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71
matters might be more conveniently dealt with at one
and the same time, consequently our notices were
allowed to remain in abeyance for the present.
Rebuilding Scheme.
A letter was sent to the owner of 13 houses in
Chambord Street and Gosset Street, calling attention to
the worn out condition of the property and suggesting
that, as the leases were falling in very shortly, the
present time would be opportune for the consideration
of a rebuilding scheme. After much correspondence
and many interviews between the owners and the
Public Health Committee it was arranged that clearance
of the site, with a view to rebuilding the houses, should
be taken in hand very shortly.
Difficulties in Administration.
Experience in working the Act proves that Local
Authorities have to face unforeseen difficulties in enforcing
closing orders under section 17. A certain
Metropolitan Borough Council made a closing order on
some houses, but on appeal to the Law Courts it was
decided that the closing order so made was bad in law
owing to the fact that the order as made contained no
notice to the owner that he had a right of appeal to the
Local Government Board. It seems somewhat peculiar
that the Authority making the order should be required
to indicate the method by which that order may be
defeated.
About two years ago another Metropolitan
Authority made a closing order in respect of a certain
house, which order, although made so long ago, is still
a matter of unsettled litigation between the owner and
the Local Authority. The house has continued to be
occupied during the whole period.