Communication-pipes etc., to be kept in efficient repair by owner or occupier of

premises.—

5[(1) It shall be incumbent on the owner or occupier of any premises to which a private water-supply is furnished from any municipal water-work,

6[to keep in a thoroughly clean condition and

to maintain and keep in efficient repair every supply and distributing pipe] conveying water from the

said water-work to such premises and every meter for measuring water, not being a municipal meter and

7[every cistern and fitting] in or connected with any such pipe, so as effectually to prevent the water from running to waste.

8[(2) When an occupier of any premises is served with a notice under sub-section (2) of section

278, he may, after giving to the person to whom he is responsible for the payment of his rent

9[three] days notice in writing, himself have to the repairs executed and in such event he shall be entitled to deduct from any rent due

10[or to become due] by him to such person the actual expenses incurred by him in complying with the notice served under sub-section (2) of section 278: Provided that nothing in this section shall affect the liabilities of parties under leases executed before the 1 st day of April 1918.]