The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1859-07-05 00:00:00

TOWN COUNCIL MEETING.

LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

A monthly meeting of the Town Council of this
borough, acting as a Local Board of Health, wan
held in the Council Chamber, Townhall, yestenlay
(Monday) morning. There were present The
Mayor, Henry Lock. Esq., in the chair ; Alderman
Manfield, and Councillors Bennett, Devenish, Ensor,
Galpin, Mason, Bishop, Stanton, mid Andrews.
The Tows CLERK read the minutia' of the pro-
ceedings of the last meeting, which were approved.
Mr. GALPIN asked if the subject of the reservoir
would come into any report which would be made to
this meeting
. . . .

The DIAYOR intimated that he thought Mr.
Whitehead would make a verbal statement.
Mr. GALPIN asked it it would be inconsistent to
ask for a written report? He protested against
having any more verbal statements, because it
allowed persons to say that statements were made
which were not made.

The MAYOR mid he had received no communica-
tion from Mr. Whitehead but a letter acknowledging
one of his own.

Mr. GALPIN said it was evident there had been
some interference with the public sewers—bad any
authority been given for such interference?
The MAYOR: None at all. I may say that the
last interference was made expreesly in violation of
my authority. . .

-Mr. GALAN was anxious that the matter should
not be silently passed over, as it was in direct oppo-
sition to the law under which the Board acted.
No notice on the paper was necessary before
introducing the subject. Ho knew nothing of the
parties offending.
The TOWN Ci.xax, at Mr. Galpin's request, read
the 47th sec. of the Public Health Act enacting that
it should not be lawful to cause any sewer or drain to
communicate with or be entered into without notice
in writing from the Local Board under a penalty of
ill and 44)5. for every day after written notice.
The MAYOR inquired if any officer had sanctioned
the proceeding referred to!
Thu TOWN CLERK apprehended that it was within
the power of the Board, and not of any officer, to give
such authority.
Alderman Maxvizto suggested that as the inter-
ference complained of had occurred at Mr. Andrews's,
perhaps that gentleman, who would be present
shortly, would be able to give the Board information
on the subject.
The MAYOR thought Mr. Dodson's men were the
people at Exult. They had made a second hole after
be bad requested them to desist from disturbing the
public road, and be held, therefore, that they ought
to be summoned and the penalties enforced against
them.

Mr. Whitehead here entered the Chamber, where-
upon
The MAYOR said that the Board wished to have a
?written report in preference to any statement, and
perhaps Mr. Whitehead would have the kindness to
draw up a short report.
Mr. IViirrr.ititAu replied that he did not know
that a report mild be preeented. lie had come
simply to state that the public works of drainage
and water supply were now in that position which
would cause him, before the next ordinary meeting
of the Board, to be prepared to certify for the pay.
ment of the conbactors • and therefore he thought
it right to mention that. the Court might, 'before
he granted his certificates, call in the aid of
Mr. Austin, or some other Government Inspector of
the general Board of Health, to inspect all the
works, that gentlemen might be thoroughly satisfied
that the work had been properly done by the con-
tractors and by himself (the engineer.)
The MAYOR explained that Mr. Whitehead had
told him that he should be ready to-day to present a
report, with his (Mr. Whitehead's) account, and cer-
tifying what was due to the contractors.
Mr. WHITEHEAD said he had made his suggestion
because, by paying the contractors, the Board would
lose all power over them, and because his agreement
was that his own work should be done to the satis-
faction,,, of the Local and General Boards of Health.
Alderman MANFIELD : Do I understand that the
sewerage is completed
Mr. WiIITILHLAD : Yea.

The Contract was sent (or: meanwhile the Town
CLERK said a nuisance in Greyhound-yard was com-
plained of. After some discussion, the Mayor said
the Board would issue the usual notice in the case.

MApJpLD thereupon moved—That
the Surveyor to the Ekm,rd be directed to abate the
nuisance in the Greyhoundiard, caused by offtnsive
matter accumulating there, and to have it carried
into the public sewer.

