Enabling the Sanitary Board to deal with the existing obstructions to these "open spaces", and to the narrow private streets, and in consequence much of the benefit otherwise derivable from the prevention of overcrowding of the dwellings is lost.
No difficulty whatever has arisen in regard to the inspection of domestic dwellings of the Chinese by the Inspectors of Nuisances, of which 549 were inspected at night, under warrants from the Board; and personally I can say that I have always been received with courtesy even by the poorest classes, and every facility has been offered for the thorough inspection of their premises.
Many of the Bye-laws drafted under section 13 have, I regret to find, been found to be unworkable, and have already given rise to litigation between owners of property and the Sanitary Board. Those which require the more immediate attention of the Board are the bye-laws drafted under sub-section IV "For promoting cleanliness and ventilation in domestic buildings", and those drafted under sub-section VIII, "For the prevention as far as possible, or mitigation of any epidemic, endemic, or contagious disease."
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
(Signed) Francis W. Clark,
Medical Officer of Health.