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Investigation shewed that in both cases they had serious ground
for complaint, and notices were served and proceedings taken in both
instances, which resulted in an abatement order being obtained in regard to
one; but at the hearing of the other summons the owner raised the
defence that the chimneys had been constructed in accordance with the
requirements of section 20 of the Metropolis Building Act, 1855, maintained
in a proper condition, and reasonably used; and further, that the
Public Health (London) Act, 1891, in dealing with smoke nuisances,
had especially exempted the chimneys of private houses.
The Magistrate declined to dismiss the summons on the facts of the
case, but did so on the points of law mentioned above.
Reference to the photograph will shew how serious from a public
health point of view this state of things is, and as a large number of
houses now occupied as tenements are affected, it appears to me that the
attention of the London County Council should be specially drawn to
the matter, with a view to obtaining such an amendment of the law as
would bring this class of nuisance within the operation of section 2 of
the Public Health (London) Act, 1891.
Frognal Mansions, Caretaker's Quarters.
During an inspection of these Mansions it was found that the
provision of scullery, lavatory, and watercloset in the Caretaker's
Quarters consisted of an apartment 10 feet long by 9½ feet wide; along
one side of which were shelves for the storage of food, whilst in one
corner was a sink with water tap over, and in another was a watercloset
apparatus without an enclosing partition of any kind.
These conditions were rendered more unsatisfactory by the fact that
this general apartment had no door separating it from the passage
leading to it.
Upon these facts being reported to the Public Health Committee,
an Order was made requiring the owner to enclose the watercloset
apparatus with a solid partition, and thus form a proper and separate
apartment.
This Order was not complied with, and proceedings were taken
against the owner, resulting in him being fined £2 and 10s. 6d. costs, at
the Hampstead Petty Sessions.