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19
In the majority of cases, an intimation to the owners of
the existence of nuisances or defects on specified premises, with
a request to execute remedial works, of which particulars are
specified in detail, has been sufficient to secure the abatement of
nuisances, and other minor defects remedied.
In no instance have legal proceedings been instituted, although
occasionally much pressure has to be brought to bear on
the dilatory owner.
Unhealthy Areas and Unfit Houses.
Until much more has been done to overcome the existing
shortage of housing accommodation it would obviously be unwise
to attempt to put into operation drastic measures for clearing
unhealthy areas.
Under the difficult conditions which at present prevail, one
must be content to obtain the best results at the least cost.
Wherever practicable, such houses should be so repaired as
to be at least passable for the time being.
In connection with improvement or reconstruction schemes
there are legal, financial, and practical difficulties to be considered,
and, to meet these, owners are interviewed and the premises
visited in their company, and the most urgent matters are requested
to be put in hand at once, other defects to be remedied
as funds permit; all this takes time, but a gradual improvement
is thereby assured.
By tactful handling an officer can more readily secure the
co-operation of owners, the carrying out of sanitary requirements
to the benefit of the health of the inhabitants of the district.
1 am of the opinion that owners appreciate the efforts of an
official who is reasonable in hiis demands, and who insists on the
tenants using the houses with reasonable care ; many of the conditions
found to exist could be prevented or minimised if tenants
would only realise that owners are very often in a worse financial
position than the tenants of their property.