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42
HOUSES LET IN LODGINGS.
The houses registered under the Vestry's Bye-laws number 114. Under the
bye-laws, a house let in lodgings or occupied by members of more than one family is
exempt from the operation of the bye-laws, until notice in writing, signed by the
vestry clerk, has been delivered to supply the necessary information for the
registration of such houses by the Vestry.
Proceedings under the bye-laws were ordered by the Vestry to be taken against
the landlord of Nos. 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, New Norfolk Street, for allowing
overcrowding, and for not taking the proper measures to keep the common landings,
staircases and passages in a cleanly condition. The case was adjourned and the
houses were subsequently closed, but the history of the measures taken does not fall
within the scope of this year's report.
CUSTOMS AND INLAND REVENUE ACTS.
There were no applications for certificates under the above Acts, for the purpose
of obtaining exemption from payment of inhabited house duty. Before such
certificates are granted, satisfactory evidence must be afforded that a proper standard
of sanitation is maintained with respect to living and sleeping rooms, water supply,
water closet accommodation, and drainage, which must comply with the Vestry's
requirements.
SMOKE NUISANCE.
Numerous complaints were received from different sources, including 27 from the
London County Council, with respect to nuisances caused through the emission of
black smoke from chimneys, other than the chimneys of private dwellings. A
considerable proportion of the time of inspector Quelch, who is charged with the duty
of securing the abatement of these nuisances, was devoted to the work of keeping
the various offending chimneys and shafts under observation, and in all cases the
necessary steps were taken to secure the abatement of the nuisances. Altogether 35
notices were served on the responsible parties. In most cases the nuisances were
abated. Thirteen cases were reported to the Public Health Committee, who in each
case ordered the service of a statutory notice, under the Public Health (Lond.) Act,
1891, requiring the abatement of the nuisance. In five instances the offenders were
summoned before a magistrate with the results as set out below:—