§ 372. Certain cities; existing regulations and sanitary codes. The existing sanitary codes of cities having a population of less than one hundred seventy-five thousand, and all rules, regulations and special directions heretofore duly formulated, adopted and promulgated by the commissioner of public safety, the board of health or the health officer, shall continue in full force and effect, except as the same may be revised, altered, amended or annulled from time to time as provided by law.