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87
underground rooms were occupied by the caretakers of flats. As
was stated in my last annual report it is unfortunately by no means
uncommon to find the caretakers of flat dwellings illegally put into
occupation of underground rooms. When the flats are constructed,
these rooms are stated to be intended as store rooms, but subsequently
a caretaker is found in occupation.
The Removal of Dust Chutes.
Considerable progress was made during 1907 in the removal of
dust chutes in flat dwellings. These structures are a constant
source of nuisance, and a large number has been abolished in
Hampstead in the last few years. There are many unsatisfactory
ways of dealing with house refuse, but the practice of casting it
down an evil.smelling brick shaft into a still more offensive
receptacle below is probably one of the worst. Eleven blocks of
flats were dealt with during the year, and 18 brick dust chutes were
removed and 27 sanitary dust bins supplied in their stead.
Complaints as to Sewer Ventilators.
During the year, 60 complaints of smells from surface ventilators
were received, as compared with 86 in 1906. This number does
not include those complaints which were sent direct to the Borough
Engineer.
Copies of these 60 complaints were sent to the Borough
Engineer.
During the year Webb's Patent Sewer Gas Destructor Lamps
were fixed in the following situations :—
Branch Hill, opposite Lower Terrace.
Broadhurst Gardens, by Canfield Gardens.
Cannon Place, by Christ Church.
Frognal Lane, opposite Road to Hall Oak.
Sumatra Road, opposite No. 80.
Public Mortuary.
During the year the bodies of 84 persons were brought to the
Mortuary as against 87 last year—38 by older of the Coroner, 19 by
the Police, and 27 at the request of friends of the deceased persons.