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14
In 1875 the Medical Officer submitted an official representation to
the Metropolitan Board of Works under the Act of that year relating
to several areas. The Board dealt with the largest—Peartree Court,
but at a very large cost, and Peabody Buildings are now erected on
the site.
In 1883 the Medical Officer made a representation to the Metropolitan
Board of Works with respect to Smith's Place, Slade's Place,
and Bishop's Court, and to the Vestry under Torrens' Act, as to
Fox Terrace, Union Place, John's Place, Exmouth Place, Bolton
Court, Margaret Court, 13, 14 & 15, Eagle Court, and Rhodes'
Buildings. The Metropolitan Board, however, declined to take any
action with regard to the areas referred to them, being of opinion
that they were rather within the scope of Torrens's than Cross's Acts,
and the Medical Officer consequently, in January, 188l; submitted an
official representation to the Vestry, under Torrens' Act, with regard
to them. After the usual notices, &c., orders were made by the
Vestry in all the cases, and great improvements were made, though
not in all cases. In one case of seven small cottages—Bolton Court
—the owner called upon the Vestry to purchase his interest, which
was accordingly done at considerable cost.
With regard to the difficulties experienced, I think I may say
that cost has been the principal one we have had to contend with
hitherto.
The power which, up to recently, was in the hands of the owners
to compel the purchase of property, as to which notices were served,
was undoubtedly a great deterrent, but this power is, as yrou are
aware, taken away by the Act of 1885.
I am, dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
ROBERT PAGET,
John Hameb, Esq., Vestry Clerk.
Eon. Secretary,
Mansion House Council on the Dwellings of the People,
31, Imperial Buildings, Ludgate Circus.
Bolton Court.—Resuming the record of the
proceedings taken under the Artizans Dwellings'
Act, 1868, with reference to this Court (which
closed last year with the statement that an Official
Representation had been presented by the Medical
Officer preliminary to proceedings being taken
against the superior landlords, so that the Vestry
might be in a position to demolish the houses,
which representation had been referred to the
Sanitary Committee for consideration and report),