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180
refused admission on application. I have pointed
out that a Vestry's power to insist on simple repair
of premises is at least doubtful ; but, as a general
rule, a notice from the Vestry that repairs are needed
is obeyed, if not to such an extent as might be
wished, at any rate sufficiently for the time being.
I have shown also that the Vestry's legal power of
sending patients suffering from dangerous infectious
fevers to hospitals are practically almost useless;
nevertheless, I know that by the personal influence
which the Inspectors possess and exercise many such
patients are sent to hospital who would otherwise
certainly be detained at home, to the danger of their
fellow-tenants and of the neighbourhood. Further,
there are, as I have already stated, many landlords
of small property who not only do not resent the
visits of the Inspectors, but invite assistance from
them, and act on their suggestions.
I now come to the consideration of the important
question as to how far the Vestry of Camberwell has
up to the present moment conscientiously and
sufficiently carried out the duties required of it
under the Sanitary Acts. As to its conscientious
performance of these duties I have a right to speak
with some degree of authority. I have been
connected with the Vestry from its birth : I have