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13
devolving upon them, having reference to that part of the Act
which relates to the duties of the several Vestries. At the same
moment the Council, through its Chairman of Committee,
intimates that the Council has no intention of applying
itself in regard to the obligations imposed upon it by that part of
the Act relating to the duties of the County Council. The lesson
is one of precept not of example. In relief of the heavy parochial
burdens the application of the Act entails. .Mr. Smith, the clerk
Mr. Smith's
Resolution.
to this Vcstrv, carried a resolution that the moietv of
the cost of a scheme comprising five or a greater
number of houses should be borne by the central
authority. This proposal has since been accepted in principle
by the Council. Hut the concession docs not srtisfy the measure
of assistance the local authorities had a right to expect. The course
of disease is not limited by the boundaries of parishes. The rich
of the west should share with the poor of the east in the removal of
a common danger. An unhealthy area located in any part of the
Metropolis constitutes a danger to the whole, and the expenses of its
improvement should be defrayed by a charge on a general fund.
Part
Second.
Tart second of the Act is of especial interest and
importance to the Vestries and Boards of Works in
whose hands is placed the sanitary administration of
the Metropolis. Its objects may be described as threefold :
i. The closure of houses unfit for human habitation.
ii. The removal of obstructive buildings.
iii. The improvement of unhealthy areas.
I. The Closure of Houses Unfit for Human Habitation.
Unhealthy
Houses.
The considerations involved in carrying into effect
the duty imposed on the Vestry by this division of
Part ii, of the Act may be examined under four
heads.