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The Amendment Bill on the other hand contains some important
alterations, not only in regard to what may be considered purely
sanitary matters but affecting also the Vestry's general control of the
affairs of the parish.
Clause 9 proposes to enable the County Council to make Bye-Laws
for various purposes, such as the removal of snow, cleansing of streets,
&c., as to which the Vestry has always been the sole authority.
Clauses 11 to 13 introduce some important alterations as to the
conduct of offensive trades, and by clause 12 (3), it is proposed to
repeal the Act of 26 Geo. III. by which the Vestry is authorised to
appoint an Inspector of Houses for slaughtering Horses.
Clause 13 brings the removal of house refuse and street refuse
within the purview of Sec. 27 of the Nuisances Removal Act, 1855,
and by placing the County Council in the position of complainants
practically makes the Vestries and District Boards subordinate in regard
to such matters.
Clauses 15 to 18 deal more particularly with scavenging, and
although the duty of cleansing the footways is still primarily cast upon
the occupiers, the local authorities are also to be responsible for this
work, and in case of default are made liable to a penalty of £50. In
addition to this, sub-clauses 2 and 3 provide that a local authority
failing to remove ashes or refuse within 24 hours of a written notice
by any ratepayer shall be liable upon conviction not only to a fine
of £50 but to pay to such occupiers 5s. per day as and for liquidated
damages.
Clause 19 deals with sanitary conveniences, and here again the
County Council is empowered to make Bye-Laws which the Vestries
and District Boards are to observe and enforce.
Clauses 24 and 25 deal with water supply and by sub-clause (2)
of the former the duty is cast upon the Vestry of certifying the
water supply of every house hereafter to be built or rebuilt.
Clauses 26 to 32 deal with infectious diseases. The former
impose upon the Vestry the duty of providing a disinfecting chamber,
and clauses 28 and 29 authorise it to allow any person engaged
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