Having thus far given the modus operandi under which the Act has to be enforced, it is necessary to see what are some of the town surveyor’s duties in connection therewith.
First, there are the “maps, particulars, and estimates” which have to be prepared, and these involve—
(a.) Accurate surveys of the area;
(b.) A reference of all the properties included:
(c.) A census of the population of the area;
(d.) A valuation of all the properties;
(e.) A plan of the proposed new streets, &c.
(f.) An estimate of the cost of the whole work.
In addition to this it is necessary for the local authority to “impose suitable conditions and restrictions as to the elevation, size, and design of the houses and the extent of the accommodation to be afforded thereby, and to make due provision for the maintenance of proper sanitary arrangements,” and this naturally involves detailed drawings of the buildings to be erected.
In the same clause (38 & 39 Vic. c. 36, s. 9) it is stated that the local authority may engage with any society, &c., to carry the whole or any part of the scheme into effect, but “the local authority shall not themselves, without the express approval of the confirming authority, undertake the rebuilding of the houses or the execution of any part of the scheme, except that they may take down any or all of the buildings upon the area, and clear the whole or any part thereof, and may lay out, form, pave, sewer, and complete” all the necessary streets, &c., which shall thenceforth be public streets repairable by the inhabitants at large.