View report page

47
Smoke Nuisances.—Thirty observations have been made
for smoke nuisances during the year, but in no instance was it found
necessary to serve a Statutory Notice.
The Council continue to receive complaints from time to time
respecting the emission of smoke and grit from the chimneys of the
London County Council's Generating Station. Much correspondence
has ensued between this Department and the County Council on
the subject, and I am now pleased to be able to report that the
Tramways Department of that Council have decided definitely to
spend a considerable amount of money to put in an up-to-date gritcatching
apparatus whereby it is hoped that this serious nuisance
will be completely removed.
Complaints have also been received respecting the emission of
black smuts from a Lamp Black Works in this District, and here
again our efforts have resulted in the firm being able to so improve
their methods of production as to enable them to retain a much
larger proportion of their product and the nuisance suffered by the
occupants of the immediate neighbourhood has been perceptibly
diminished.
Water Supply.—During the year 16 water supply certificates
have been granted under Section 48 of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1891. Defective water fittings have been remedied in 42 cases;
27 water supplies have been reinstated where the supply had been
cut off; water fittings have been amended in 106 cases; 7 water
supplies have been altered so as to draw direct from the main; water
supply provided in 6 instances, and cleansing, repairing and covering
cisterns in 10 cases.
House Drainage.—Twenty-one drains have been constructed,
105 drainage systems have been reconstructed or repaired; 350 such
systems have also been opened, cleansed and amended; 33 surface
drains have been constructed; 58 drains and soil pipes have been
ventilated; 205 systems have been tested by smoke, 296 by water, of
which number 73 were found to be defective; 35 new soil pipes
and 225 traps have been fixed, together with 36 intercepting chambers
and fresh air inlets, and 58 other chambers. Ventilation has
been improved in 30 cases.
Twelve new covers to manholes have been provided. Twentytwo
systems have been sealed off or slurried up. Eight forecourts
12 areas, 39 yards, 2 mews and stables drained; 1 cesspool abolished;
26 water-closets have been erected: 125 cleansed and repaired;
82 w.c. doors and seats repaired or provided. A pan, trap and
water supply have been furnished throughout in 46 cases; pan and
traps only furnished in 138 cases; pans only in 9 cases, and other
fittings provided or improved in 216 cases, whilst the water supply
has been renewed in 25 instances. Public-house urinals have been
cleansed and repaired in 12 instances.