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76
In 7 cases a fine was imposed, in 1 an order was made for
payment of costs, in 1 the work was done without the order
of the Court, in 1 the paving expenses were paid also without
the intervention of the Court, 1 summons was
withdrawn on the obstruction being materially diminished,
and in 1 case the summons was dismissed with costs against
the Vestry. This case related to a notice to repair a portion
of a common drain running under a block of buildings. The
drain had been opened at the upper end, and its condition
there was such that the Surveyor and Medical Officer of
Health condemned it throughout its entire length. Notices
were accordingly served upon the occupiers of each of the
premises built over and draining into the drain, calling upon
them to amend their respective portions of the drain. These
notices not being complied with, a test case was taken with a
view to enforcing the carrying out of the required work.
Counsel appeared in defence of the summons, and contended
that the statutory inspection of the drain had not been made,
it having been inspected in one place only, and not under each
of the buildings in respect of which the notices were served.
The Magistrate adopted this view and dismissed the summons.
DISORDERLY HOUSES.
Several complaints have formed the subject of investigation,
and in many instances a preliminary notice from the
Vestry Clerk has proved effectual in ridding premises of
tenants who used their houses or rooms for an improper
purpose.
In the month, of July, following the practice of many years,
a request was made for police observation to be kept on
certain premises, which, it was alleged, were disorderly
houses. To the surprise of the Vestry, a reply was received