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indoor baths are of such a character that it would be difficult to find
any in the country to surpass them. During the year samples were
taken from the older swimming pools at times of greatest pressure ;
these were found to be bacteriologically satisfactory. The tests have
proved useful in indicating the efficiency of the filtration plants, and
improvements have been made in order to meet the very highest possible
standards of purity :—
The numbers using the swimming baths in 1930 were :—
Great Smith Street: 190,949 men ; 74,581 women.
Buckingham Palace Road : 139,341 men ; 86,964 women.
The numbers relating to users of the public washhouses were :—
Great Smith Street, 36,266 ; Buckingham Palace Road, 35,935.
Drainage and Sewerage.—Last year complaints of foul odours from
open sewer ventilators were frequent in the summer. The L.C.C., on
representations, closed a number of these and thus removed the source
of nuisance.
House Drainage.—The increasing work of the department in connection
with drainage plans and works of old and new buildings was fully remarked
last year. It continues to grow. No fewer than 891 plans were examined
and approved. But the work is not confined to examining plans and
discussing amendments and improvements with architects; the actual
construction of the drainage and sanitary fitments must be inspected
while in progress, and on completion must be tested. For example, super
visionof the drainage work at Dorchester Hotel included 275 bathrooms,
each fitted with w.c., bath, lavatory and bidet, over 100 sinks, lavatories,
&c., w.cs. for staff and, in addition, Turkish baths, shower baths, hairdressing
saloons, &c., with some 20 miles of pipes to serve them.
New Drainage By-laws made by the London County Council under the
Metropolis Management Act, 1855 (Sec. 202.)—These By-laws were
approved by the Minister of Health on the 4th March, 1930, with slight
reservations and came into operation six months after that date.
Although the by-laws have only been in force a few months, it is
already realised that they are a considerable advance upon the old code.
Up to the present no difficulty has been experienced in their administration
and with intelligent interpretation and application they should meet
the requirements of the present day.
New By laws of the L.C.C. under Sec. 39, Public Health (London) Act,
1891, as to Water Closets, TJrinals, &c.—These were confirmed by the
Minister, and came into force on the 21st August. It may be recollected