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basement. As considerable opposition has been manifested by
builders before the Secretary of State, there is almost certain to
be some modifications made in the regulations, as proposed by the
Metropolitan Board.
An important Bill for the improvement of Torrens' Act has
been introduced into Parliament this Session, and is likely to
become Law. This Bill, the Artizan's Dwellings A.ct, (1S6S),
Improvement Bill, was fully considered and reported upon by the
Sanitary Committee, and the Report when brought it having been
accepted by this Board and ordered to be printed, I need not
allude to it any further, except by saying that if carried, it
will considerably facilitate the shutting up and pulling down of
houses in small blocks which are unfit for habitation, but which
cannot be dealt with under a Scheme by the Metropolitan Board
of Works. There are some small blocks of buildings in this
District which might advantageously be demolished under the
provisions of this Bill if it should become law. A copy of the
Sanitary Committee's Report will be found bound up with the
yearly report issued by the Board.
The arrangements for the removal of dust were carried out
as usual under the superintendence of the Sanitary Department,
the number of loads being somewhat below that of the previous
year, but larger than in 1876, the total number being 18,129 in
1878 against 18,623 in 1877, and 17,867 in 1876. The total
number removed by Mr. Iszard from No. 2, or the SouthEastern
division was 9313 against 9,633 in 1877, and by Mr.
Larter, 8816 against 8,990 in 1877, which diminution was
probably owing to greater strictness having been observed as
regards the removal of garden rubbish and trade refuse, which
we have for years past objected to take away. The cost for
cartage was £2453. 14s. 9d., and the sum paid for wages,
£552. 3s. 6d., which with the Inspector's salary of £81. 5s. Od.
makes £633. Ss. Od. for wages and salaries. In addition to these
charges were £117 for the hire of carts; £7. 18s. for new shovels
and ladders; and £12. 4s. 6d. for new baskets and repairs. These