Folios 165-166. To: The General Board of Health. From: Charles E Deacon, Town Clerk...

Folios 165-166.

To: The General Board of Health.

From: Charles E Deacon, Town Clerk and Clerk to the Local Board of Health, Southampton [Hampshire].

Subject Matter: Letter advising that on the 13 February 1856, the Southampton Local Board made a retrospective rate for the 6 months commencing the 15 August 1855. Deacon explains that 'A B' was rated for certain premises as the occupier upon that rate, and as he did not pay the amount owing, he was summoned before the Magistrates. Upon their hearing the case, it appeared he had ceased to be the occupier just three days before the rate was made by the Board. 'A B' is said to have contended before the Magistrates that as he was not the actual occupier at the time the rate was made, he was not liable to pay any portion of the rate, and that the Local Board had no power to compel him to pay. Deacon requests the General Board's opinion upon this matter, and whether, if 'A B' is not legally liable to pay the whole amount ('less the small proportion for the 3 days'), the Local Board can alter the rate and insert therein the name of 'C D', who was the occupier for the three days, and make him pay the whole amount of the rate.