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94
ter. Last year, however, proceedings were taken in several
cases for the abatement of nuisances arising from the accumulation
or deposit of offensive matters on vacant land. In
every instance the requisite Order was made; once a penalty
of forty-shillings was inflicted and in one case an Order to
prohibit the recurrence of the nuisance was granted. A good
deal of trouble had been occasioned previously in efforts to
prevent or remove nuisances on the lands in question, (building
sites), but with little effect, there being no power to compel
owners to enclose. One summons only was taken out
for breach of the regulations with regard to the periodical
removal of manure, the Justices being unwilling to enforce
payment of the penalty which the law authorises the "Nuisance
Authority" to fix for the disobedience. On three
several occasions proceedings were taken against one person
to secure the removal of animals so kept as to be a nuisance
or injurious to health, the animals being cats and dogs of all
ages and both sexes. Once the defendant was mulct in costs
to the extent of four shillings, a prohibitory order also being
made, but the Order was nullified by a change of residence.*
Offensive Businesses.—Some of the more important
legal proceedings related to the premises of a marine store
dealer, i.e., rag and bone shop. Numerous complaints had
been received during the hot weather of the stenches arising
from the collection and storage of fat and other animal
matters in a putrid condition on these and similar premises.
As an illustration of the serious character of the nuisance,
I quote from a report by the Sanitary Inspector on certain
premises in Warwick Road. There was, he says, a "fearful
stench emanating from a shed at the back of the house,
caused by a large accumulation of putrid fat, bones, rabbit
skins, and the refuse that had been collected from numerous
kitchens. There were about 25 tubs full of fat, which was in
* In the present year further proceedings were taken, and a Prohibitory Order
granted. This was appealed against, but the decision of the Magistrates was
upheld.