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possibly have any personal knowledge of the action of our inspectors.
17,699. In answer to question 661, he further says, being
asked whether any long period had elapsed since the last sanitary
visit. "That I cannot answer except upon the testimony
"of the people. In some places they said that the sanitary in"spector
came once a year, and in other places that he came
"occasionally; they could not tell me how often., but I do not
"think that his visits ever resulted in anything? "—I altogether
dissent from such evidence and the conclusions to be drawn
from it.
17,700. You think that Lord William Compton knew nothing
about it?— Yes, I do.
17,701. And that is your verdict on his evidence?— On that
particular piece of evidence it is, that is my opinion. There
might have been some solitary case of the kind, but as a matter
of fact and practice I dissent from it altogether.
17,702. You were good enough to say that if reports as to
overcrowding and bad sanitation were properly lodged with your
vestry they would have attention, and the evils complained of
would be remedied ?—Yes.
17,703. Can you tell the Commission of any successful operations
of the vestry in removing nuisances and improving sanitation
that have been instituted upon the report of their sanitary
inspector?—I could tell you plenty, but verbally here of course
it would be a difficult thing. It embraces such a wide range
that it is very difficult to condense anything into a brief statement
; but that operations have been so practically carried out I
unhesitatingly aver. Nuisances have been removed and overcrowding
has been abated ; that I most unhesitatingly say.
17,704. But surely having regard to the fact that you have
have been vestry clerk for 28 years there cannot have been
much done on the vestry without your having considerable
knowledge of it ?— No.
17,705. Can you not remember any single instance in which
a nuisance was removed from your parish as the result of the
activity of your inspectors ?— Hundreds and thousands.
17,706. Can you describe any one particular case?— I would
not like to commit myself to any one particular case, because I
could put my finger upon the actual facts.
17,707. How long is it since you had anything like the removal
of a nuisance?— Almost every week something of the
kind occurs.
17,708. Clearing out overcrowded dwellings and the reconstruction
of drains, and so on?— Whenever they come to our