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Speaking first of the matters of actual complaint, wo found by such inspection
that as regards the 785 houses, as to the condition of which the Vestry admitted
notice, they had been dealt with in tho following manner:—
Sanitary defects remedied in 690 houses.
Notices served, but time extended for execution of
work, on the allegation that houses were to be rebuilt
on leases terminating 92 ,,
Not dealt with 3 ,,
Total 785 „
As regards the remaining 660 houses included in the list of the Mansion House
Council, wo found the alleged sanitary defects generally to exist.
The alleged sanitary defects were as follows:—
Dilapidated and dirty houses 29
Waterclosets without water supply 560
,, with foul pans 1
Defective dustbins, &c. 2
Total
592
The inquiry was resumed at the Vestry Hall on the 4th and 7th November.
Mr. Reader Harris, barrister, appeared on behalf of the Mansion House Council.
Mr. Meadows White, Q.C., and Mr. Beveu, appeared on behalf of the Vestry.
The following gentlemen were examined:—
Dr. Parkes, Medical Officer of the Council.
Dr. Bate, the Medical Officer of Health.
Mr. F. W. Barratt, Surveyor.
Mr. Joshua Lapworth and Mr. B. S. Weston, Sanitary Inspectors.
Mr. Robert Voss, as clerk to tho Parmiter Estate.
Mr. Frederick Meakin, surveyer to the Gwatkin Estate.
Mr. Charles Hyatt, contractor for repairs to the Scott Estate.
The contention of the Mansion House Council was :—
1st.—That the parish in its poorer parts was in an insanitary condition.
2nd.—That the Vestry have power under existing laws to remedy this state of
things.
3rd.—That the Vestry have not only power to remedy this state of things, but the
obligation is imposed on them by the Legislature to enforce the laws.
4th.—That there was an absence of proper supervision under two heads—
(a) there being but one medical officer of health, and but a part of his time
being given to the work; also a lack of control over the sanitary
inspectors;
(b) there being but two sanitary inspectors, and their time in part devoted
to duties under the Food and Drugs Act.
In reply, the contention of the Vestry was:—
1st. That the parish is not in an insanitary condition, and in proof of this they
instance the death-rate.
2ndl. That great difficulty is found in exercising the powers under Torrens' Act.
3rd, That the present sanitary staff is sufficient,