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15
Housing of the Working Classes' Act.
A group of seven houses were closed as unfit for human habitation
under the provisions of this Act, but were re-opened after repairs,
it remains to be seen whether the repairs will prove effectual for any
considerable time.
Gipsies.
As in former years many complaints were received and much
nuisance arose in reference to these encampments, but during 1898 the
nuisances arising were specially severe and dangerous. In addition to
the scarlet fever incident mentioned in another part of this report, a
case occurred in which families infected with measles encamped in two
distinct portions of the district well within the period of infectivity of
the disease.
The encampments were, I think, more numerous than in any previous
year, while a special nuisance arose from the addition to an
ordinary gipsy encampment of a number of apparently destitute aliens,
accompanied by performing bears who perambulated the streets for
several days in succession, causing much annoyance by obstructing
traffic.
In the future these nuisances will be more easily dealt with by
means of the powers conferred by the Council's Bill.
Sewer Ventilators.
Several complaints were received but they were not so numerous
as in previous years.
House Refuse.
Several complaints were received during the year in reference to
the deposition in certain parts of the district of large quantities of
house refuse for the purpose of brickmaking—an important industry
in the district—the nuisance principally arises from vegetable matter
not being separated before the deposit is made, or during the burning
of the same, it seems that a certain degree of nuisance is inseparable
from these deposits.
Bye-roads.
Much useful work has been done during the year in making up
these, thus adding considerably to the comfort and convenience of
those who use them.