View report page

20
instances the works have been carried out without undue delay, but
the difficulty of procuring materials and labour has been the cause
of works sometimes being held up.
In two instances, Notices under Section 28 H. and T.P. Act,
1919, have been issued, giving the owners 28 days in which to carry
out all necessary works, and in default, the Council themselves to do
the work and charge the cost to the owners.
In the case of the first Notice the mortgagees stepped in, and
carried out the necessary works, and the second Notice has not yet
expired.
A Notice was also served under Section 36 of the Public Health
Act, 1875, to provide flushing cisterns to the W.C's., giving the
owner 28 days in which to carry out the work, or in default the
Council to do so and charge the cost to the owner. This matter
received attention by the owner.
I received the instructions of the Council, to inspect Lancaster
Road, especially in regard to the Sanitary Appliances and Water
Cisterns, because of the recurring outbreaks of Infectious Fever in
this road, and 70 houses have already been inspected. The water
supply cisterns in the majority of the houses inspected required
cleaning out, and the covers repaired, and several of the properties
were found in a very dirty and dilapidated condition.
The usual high standard of work has been insisted upon, so that
the improvements are of a lasting character. The effect of same on
the health and general convenience of the occupiers must be
appreciable and the increase in the value of the premises dealt with
is in many instances also considerable.
Many properties have been dealt with during the year without
even the issue of a Preliminary Notice. There are a variety of ways
in which an Inspector becomes acquainted with conditions requiring
attention, and there are also various methods of getting defects put
right quickly and effectually. The choice of the best method in
particular cases affords opportunity for the exercise of tact and
discretion. Formal Notices are not always the most successful.
It is often found that a courteous letter, or a personal interview, is
much more appreciated and more effective than a purely official
communication.