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144
the proper sanitary condition of all premises therein. It will be the duty
of the Vestry to make bye-laws for a variety of purposes; but this
matter may stand over pending the receipt of the suggested forms of
bye-laws which the Local Government Board are preparing for the
assistance of the Sanitary Authority. It will be the duty if the Vestry
to observe and enforce these bye-laws when made, as well as the byelaws
which it will be the duty of the County Council to make.
"I may remind your Committee that the duty of carrying out the provisions
of the Smoke Consumption sections will devolve upon the Sanitary
Authority, as well as the duties with respect to underground rooms
which at present are discharged by the District Surveyors.
"It must be manifest, therefore, that for the discharge of these and the many
other duties imposed upon the Vestry by the Acts named, and the
Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, and the unrepealed sanitary
sections of the Metropolis Local Management Acts, the present staff of
officers is insufficient.
"I may add that it will be necessary for the Vestry to give such directions
to their officers as will secure the existence of the nuisance being
immediately brought to the notice of any person who may be required
to abate it (section 3), and it will be further necessary (under section
115) to furnish the several officers with some written document, properly
authenticated on the part of the Sanitary Authority, showing the right
of the officer producing the same to enter premises, for the purposes of
the Act, e.g., for the discovery of nuisances under section 10, in respect
of smoke consumption (section 23); of Workshops, &c. (section 26); of
vans and tents (section 95); of underground rooms (section 97); and also
for the examination of drains, water-closets, and sanitary apparatus
generally (under section 40).
"In conclusion, I would call the attention of your Committee to section 99
which enables the Vestry to appoint a Committee for the purposes of
the Act, which Committee, subject to the terms of their appointment,
may serve and receive notices, take proceedings, and empower any
officer to make complaints and take proceedings in their behalf, and
otherwise execute the Act. Probably no step more important than
the appointment of such a Committee could be taken by the Vestry to
facilitate the discharge of the duties imposed upon them by the legislature."
The Committee in their report recommended, with reference
to the preparation of the necessary new forms under the
Act, that "it he referred to the Vestry Clerk and the Medical