Sessional_Paper_1898 — Page 644

[XXX]

You will observe from the paragraph numbered 5 that it is requested that the Ordinance, when drafted, be sent to the Board for its consideration and report.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

HUGH MCCALLUM,

Secretary.

The Honourable

J. H. STEWART LOCKHART,

Colonial Secretary.

Extract from the Minutes of the proceedings of the Sanitary Board at a confitential meeting held on Thursday, the 27th day of August, 1896.

*

*

*

*

Domestic Dwellings.-A letter--which had been circulated to Members--from the Colonial Secretary requesting the Board to furnish him with precise information as to the provisions which the Board desires to be inserted in the proposed Ordinance to further amend the Public Health Ordinance, was laid on the table.

A discussion ensued.

It was agreed-

1. That in all cases where encroachments on what were originally open spaces in the rear of domestic buildings can be proved to have taken place since the erection of such domestic buildings, the removal of such encroachments be made compulsory.

2. That in cases where the kitchens extend throughout the entire width of the domestic building without the 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.

3. 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.

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 considera- tion and report.

True Extract,

HUGH MCCAllum.