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At present persuasion is used, but the condition persists for a considerable
time. It is difficult to suggest any solution of the problem other than the granting
to local authorities of powers to compel removal to suitable institutions. The
principle of such compulsory power has been established by the Bradford
Corporation Act, 1025. Under this Act a Court of Summary Jurisdiction may, on
the application of the Medical Officer of Health, issue an order for the removal of
any aged, infirm or physically incapacitated person where it is shown that, in the
public interest or in the interest of the person concerned, such removal is necessary.
During the year the views of the Council were asked as to the desirability of
similar provision being incorporated in the next London County Council (General
Powers) Act, and the Council, on the recommendation of the Public Health Committee,
adopted a resolution approving in principle that Metropolitan Boroughs
and City Councils should be granted powers to obtain the removal of infirm and
diseased persons in certain cases and also approving a request to the London
County Council to insert such provision in their next Genpral Powers Bill.
Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Acts.
On the application of tenants two certificates were issued under the above
Acts that houses complained of were not in all respects reasonably fit for human
habitation or were otherwise not in a reasonable state of repair. Two applications
were refused.
Nuisances Caused by Dogs.
With a view to the prevention of nuisances from the fouling of footways by
dogs the Council made the following by-law:—
" No person being in charge of a dog in any street or public place and
" having the dog on a lead shall allow or permit such dog to deposit its
" excrement upon the public footway."
The by-law is to remain in force until the 1st June, 1928.
Choked Water Closets
Nuisances frequently arise, particularly in tenement houses, due to the misuse
of water closets resulting in repeated choking. It is found that tenants get into
the habit of using one pail as a receptacle for refuse of all kinds, e.g., bedroom
slops and waste water, tea leaves, vegetable parings, etc., the contents being
ultimately thrown down the water closet. This practice inevitably leads to the
water closet being stopped up; on the other hand it would be objectionable if the
whole contents of these pails, often largely of a liquid nature, were placed in the
dust bins. The use of a "scullery receptacle" would enable this difficulty to be
met. This receptacle consists of an ordinary sized domestic pail with a movable
drainer. The use of this article in the place of an ordinary pail enables solid
matter, such as potato parings, to be separated from the liquid matter. The latter
an be readily disposed of by emptying down the water closet or suitable gulley,
ie former can be burnt or placed ip the dust bin.