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9
Floods.
A portion of the Whitton Road District, including land
and houses, by reason of a heavy rainfall and overflow of the Duke's
River, was flooded. A valuable report was presented by the
Surveyor as to the steps necessary to be taken to prevent or
minimize a recurrence of the overflowing of the river. A special
Committee was formed and the subject is under consideration.
It must be recognised that from a health point of view some
remedial steps should be taken.
Street Improvements.
Several important improvements, such as opening, widening
and enlarging highways were effected. Special mention may
be made of Cross Deep, Richmond Road, Edwin Road,Willoughby
Road, London Road, Heath Road, &c., resulting in the demolition
of several old premises.
A Town Improvements Committee was constituted to take
into consideration the question of obtaining a Site for a Depot,
the erection of Offices and Stables, &c.
Education Act, 1902.
By virtue of the Provisions of this statute, the Council
became the Local Education Authority of the District. Sanitary
improvements in the Schools have resulted. I have had occasion
to examine children who were believed to be incapable of receiving
profitable instruction in the schools, and those who were
deaf and dumb or blind were sent to institutions or schools
where a suitable education is provided for them. The Council
have had under their consideration the question of the number
of children attending and the accommodation afforded. My
mind has been exercised as to whether further powers are
requisite with regard to the inspection of private schools.
Employment of Children Act, 1903.
The general purpose of the Act, which will shortly come
into force, is to provide means for regulating the employment of
children or those occupations in which it has hitherto been
unregulated, such as work in and about shops (errand running,
delivery of milk, parcels, newspapers, &c.)