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after exercising the said right, under liability to a fine not exceeding
ten pounds for default. The power to cut-off the
supply is, no doubt, of some value to the companies, for "an
occupied house without a proper and sufficient supply of
water," is "deemed unfit for human habitation" (sec. 48). In
all such cases reported by the several companies, the sanitary
authority are obliged to take steps to ensure restoration of the
supply—which is necessarily preceded by the payment of the
company's rate. The cutting-off powers were materially
limited in 1887, by the Water Companies (Regulation of
Powers; Act, which is described as" an Act to limit the powers
of the water companies to cut-off the tenant's water supply
when the rate is paid by the landlord," as is very generally
the case in regard to tenement houses, and houses otherwise
occupied in lodgings, etc., by the poorer classes, The beneficent
result of this legislation, which had been advocated in
these reports many years previously, is that the water supply
of the poor is generally secured, and that without loss to the
companies. Surely the time has come that the power to cutoff
the supply from an occupied house should cease; and
that, as I suggested, in 1882, "the company should be left to
their remedy for the recovery of the rate as a debt, like other
traders," and not be allowed to create a dangerous nuisance
merely as a coercive measure for securing the payment of the
rate. One enlightened company, the East London, resolved
some years ago to abandon the practice of cutting-off; and,
I am informed by the secretary, have had no cause to regret
the decision. They sue the defaulter, and the result is stated
to be, on the whole, "highly satisfactory." The New River
Company also, summons largely in preference to cutting-off,
and other companies now are following suit. Defaulters are
summoned in the police court; but the magistrates have no
jurisdiction unless the company proceed within six months of
the debt becoming due; and the debt, i.e., the rate, is due in
advance. Inasmuch, therefore, as the companies only collect