require the local authority to purchase such property. Compensation, fixed by arbitration, is to be given to the owners." Originally the power of taking property was confined to "premises in a condition or state dangerous to health, so as to be unfit for habitation; " but now, by the amended Act of 1882, 45 and 46 Viet., c. 54, s. 8, "power is given to remove also what are called 'obstructive' buildings; that is, buildings which, though not in themselves unfit for human habitation, are so situated that, by reason of their proximity to, or contact with, any other buildings, they cause one of the following effects: They stop ventilation, or otherwise make, or conduce to make, such other buildings to be in a condition unfit for human habitation ; or they prevent proper means from being carried into effect for remedying the evils complained of in respect of such other buildings." The "Dwellings of the Poor " question needs no more legislation. There can be no doubt that we have ample laws to enable us to have improved dwellings for the labouring class; we have also the fact that these laws have not been put into force; therefore, it seems to me, we must think of some other remedy. It is useless to ask for more legislation, if legislation can do anything, there is already sufficient law. We want a compact body of vigilant, earnest men in every parish, resolved to put the existing laws into operation; or, better still, we want, on the part of tha working class, the desire for purer dwellings, the resolve to have them even at the sacrifice of other indulgences; and we may trust then to sufficient means being found in every parish to supply the capital to build healthy houses for the