A good deal of conversation took plsee as to the
Greybound-yard being public or private prol"*":Yi
Iheenmotiol tn.
Inspector of Nuisances that the nuisance was "
wdastaaiostton
onsecoiundiewdintgliestallltedotionby; 1:htl
in
the yard and not in the public road."
Mt. Wurranasu reiterated that he had no report
to make. He said be did not mean to prevent one,
his simple proposition being—and if tlw. Hoard did
not like it they had the remedy in their own hands—
that the works were now in such a state that he in-
tended before the next public meeting of the board,
to certify the contractors' hills. He thought it this
to the Board to say he thought they had better send
for the engineer of the General Board of Health and
invite him to inspect all the works, in order to see if
he (Mr. Whitehead) had fully performed his contract,
and whether the contractors had fulfilled their agree-
ments with him He (Mr. Whitehead) advised this
course to be immediately adopted....
. .

A deputation of ratepayers residing on Cornhill,
adjacent to the entrance to the Antelope Hotel, at-
tended the meeting. Mr. Short° said that the depu-
tation came to represent the condition in which the
public thoroughfare fronting the Antelope Hotel was
from the sewage of the hotel yard flowing across the
open street. The thunderstorm of Sunday evening
washed out the accumulated filth connected with the
stabling, Etc., of the hotel, and covered a space of
twelve paces long in the public street, and reaching
half-way across the street, consisting of black, stink-
ing, filthy matter. It became quite pestiferous in the
sun, and emitted a poisonous effluvia. Could any-
thing be done to stop the nuisance?
Alderman MANFIELD: This is in the public street?
Mr. SHORT(): Yell. The public drain LS completed
and passes up through the Antelope Yard. It
comes out in Mrs. Warren's back yard.
Alderman NIANFIELD: Another proof of the
inefficient drainage!
The Btu-xi-Ton of NrISANCES : There is not a
grating there yet; there's one on the opposite side
of the street.

Mr. WHITEHEAD : I can explain the point, (hear
hear) and what is called the • inefficient drainage,"
by my worthy friend—
Alderman .IANFIELD : I beg not to be called your
"worthy friend."
Mr. WHITEHEAD : Well; my unworthy friend.
The grating meant to be put by Mr. Curme's has
been put by mistake on the other aide of the street.
Alderman IANFIELD: NaI:HIV but mistakes
throughout. (Laughter).
Mr. WHITEHEAD: There was some objection by
Mr. Curme about putting a grating there.
The Ixsrr.cron of NUISANCES : There's one at Mr.
Curme's that ought to have been on the other side,
Sir, so Mr. Stannant told me.

Hr. Sitoirro : A grating put at the Antelope
Yard would stop the nuisance.
Mr. HODOZIS apprehended the gratings were for
surface drainage only.
Mr. SHORT° said Mr. Yearaley was willing to
connect the sewage complained of with the public
sewer, if permitted, at his own expense.
Mr. DAVIS, another of the deputation, complained
of a nuisance at the back of the Antelope, caused by
the pipe leading the sewage of several houses being
too small and defying the efforts of workmen at
several times to make it act properly.
The MAYOR replied to the deputation generally,
that as soon as the Board could give permission to
private persons to connect their drainage with the
public sewers steps to that end would be taken.
The deputation then withdrew, and the businem on
the agenda paper was proceeded with.
The TOWN Ci.xitz stated that the valuers in the
case of Mr. Vaizey, of Stafford, had reduced the
claim against the Board from £74 se. 9d. to
.C. 49 10s.
The MAYOR said the Board were bound to order
the payment to be made. This was accordingly
done.
Alderman NIANVIELD moved—That it be entered
on the minute-book that although the Board have
ordered the sum of £49 10s. to be paid to Mr.
Vaizey for damages to his land, that that be not
taken to be a precedent for payment of future claims
on the Local Board of Health. The motion was
Agreed to.
The MAYOR said the next business was "To re-
ceive a report from Mr. Whitehead as to the condi-
tion of the public works of drainage and water
supply, and determine what shall be done thereon."
Mr. WHITEHEAD again repeated his statement as
to the position of the works.
The TOWN CLERK read the contract, dated
December 13, 11%53, binding Mr. Whitehead to do
all things stated in the schedule of the contract to
the satisfaction of the Board, and to receive .C 560
remuneration- CM() on his survey and plans being
approved by the General Board, £2O on the designs
for the water supply receiving the same approval, and
the remaining £240 so as to allow £lOO to be re-
tained by the Local Board till the completion of the
works to their satisfaction and that of an officer of
the General Board.

