(10.) The damage caused to footpaths by allowing water from private premises to flow over them, and the nuisance caused by defective rain-water gutters or shutes.
(11.) The damage caused to roadways by the laying or removal of gas and water mains and services, and the surveyor’s powers and duties in connection therewith.
(12.) The importance, especially in old towns, of laying down improved building lines of frontage in the narrower or crooked streets.
(13.) The examination of all plans of proposed new streets or buildings.
(14.) The supervision of all new streets and buildings whilst their construction is in progress.
(15.) Dealing with all buildings in a condition dangerous to the public.
Each of the foregoing list of duties will be dealt with in separate chapters in addition to other matters which will be treated, but before closing this chapter a few words upon the subject of “meetings” may be of use.
It will be observed upon reference to the list which I have given of the duties of the surveyor, that there is one which says, “To attend all meetings of the board, and committee meetings, except where his attendance has been previously dispensed with; to attend upon the chairman when so required.”
The result of this order is that a very large percentage of the surveyor’s time has to be devoted to attendances at long meetings of the Board or town council, and at the numerous committee and sub-committee meetings which are appointed under it.
This work is doubled where, as in some towns, the corporation and their committees sit in a dual capacity, viz. as the council proper, and the council as the urban sanitary authority; this generally involves two ordinary meetings of the whole body each month, and probably at least six committee meetings a week, leaving the surveyor but scanty time to look properly after his works.