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112
Notices were served, under Section 32 of the Housing of the
Working Classes Act. 1890, upon the occupying tenants, requiring
their removal within 28 days from the date of the Notices.
It was necessary to take out a summons in respect of one of the
tenants of Prospect Place, but, as on the date of hearing the tenant
had left, the summons was withdrawn.
The courts have been boarded up.
There are premises the condition of which is such that to serve
Notices upon the owners is fruitless, and it is evident that this has
been recognised, for the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1903,
which was passed on the 14th August, has the following section: —
8. (1) If in the opinion of the Local Authority any dwelling
house is not reasonably capable of being made fit
for human habitation, or is in such a state that the
occupation thereof should be immediately discontinued,
it shall not be necessary for them before
obtaining a closing order to serve a Notice on the
owner or occupier of the premises to abate the
nuisance, and a Justice may issue a summons for
a closing order and a closing order may be granted,
although such a Notice has not been served.
(2) The Local Government Board may by order prescribe
forms in substitution for those in the Fourth Schedule
to the principal Act, and Section 32 of the
principal Act shall have effect as if the forms so
prescribed were referred to therein in lieu of the
forms in that Schedule.
On 29th May, on behalf of the London County Council, I
attended the Thames Police Court and gave evidence respecting
Arnold's Buildings. Proceedings were taken under the Buildings
Act, 1894, dealing with the premises as dilapidated and neglected
buildings. A technical point arose, the summons was withdrawn,