Mr. GALPIN asked if at their nest meeting the
Board would have a report certifying that the works
are complete, that certain sums were due to con-
tractors, and that no other time be given for con-
sidering the document than what the meeting
afforded
Mr. Wurrnisso thought Mr. Galpit ought first
to ask the Town Clerk for the clause in Mr. White-
head's agreement, binding him to offer such a report.
The TOWN CLERK read the contract, but it said
nothing. about "reports."

Mr. c'HODGES wars glad Mr. Whitehead had pro-
posed to have the inspector of the General Board to
go over the works...

Mr. STANTON said he was one who was exceedingly
dissatisfied with the manner in which the works had
been carried out, and begged leave to move "That
considering Mr. Whitehead is not prepared to sub-
mit any report in writing to the and that
the sewer, near a mile at its outfall, is at present
full of water, arising from the bad construction or
defectiveness of the plan, it is proposed that the
surveyor of the General Board of Health be invited
to inspect the same, and report on its efficiency."
Mr. HODOL4 would be glad to second the motion,
but not with the reason attached to it.
Alderman AIANYIELD would support the motion,
and the reasons.

The TOWN CLERK, A the request of Mr. Galpin,
read minutes relative to the duties of Mr. White.
head, one of which, dated October 18, 1883, stated
that he should present any report without extra
remuneration.

Mr. WHITEHEAD said if the Board did not invite
an intelligent and competent person to criticise the
works, he (Mr. Whitehead) should send Mr. Dodson
a certificate for payment of his account, and then
the Board would be able to get nothing from that
contractor. The Board could tell the Inspector
anything in reference to the works.
Mr. GALPIN referred to the works carried on in
Fordington Meadow and at the reservoir, as inetances
where reports ought to be presented to the Board,
considering the deep interest the Board and the
ratepayers took in the matter.
Mr. WHITEHEAD said half a quire of written
report would not afford the full information he could
render rira rck-e. In reply to the Mayor, Mr
Whitehead said, the resevoir bottom had been
relaid, and interstices had been found in the clay
through which a hand could be pushed to the chalk
below. That had been remedied, and 2 inches of
cement laid over the clay. Ho hoped instructions
would be at once given to the engineers to keep the
reservoir filled for a twelvemonth.

Mr. Honors again urged the adoption of the
engineer's suggestion as to an inspector, and said he
was willing to second the motion of Mr. Stanton,
if the prejudging part thereof were omitted.
Mr. STA.NTON declined to alter his motion.

Alderman MANFIELD seconded the resolution. The
money estimated to be spent bad already been swal-
lowed up. He
estid that there must be blame some-
where, the works had all been done over and
over again—first altered, then amended, and re-done
a fourth time in some eases. It was of great
importance to the town. He (Alderman Manheld)
begged to repudiate any friendship with Mr. White-
lie; there would not be much friendship lost as
there never had been any, and he did not suppose
there ever would. The contract set forth that if this
contract be not duly performed the said Arthur
Whitehead shall payto the said Local Board of Health
the sum of 1.200. Hence, if Mr. Whitehead were to
blame, there was no reason why he should not pay
the penalty, but let the saddle be put on the right
horse. He hoped the Board would have an oppor-
tunity of stating their views to an intelligent inspec-
tor as a praetierl men. And if the contract had been
duly performed and all was right, he (Alderman
hituffield) should most heartily make the large
sacrifice of paying the enormous rates demandtd.
After some remarks from several gentlemen, Mr.
WHITEHEAD said A more effective proof could not be
afforded of the efficiency of the main sewer than the
fact that it had been carrying and delivering at its
outfail throughout the last twelve months ten or
fifteen times more than the sewer ever would be
called upon to carry again.
Alderman MANFIELD hoped notice would be given
to the Local Board when the Inspector intended to
come.

Mr. GALPIN was as anxious as any one for the
works to be inspected, but would move—That a
detailed account of the different bills be presented
to this Board showing the whole expenditure made
with reference to the drainage and water supply,
and that the engineer be requested not to grant any
certificate to any contractor before the account is
delivered and inspected by the Board.
Mr. WHITEHEAD : You shall have that document
within two weeks from this time.
Mr. Br.NNErr seconded the motion, and it
-

After some desultory conversation, Mr. Hodges
moved his amendment, which was seconded by Mr.
Decennia, and six voted for it. On which Mr.
Stanton's motion was put, when Mr. Stanton and
Alderman Manfield only voted for it. The amendment
of Mr. Hodges therefore pared.
The MAYOR asked Mr. Whitehead if be bad
given any authority for connecting private drains
with the main sewer.

