the soil
pipes within certain houses or buildings are not ventilated, and the
Council have no power to require the provision of the necessary
ventilation by which the health of the occupiers may be safe-guarded.
Legal Powers necessary. The following is the text of suggested
clauses to give the Council power to deal with the foregoing
matters:—