१
- 3
-
27
notice, and many houses might have been left without water
for an indefinite period and their numerous occupants forced
to resort to the comparatively few street fountains. In
cases where it was possible to supply a new meter the expense
would have fallen on the tenant, contrary to the intention of
Government, and the payment of the cost of installation,
exceeding in many cases $50, would have been a very considerable
burden on the poor tenants who form the great bulk of those
concerned. It was felt that the dislocation which might
result, especially in the present overcrowded state of the
Colony, would be quite intolerable and with the unanimous
concurrence of my Executive Council I felt justified in making
the Regulation, of which a copy is enclosed, which in effect
cancels the right of the landlord to require the disconnection
of the water supply to their houses, and gives legal sanction
to the intention of Government that the installation of separate
meters should be done only in an orderly fashion by prior
arrangement with the Water Authorities and at the expense of
the landlord, at whose instance and for whose benefit the change
would be made. It was thought preferable to act under the
mergency Regulations Ordinance, since the interference with
the ordinary rights of the landlords is justified by the
present conditions of emergency rather than by anything in the
permanent nature of the situation.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble servant,
1.
Add. Kathosta
Governor.