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at the Vestry Hall. It cannot be too earnestly urged that
the neglect of sanitary measures in a small area, perhaps in a
single house, may lead to a serious and widespread epidemic.
The Vestry have therefore no hesitation in saying that a
timely intimation to their Medical Officer of Health may
prevent very serious consequences and actual loss of life.
DUST REMOVAL.
During the year, the Vestry called the attention of nonresident
owners of houses let in tenements to the necessity of
their making some arrangement to secure the removal of
refuse at stated intervals, or as often as occasion may require.
It frequently occurs that, in consequence of no person on the
premises being authorised by the owner to see that the dust
bin is emptied, the refuse is allowed to accumulate until the
receptacle is filled beyond its capacity, with the result that
heavy rain washes grit, cinders, &c., into the drain in the yard
or area and causes a stoppage. Decaying matter, moreover,
instead of being burned, is often placed in the dustbin, and
the accumulation thus becomes a source of danger to health.
In the interests alike of their tenants, as affecting health
and comfort, and of their own property, owners of tenement
houses are therefore strongly advised to authorise one particular
tenant in each house to see that the dustbin is periodically
cleared, and to hold such tenant responsible for any neglect
in respect thereof.
Houses occupied by more than one family may be registered
under the Sanitary Act, 1866, and in the case of houses so
registered, the owner is liable to a penalty of 20s. for every
day during which the dust receptacle is not maintained in a
wholesome state.