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cases, and that they now give precedence to our cases as
suggested. The duties of the Justices in this branch of judicial
work have increased considerably, other Local Sanitary Authorities
having to some extent followed the example of your Vestry
in bringing their cases before the court.
THE WORK OF THE SANITARY INSPECTORS.
Tables VI. and VIa. (Appendix) contain a summary of the
work of the Sanitary Inspectors during the year ending March
25th, 1887. Ninety-nine * summonses were taken out for
offences under the Nuisances Removal Acts, against 98, 89 and
80, in the three preceding years. Orders were made by the
Justices in every instance, for giving effect to Notices previously
served on the defendant persons; upon whom, as the law at
present stands, no penalty can be inflicted, however serious or
long continued the nuisances for which they are responsible.
Under the provisions of Section 96 of the Public Health Act,
1875, which does not apply to the Metropolis, the Justices have
power by their Order to inflict a penalty, not exceeding five
pounds, on the person upon whom the Order is made, together
with all costs. The same power should be conferred upon Courts
of Summary Jurisdiction in London, t At present the Justices
can punish for contempt of Court only, viz., by a penalty not exceeding
ten shillings per diem, during continuance of disobedience
to their Order. If the Justices had power to inflict a penalty
for offences under the Nuisances Removal Acts, disregard of the
Local Authority's Notice, which implies continuance of nuisance
with consequent injury to health, to say nothing of the trouble
and loss of time imposed upon officers, would be infrequent—
*This number is irrespective of 44 summonses under the Sale of Food
aud Drugs Act, 24 in cases of obstruction, and 2 in cases of disobedience of
Justices' Orders.
†Provision was made for enabling the Justices to inflict a penalty, in the
Public Health (Metropolis) Bill, 1885, but there was not time to pass the
measure, which, however, is certain, sooner or later, to be re-introduced.