WrIITZHILAD replied No.
Mr. &aloe : Does any power exist of making
private junctions?
Several M MISERS : No.
Mr. GAIPIN OA Mr. Whitehead): You have sup.

plied different persons with plans for making Pri•
rate connections with the main!
r. WRITIAIEAD: Yes; I have.
Mr. Dieroris ; Do you consider there se say autho-
rity or power ori your part to do so?
Mr. WurrxitEal:: I simply did it as a matter of
business between myself sod the person asking me
to furnish the plan.
Mr. GALPIN then proposed—Thaf it having come
to the knowledge of the Board that a peiblic sewer
has been interfered with contrary to the 47th sec.
of the Public Health Act, the clerk be instructed to
me for the penalties thereby incurred: and that the
requisite notices be issued.
Alderman Disrirtrttr asked if business not on the
paper could be gone on with!
Mr. A xvitrws : Lets finish the paper. Then if
we choose to have an amateur meeting we can. I
must request the paper to be gone through.
The MAYOR said the only other business was to
order a payment of £lO to the Clerk of Works.
This baying been ordered his Worship said Mr.
Galpin's question could be entertained.
Mr. Hovers thought any individual might pro-
ceed in place of the Beard.
Mr. Gxcrug thought the matter very important.
It was the first offence of the sort. He knew nothing
of the parties.
Alderman MANFIELD objected to the town being
put to the expense of a prosecution which could be
taken up as a matter of course by any Person. ~
Mr. GALPIN bed no hesitation in saying,
the Board did not proceed in this case they would
be publicly and plainly shirking their duty.
After observations from gentlemen to the effect
that the delay in getting ready and publishing plans
for private junctions with the main sewers, and the
restrictions needful, arose from the Board runlet.-
standing that the step could nut be taken before the
engineer's final report, Mr. Andrews remarked that
he was the individual he presumed pointed at as
offending against the Act. If so he had offended
most nuheedingly and unwittingly. Having heard
that several members of the Board had been supplied
with plans by Mr. Whitehead for the drainage of
their property, and reasons, perhaps not flattering to
the progress of the Board generally, having pre-
sented themselves; and hearing that those gentle-
men who had pbuis were eoing to proceed forthwith,
be asked Mr. Whitehea,l if such was the case. Mr.
Whitehead replied most certainly such
was the case. Taking a hint from one gentleman,
Mr. Andrews said that his family being from home,
and not wishing the Coroner to be called in, he
talked the matter over with Mr. Whitehead and
others, and they thought the whole of the drainage
of that description ought to be dune by the
contractor or a person under the Board. Well,
he received a plan from the engineer, forwarded it
to the contractor, Mr. Dodson, and found on return-
ing home two great holm Mr. Whitehead had
written him (Mr. Andrews) that if the holes were
open on a particular day he would himself report
upon them. If this were an offence he (Mr.
Andrews) was sorry for it. Nothing done by his
order had interfered with the Act of Parliament.
Alderman I.4.errtiox Admitting that the neces-
sary works might be carried forwanl on gentlemen's
private property, suggested that Mr. Andrews should
have any connection between his house and the main
sewer cut off till the necessary authority of the Board
was obtained, the work having been done in igno-
rance.

Mr. GALPLY alluded to Mr. Whitehead (who had
just quitted the room) stating that be had no au-
thority for connecting private drains with the pub-
lic sewer. The workmen were defying the Board, and
it had continued so long that a stop must be put to
the impropriety.
Mr. DiVEDISLI seconded Mr. Galpin's motion in
order that the offender might be traced out.
Mr. ANDREWS moved—That as there is DO evi-
dence before this Board that the public sewer has
been interfered with, the Clerk be requested to
inquire into it- But Mr. Andrews afterwards withdrew
the proposition, and said he would disconnect his
premises, if there were any connection, from the main
sewer.

