[248] The Local Government Board have held a steam roller, a steam fire-engine, a disinfecting apparatus, and lamp columns to be permanent works. [249] For asphalte pavements twelve years have been allowed. [250] “Details may be drawn to any scale larger than the dimensions named. Engraved or lithographed diagrams, if clear and distinct, will be accepted. A new plan of any town or district cannot be used for main sewering, water supply, gas supply, pavements, footwalks, and other purposes without spoiling it; consequently it had better be retained as a standard and be zincographed, there may then be copies for all local purposes. The zinc plates to be the property of the local authority.” [251] _Vide_ ‘Transactions of the Sanitary Institute of Great Britain,’ vol. i. p. 116. CHAPTER XXXIII. CONTRACTS. Contracts being principally a legal question, it is not my intention to say much on the matter. In the Public Health Act 1875 will be found the following clauses: “Any Local Authority may enter into any contracts necessary for carrying this Act into execution (38 & 39 Vic. c. 55, s. 173). “With respect to contracts made by an Urban Authority under this Act, the following regulations shall be observed (namely): “(1.) Every contract made by an Urban Authority whereof the value or amount exceeds fifty pounds shall be in writing, and sealed with the common seal of such authority: “(2.) Every such contract shall specify the work, materials, matters or things to be furnished, had or done, the price to be paid, and the time or times within which the contract is to be performed, and shall specify some pecuniary penalty to be paid in case the terms of the contract are not duly performed: “(3.) Before contracting for the execution of any works under the provisions of this Act, an Urban Authority shall obtain from their surveyor an estimate in writing, as well of the probable expense of executing the work in a substantial manner as of the annual expense of repairing the same; also a report as to the most advantageous mode of contracting, that is to say, whether by contracting only for the execution of the work, or for executing and also maintaining the same in repair during a term of years or otherwise: “(4.) Before any contract of the value or amount of one hundred pounds or upwards is entered into by an Urban Authority ten days’ public notice at the least shall be given, expressing the nature and purpose thereof, and inviting tenders for the execution of the same; and such authority shall require and take sufficient security for the due performance of the same: