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either on general grounds, or on the ground that the works ought to
be carried out at the expense of some other person, or of the parish.
If these objections are overruled, the Vestry may prepare a plan
and specification, and estimate of the cost of the said works, and
after hearing objections by the owner of the property against th
same, may make any order for such works as they consider necessary
to be carried out. This order, however, is subject to appeal.
Any four or more householders may require the Medical Officer
of Health to inspect any premises in or near the street in which
they reside, by representing to him that the same are unfit for
human habitation.
If the Vestry declines or neglects to put the Act in force, the
Secretary of State may compel the Vestry to proceed.
If the requirements of the order involve the total demolition, and
not the improvement, of the premises specified therein, the Vestry
may take down and remove the buildings, upon the owner
neglecting to do so, and sell the materials, paying the balance, if
any, after deducting expenses, to the owner.
In 1879 an amending Act was passed, by which the owner of
condemned premises can compel the Vestry to purchase them, the
amount of compensation to be paid for the same being settled either
by agreement or arbitration. In making his award the arbitrator is
to have regard to the nature and condition of the property, the
probable duration of the buildings in their existing state, and
state of repair thereof, not to include any additional allowance for
compulsory purchase, and to take into account any increased value
which, in his opinion, will be given to other premises belonging to
the same owner, by the alteration or demolition of the condemned
premises.
The land acquired by the Vestry under these Acts may be sold
or let, or dedicated as a highway or to some other public purpose.
If the Vestry neglect or refuse to enforce the Act, on a notice
from the Metropolitan Board of Works requiring them to do so, the
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