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184
dealing with offenders. But I have no doubt the
Sanitary Acts admit of much improvement, and I
have already indicated some improvements which I
think might be made, not only with great advantage,
but without much difficulty. I proceed to point out
the chief of those to which I now refer. One difficulty
often experienced is in respect of the rapid
abatement of dangerous nuisances. At the present
time an order is given for abatement within a limited
period, at the end of which an appeal is made to
the magistrate, who probably allows some additional
time and adjourns the case. Then if the work be
not commenced he probably imposes a penalty; if
it be in progress probably again adjourns the case.
Thus—and by the aid of various manoeuvres which
it would take too long to particularise—nuisances
which should be abated in a day or two are often
allowed to continue in uninterrupted operation for
two or three weeks or more. Now, if in administering
the Nuisances Removal Acts Vestries could
themselves impose penalties in cases of non-compliance
with their orders, as they can do in regard
to the provision of water-closets and dust-bins, &c.,
and as they are empowered to do in respect of
defaults in houses let in lodgings, it is obvious that
they would be much better able than they are now