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9
compelling them to do so, is by taking proceedings for overcrowding, in the
manner provided by the Nuisances' Removal Act for England (1855). It is
probable that there would be very little difficulty of procuring an adequate
supply of water for every house, if it were enacted that the word "Nuisances,"
in the 8th section of the Nuisances' Removal Act included any house not
having a sufficient water supply.
The Public Health Bill, now before the House of Commons, provides
in the 22nd clause, that the word "Nuisances" shall include any house or
part of a house, so overcrowded as to be dangerous or prejudicial to the
health of the inmates. But the word "Nuisances" should also include
any house not provided with a privy or water-closet, so constructed as not
to be offensive; and it should also include any house not provided with a
proper dust-bin. The sanitary laws, in short, require to be simplified.
The overcrowding of houses will not be prevented until the owners
of small houses, let to weekly tenants, are compelled to register such houses
as lodging-houses, and the Local Boards be empowered to make such laws,
rules, and regulations, as they deem necessary for the preservation of the
health of the occupiers.
I have the honor to be,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN LIDDLE.
15, Great Alie Street.