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50
Town Planning Act was defective in so far as it did not
provide for the enforcing of the ejectment order, and this gave
rise to some difficulty. Ultimately it was decided to obtain
possession under the Recovery of Small Tenements Act, 1847,
and application was made to the Court for an order under this
Act. This was not granted, some objection being taken to
the serving of the notices upon the tenant. The Council,
being of opinion that the Act had been complied with in every
particular, renewed their application, and the necessary order
was thereupon granted.
At the expiration of the necessary period, the tenant still
remaining obstinate, it was my unpleasant duty with the aid
of the police to eject him. After much difficulty the furniture
was removed by the Council's staff into the street, where, as
it was not removed by the owner and was causing an
obstruction in the highway, it was removed to the Council's
Depot until claimed. The total disregard by the tenant of
the notices served upon him resulted in these unpleasant
steps having to be taken, but as to their need the subcommittee
who visited the property later were in entire
agreement.
The house having remained empty the necessary period,
the owner has been notified of the time and place when the
question of demolition will be considered.
Nos. 1 to 12, Underhill Cottages (12 houses). Plans
were submitted to the Council for practically reconstructing
this property. Additions were made to four houses by
providing an extra bedroom and scullery, and attics were
made to three others. The work also included new roofs,
windows, frames, doors, and staircases. Floors and joists
were also renewed where necessary. The rear walls of
the houses were rough-casted. New drainage was provided
to each house, and twelve water closets were erected
in lieu of existing trough closets. These cottages have been
thoroughly repaired, and are now quite fit for human habitation.
No. 121, Wood Street. Attempts have been made to
get the owner of this house to either put the property into a
habitable condition, or to erect another cottage upon the site,
but without success. Steps will therefore have to be taken
to secure its closure and demolition as soon as a favourable
opportunity arises. This is at present difficult owing to an
inmate of the house being bedridden.