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nuisance. Smoke observations were carried out on 120 occasions,
but in no instance was it necessary to serve a notice.
Smells From the River.—About the middle of August numerous
complaints were received by the Health Department regarding
offensive smells noticed in the Borough. These smells were variously
described as' sulphury,'' suffocating ' and ' sickly,' and it was alleged
that polished brasswork and copper was becoming quickly tarnished.
The smells were not confined to Greenwich but were common to
most riverside Boroughs, as far up as Fulham and Chelsea, and had
been reported in many areas on the lower reaches of the Thames.
Observation by this Department indicated that the trouble was
due to the reduced flow of water in the River during the abnormally
dry and warm spell of weather with, firstly, a greater concentration
of organic matter in the River and, secondly, a greater exposure to
the atmosphere of the riverside mud, causing excessive putrefaction
and the production of sulphuretted hydrogen. This explanation was
confirmed when conditions improved as the temperature dropped
and the level of the River rose with increasing rainfall.
Nuisances Arising From Bomb Damaged Buildings and
E.W.S. Sites.—The condition of bombed sites and E.W.S. tanks in
the Borough continues to exercise the attention of this Department
Towards the end of the year the Council adopted a Bye-Law
under Section 146 of the London Government Act, 1939, prohibiting
the depositing of rubbish on unfenced ground and bombed sites,
specified in a Schedule prepared by the Health Department. Copies
of the Bye-law are exhibited on the sites and there has been some
improvement but total clearance and fencing is the only solution.
The E.W.S. tanks are used as dumping grounds and organic
matter and water accumulates in considerable quantities.
In many cases the owners of the ground on which the E.W.S.
tanks are situated cannot be traced and the matter is further
complicated by the fact that the Government are not encouraging
the demolition of the tanks.
However, if obnoxious matter is present or a Public Health
nuisance exists, Notices can be served on the owners of the ground
if they are known but it is doubtful if a Court would uphold a prosecution
in the event of non-compliance.
This whole problem bristles with difficulties and the time has
surely come when some National policy should be formulated.
Defective DwELLiNGS.-REPAiRS.-With regard to houses found
not to be in a reasonable state of repair, the following procedure,
classified under three headings, is generally adopted :—