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35
order and passed by the Medical Officer and myself previous to
being again tenanted.
In the course of my inspection I found a number of small
houses without a water supply to the w.c.'s; and for some time
I had a difficulty in getting the notices complied with.
In October last I obtained the sanction of the Board to take
proceedings against the owner of 12 houses in Park Street, the
result being a fine of £79 4s. 0d.
The substantiality of this fine has had a most beneficial
effect.
In respect to drainage several important alterations have
been carried out during the year, i.e., where complaints have
been made as to defective or faulty drainage the drains have
been carefully examined, and where old and defective brick
drains have been found to exist, notices have been served to do
away with them and new pipe drains have been substituted.
This is, I consider, a step in the right direction, as I have
invariably found the old drains badly constructed and the yard
and other sinks inefficiently trapped.
At the commencement of the year complaint was made as
to the obstruction of the footpaths. In each case notices were
issued for the removal of the obstruction, which, in nearly every
instance, was complied with after a little persuasion.
I had occasion to issue three summonses, which were withdrawn
on payment of costs, and an undertaking to the Bench
not to repeat the offence. I am pleased to say there is a great
improvement in this respect in both districts.
The Act of Parliament, under which these proceedings are
taken, is a very old and difficult one to deal with.
We also had a difficulty with respect to the shooting and
depositing of rubbish in various streets within the districts.
In January last I obtained the sanction of the Board to
issue a notice offering a reward of £1 for a conviction of the
offender.
This has had the desired effect, as we have had but 2 or 3
loads deposited since that time.
One conviction was obtained by the police against a man