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51
The result in the case of the summons, 23, Byron Street, (date of
hearing, 6th May) was a most important one, and a decision which
has helped and upheld the officers of the Public Health Department
in carrying out with confidence the bye-laws of the Board.
In the seven summonses relating to Nos. 16 to 28, Bright Street
"sewer or drain" was raised by the defendant's Counsel, not only
upon the wording of the "application" but also upon the framing
of the "Minute" of the Board in the year 1856. The Magistrate
adjourned the case for fourteen days to consider the various points in
question. Decision was given in favour of the Board. If the
Magistrate had not decided in favour of the Board the large number
of applications made to the Board and "allowed" between the years
1856 and 1860 for "combined systems" would have been considered
by the now owners as not being applied for, so that "orders" under
the Metropolis Local Management Act could have been made, and
hence such combined systems would be sewers.
Among the acts of parliament passed during the year 1897, there
are three of special interest to those engaged in the practice of State
Medicine—
"Cleansing of Persons Act 1897," which is an act to permit
Local Authorities to provide cleansing and disinfection for
persons infested with vermin.
"Metropolis Water Act," an act to amend the law respecting
the Metropolitan Water Companies.
"Infant Life Protection Act," which is an act to amend the
law for the better protection of infant life.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
FREDERICK WILLIAM ALEXANDER,
Diplomatt Public Health (England),
Medical Officer of Health,
Poplar and Bromley.
Public Health Department.
Offices of the Board,
117, High Street, Poplar, April, 1898,