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intervention of an open space and also in every case where satisfactory proof cannot be obtained that an open area originally existed in the rear of any domestic building and that such open space has since been encroached upon, that power be conferred upon the Magistrate, in all cases in which he is satisfied that such domestic buildings are unfit for human habitation, to order the removal of such portion of the kitchens as to admit of a clear and unobstructed space of at least 40 square feet in the rear of such buildings being obtained.
(B) That in cases where what were originally open yards situated between the domestic buildings and the kitchens belonging thereto, and where such yards have been encroached upon, that powers be obtained to cause the removal of all the encroachments other than bridges not exceeding 3 feet in width.
(4) That no street on which buildings abut shall be permitted to be obstructed either temporarily or permanently in such manner as to interfere with the efficient lighting and ventilation of such buildings.
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(5) That the opinion of the Board be transmitted to the Colonial Secretary in the usual manner with a request that the draft of the proposed Ordinance be sent to the Board for consideration and report.
The Insanitary Properties Commission appointed in 1897 dealt largely with this matter and recommended further legislation but they did not go far enough.
The Sanitary Board at the request of the Government deliberated upon the Report of this Commission and submitted a report of its own dated 9th June 1898, which I enclose with this.
Most of these recommendations dealt with measures intended to check overcrowding and to admit of the provision
A