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43
The only comments necessary upon the above proceedings are in the
instance of 18, Stewart's Terrace, Cubitt Town. The summons was
applied for in order to remedy the defective roof and the dirty and
dilapidated condition of some of the rooms. The Magistrate, Mr.
Mead, on more than one occasion, stated, when filthy condition of rooms
was included on summonses, that he would not make orders on owners
to cleanse rooms, the nuisance being caused by the "act" of the tenants.
In the above case he raised the question, by whose "act" the
rooms became dirty. He was informed that under Section 4 of the
Public Health (London) Act the owner was liable, the tenants being
weekly, and the nuisance existed by the owner's " sufferance." Mr.
Mead made a seven days abatement order and gave a guinea costs.
It is clear that in the case of premises let in tenements, which have
constantly changing weekly tenants of a poor character, the owner
ought to see that the walls and ceilings of the rooms are kept in
a sanitary condition.
In conclusion I must thank the Board and Sanitary Committee for
the support and co-operation which the officials of the Sanitary Staff
have invariably received at their hands in respect of all matters which
it has been their duty to bring under the notice of the Acting
Authority.
I am, Gentlemen, =*
Your obedient Servant,
FREDERICK WILLIAM ALEXANDER,
Diplomate Public Health {England),
Medical Officer of Health,
Poplar and Bromley.
Offices of the Board,
1x7, High Street, Poplar,
April, 1897.