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SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS.
On six occasions it was necessary to apply to the Courts for an
abatement order. In five cases, orders were made by the Magistrates
and costs allowed. In two cases fines were also imposed.
The sixth case is still before the Courts, an appeal having been lodged
by the owners against the decision of the local Magistrates.
Summary proceedings, under Section 9 of the Food & Drugs Act,
were also taken following three complaints of glass being found in milk
delivered to schools. Fines totalling £20 and costs were imposed by
the Magistrates in respect of two of these cases. The third case was
dismissed.
HOUSING.
Repair of Houses.
Public Health Act, 1936—S. 93: One of the chief duties of a sanitary
inspector is the investigation of complaints. Included amongst these
are those relating to housing conditions. Many of these refer to defects
such as of roofs, gutters, windows and defective yard paving.
Most of the defective conditions giving rise to complaints are
remedied by the owners on their having their attention drawn to them.
In a few instances formal action under the Public Health Acts is necessary.
If the nuisance continues after the service of a statutory notice, application
is made to the Court for an order to be made that the nuisance shall
be abated.
During 1948, authority was given for the service of 318 notices; 106
were served. In respect of six of these, application was made for an
abatement order; in five of these the order was granted.
Public Health Act, 1936—SS. 24 and 39. A similar procedure
follows in regard to drainage trouble, a notice being served under S. 39
when the defect involves the drainage system of individual properties,
or under S. 34 if the defect is in a sewer for which persons other than
the local authority are responsible.