Mr. GALPIN pressed his motion, urging that num-
bers would take advantage of the precedent if not
stopped. He did not refer to Mr. Andrews in the
case, but to the workmen who had gone on interfer-
ing with the public works and defying the Mayor.
The motion
A meeting oiTreed General Purposes Committee was
then arranged for the purpose of carrying out the re-
solution of February 7, to the effect, that it is expedi-
ent to engage a person to carry out the private drain-
age and water works, and other offices connected
with the Council. The Board broke up about 2
o'clock.

BOROUGH PoLtcg COURT. Townhall, Friday, July 1,
1859.--(Before Henry Lock, Esq., Mayor, and John
Ensor, Eaql. —lsaac Coward was brought up in custody
c with being drunk. P.C. Garland stated that
on Thursday forenoon, about 11 o'clock, he found the
prisoner asleep, near the railings of AU Saints' Church.
The prisoner was quite incapable, and unable to stand.
The officer conveyed him to the lockup, but the prisoner
said he " would aot go in till he had a pipe of tobacco."
In reply to the Mayor be said he lived at Rlandford,
bad come to Dorchester to get lodgings, during his
stay here as a Militia man, and had a wife and 3 children.
He also said he was a dealer in rags and bones. Fined
fie. and costs Is, 6d.; a week allowed for payment, or in
default, lobe put into the stocks. _ .

BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONM, Townhall, Monday, July
4, 1859.—(Before Henry Lock, Esq., Mayor, M.
Devenish, and J. Ensor, Henry Bye
was summoned for assaulting a lad named Albert
Coombe, in the employ of Mr. Davis, of Hospital-street.
Mr. M. C. Weston appeared for the complainant.
Defendant admitted the assault, whereupon Mr. Weston
remarked that One of the the principal reasons for
obtaining the summons was for the purpose of prevent-
ing annoyances to Mr. Davis. Defendant's children
were in the habit of playing in fror.t of Mr. Davis's
house, and they were frequently put upon the window
sill. Mr. Davis did not press for a fine, but wished
defendant to be bound over to keep the peace, and to
be cautioned against aggravating Mr. Davis in future.
In reply to the Bench, defendant said he had the "mis-
fortune to live opposite to this (pointing to Mr.
Davis) very correct specimen of what may be
called man's fallen nature'; and on Wednesday
while at work defendant heard Mr. Davis call
out, "George, go and knock them young
off the steps. Defendant looked up and saw the lad
kick defendant's child, only twelvemonths old, on to its
hands from the step of Mr. Hardy's back-door. Bye
then went out, and Coombs being "cheeky, as his master
was encouraging him," Mr. Davis calling defendant "all
the nasty names a low vulgar tongue could think of,"
defendant boxed the boy's ears, and told Mr. Davis if he
would come he would serve him the saine.—William
Lockett said he heard a loud talking, and on looking
towards Davis's saw defendant strike the lad. Coombs
said the children were on his master's front door steps,
and he only ordered them off. Bye asked leave to call
witnesses to speak to Mr. Davis's character, saying
"we all know he is one of the greatest--one of the low-
est men in the town," but the Bench cleared the Court
and deliberated. On opening the doors, the Mayor
said the Magistrates had decided to fine defendant 8.
including costa. The Bench did not think the case
justified the binding of defendant over to keep the peace.
Mr. Devenish added that he was sorry Mr. Bye should
have rendered himself liable even for this, almost the
smallest, penalty through so trifling a circuusstance.

COMITTTID TO DOEICHEATER GAOL. To Hard
Labour.—Jorieph Humber, leaving service at Backland
Newton, 1 week ' • Mary Hood, misbehaviour at Ware-
barn union, 14 days; Sarah Churchill, vagrancy at Dor-
chester, 14 days • Henry Samways, poaching at Piddle-
trenthide, 1 calendar month • Thomas Henry Coleman,
disobedience of orders on bard the James Watt, 14
days; John Butcher, stealing • shirt on board the James
Watt, 21 days; Susan Fowler, vagrancy at Lyme Regis,
14 days ; Alfred Stickland, assault on police at Fontmel
Magna, 1 calendar month. Imprisonment. &this
Moore, vagrancy at Dorchester, 14 days; David
Saunders, furiously driving at Spettisbury, 1 calendar
month; John Liacombe, vagrancy at Blandford, 21
days.