16406
Enclosure 1.
505
SANITARY BOARD OFFICES,
BWA
MW 04
7th February, 1900.
SIR,
We have the honour to submit the enclosed draft scheme for the formation of a Trust Corporation to be charged with the duty, and invested with the power, of carrying out sanitary improvements in the City of Victoria in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Board at a meeting held on the 7th of December, 1899, at which we were appointed a Committee to consider recommendations for giving effect to the resolution.
The scheme fully explains itself and does not appear to require comment at this stage from us.
We would, however, remark that the formation of some such body as the proposed Trust seems to us to be becoming daily a greater necessity owing to the rapid growth of the Colony and the consequent increasing duties of the Public Works Department which appears to have more than enough to occupy its attention without undertaking the task of the sanitary improvement of the City.
We have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servants,
(Signed),
F. H. MAY.
EDWARD OSBORNE,
FRANCIS W. CLARK.
C. W. DuGuan, Esq.,
Secretary,
Sanitary Board.
(Enclosure.)
1. The Trust to consist of the Attorney General, the Director of Public Works, the Principal Civil Medical Officer, the Officer Commanding Royal Engineers, two members elected by the Chamber of Commerce from their body, and two by the Justices of the Peace from their body, with three members, nominated by the Governor, who shall also appoint the President.
2. The Trust to be a corporate body and to have full power to contract, to borrow money on stock or debenture, to acquire land, and to sell and dispose of its property.
3. In the powers of the Trust should also be included provisions for regulating the appointment and election of members, the appointment of Committees and other executive details necessary for the full working of the Trust.
4. The duties and powers of the Trust may be summarised as follows:
(1.) On a resolution of the Sanitary Board in Ordinary Public Meeting, or on a representation from the Medical Officer of Health, or from twelve ratepayers, that any district for the want of air, light, ventilation, or proper conveniences or any other sanitary defects, is in a state dangerous to the public health, the Trust Corporation shall consider the case, and if satisfied with the truth of the representations made may pass a resolution that the area is unhealthy, and then proceed to prepare a scheme for its improvement, and for the formation of such streets, squares, and open spaces, and the construction of suitable buildings, and all other things as may be necessary for such improvement.
(ii) The procedure regarding the publication of notices to the persons affected by the works, the hearing of objections, the assessment of compensation for compulsory purchase, and the approval of the Legislative Council prior to the execution of the improvement, can be framed upon the provisions of the English Housing of the Working Classes Act and the Land Clauses Consolidation Acts relating to this procedure.