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103
been tested and in seven instances were found defective. The
houses generally, with the exception of these defective drains and
minor sanitary defects at others, were found to be in a very good
sanitary condition. The previous house to house inspection had
taken place in 1896, and the several defects that were then discovered
had been dealt with. Only three complaints had
been received during the two years preceding the date of report,
two of which were in respect of one house and related to flushing
cistern to water closet and want of suitable dust-bin.
Scarlet fever had occurred in six houses in the street, diphtheria
in two and erysipelas in one during the twelve months preceding
the date of report. The drains in each case were tested but no
defect discovered.
The Committee also gave directions for Stanley Street to be
inspected, when the following was found to be the result. Out
of fifty-nine drains tested fifteen were found defective. In both
this street and Broughton Street, all defects in drains were made
good by relaying and repairing.
19th April. At this meeting he submitted special report
relative to the condition of the drains at Nos. 1, 7, 8, 13 and 15
Froude Street; that upon testing they were found to be defective,
and the drains being combined the owners considered that the
Vestry were responsible for a portion of the work. The latter
repudiated liability in the matter owing to the fact that the
records in their possession provided that a combined system of
drainage was to be laid down for each pair of houses. The
owners neglecting to comply with the notice served, a summons
was issued in respect of No. 1, which had been opened up by
them and found to be drained in combination with No. 2, and as
shewn upon the Vestry's records. At the hearing of the summons
a letter was received by the Vestry's Solictor from the Solicitors
to the owners, who wrote stating that they would be prepared,
without prejudice, to execute certain works in connection with