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larly objectionable nuisance. In this connection it may be mentioned that the late Vestry, in 1897,
applied to the Local Government Board for sanction for a proposed new By-law with reference
to houses let in lodgings, in the following terms—
"The landlord or keeper of a registered house in which rooms are let in furnished
lodgings, shall cause the bedding and other articles in such rooms to be at all times maintained
in a clean and wholesome condition, and free from noxious insects."
In the By-laws made by the Council, under Section 94 of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1891, the provisions with regard to verminous premises (approved, in 1905, by the Local
Government Board) read as follows:—
"13. . . . Every lodger in a lodging-house to whom any room is let unfurnished,
shall maintain the bedding and other articles therein in a clean and wholesome condition.
"14. Subject to the provisions of these By-laws, the keeper of a lodging-house in
which rooms are let in furnished lodgings, shall cause the bedding and other articles in such
rooms to be at all times maintained in a clean and wholesome condition."
These By-laws are duly enforced, as far as practicable.
PAVING OF YARDS.
A good many yards were paved, in conformity with the provisions of the Council's tenth
by-law. This is a work that might with advantage be considerably extended as being necessary
"for the prevention or remedy of insanitary conditions"—a fact sometimes lost sight of. That
paving is "necessary" for this purpose is indubitable, and the subject is deserving of the attention
of sanitary authorities; by whom, probably, more would be done, were due weight attached to the
hygienic importance of cleanliness and dryness in the surroundings of dwelling houses—a matter
to which attention was specially directed in my annual report for 1897 (page 146); the authority
of the late medical officer of the Local Government Board being cited in support of the views
therein expressed.
HYGIENIC STREET PAVING.
Little progress was made during the year in giving effect to recommendations made by the
Public Health Committee for the paving with asphalte of roads named in preceding annual reports.
In connexion with the new refuse destructor, machinery has been provided for the manufacture of
"clinker-asphalte" blocks, for the paving of roads in lieu of asphalte. This fact was adduced as
ground for delay in giving effect to the recommendations adverted to. At the date of this report
the machinery had not been brought into working order.
As regards the cost of hygienic street paving, a report presented to the Council by the Works
Committee, shows that a tender from the French Asphalte Company for laying compressed asphalte
on concrete in certain streets was, for 1½ inches of asphalte on concrete 9s. 6d per yard, or 2 inches
of asphalte at 11s. 6d. per yard, the Council executing any necessary excavating and carting; the
Company moreover undertaking to maintain the roadways for a period of five years free of charge.
The Company's tender was accepted subject to their undertaking to maintain the roadways (save in
exceptional cases) for a period of ten years free of charge.
Nuisance in Private roadway at the rear of Brompton Square (West side).—I have repeatedly
had occasion during the last five years to call the attention of the Public Health Committee to the
deplorable condition of this roadway, which is unpaved and undrained, so that on the occurence
of heavy rainfall, it becomes a miniature lake and, subsequently, a quagmire. On 29th June, after
a severe storm, the roadway was covered with water to a maximum depth of 15 inches, over a length
of 160 feet, and a breadth of 14 feet; the water overflowing the cills of some of the doorways giving
access, to tradesmen and others, to the gardens at the rear of the houses. Former reports on the
subject had been referred to the Law and General Purposes Committee, and to the Council's
solicitors, with a view to a remedy being found; but nothing came of the references, it appearing
impossible to fix on any one liability to abate the nuisance. I recommended institution of proceedings
against the owners of the houses to secure the paving and drainage of the roadway; or, in the
alternative, that steps be taken by the Council with a view to the dedication of the road to the
public use as a new street. No action was taken.