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65
ADMINISTRATIVE WORK.
The increase in the number of specimens examined for the diphtheria bacillus was mainlydue
to outbreaks of the disease at the Victoria Orphanage and the Orphanage of Mercy. From
the former institution 684 swabs (78 positive, 584 negative, and 22 Hoffman) were received, and
from the latter 76 (6 positive, 68 negative, and 2 Hoffman). In 11 instances it was found that
repeat examinations yielded positive results, although previous specimens taken from the same
children had proved negative.
Forty-three swabs (1 positive only) were taken by the Medical Officer of Health at the
Town Hall, mostly from persons connected with the milk trade.
The total proportion of positive results was 13.9 per cent. last year, as compared with 19.1
in 1913 and 19.6 in 1912. In the case of tuberculosis only was the proportion higher than in
1913. (See below.)

Offensive Refuse.— Trade Refuse.—The bulk of the trade refuse produced in the Borough
is removed by the Council. Three complaints were received during the year with reference to
vegetable and other refuse. In each case the removal of the refuse was effected and the premises
were kept under observation.
Manure.—The usual notices for the removal of manure on three days in each week were
posted in all the mews during the month of June. Following the outbreak of the war some
difficulty was experienced in securing the regular removal of manure owing to the means of
transport not being available. At no time, however, did any serious nuisance arise. Complaints
of accumulations at 14 mews received attention.
House Refuse.—A weekly collection of refuse is the general rule in the Borough, but a second
collection is made each week during the months of July—September from all houses in the
"Clarendon Street Area." Extra collections (without charge) are also made in certain cases
upon the recommendation of the Medical Officer of Health.
Last year 175 applications for more frequent removal were dealt with by the Medical Officer
of Health. A second collection in each week was recommended in 133 instances, as compared
with 69 in 1913 and 59 in 1912.
Trade Nuisances.—One complaint was received relating to smells from trade premises.
The business complained of (dyeing) was shortly afterwards discontinued.
Rag and Bone Dealers.—There were 32 of these dealers carrying on business in the Borough
last year, 15 handling every description of goods, 8 rags and metals, 6 second-hand clothes, 2
cat's meat, and 1 rabbit and other skins. Eighty inspections were made of the premises where
animal matters are dealt in.
Drainage Work.—During the past year reconstruction of the drainage was carried out at
175 houses, the same number as in 1913. In 1912 there were 223 reconstructions, and in 1911,
227. Seventy-eight defective drains were repaired and made sound, chiefly by means of the
machine process, as compared with 73 in 1913 and 98 in 1912. One hundred and forty-three
old drains were tested and found sound last year, as against 100 in 1913 and 66 in 1912.
Deposit of Drainage Plans.—Three hundred and twelve plans were received last year for
work in connection with drains and sanitary fittings, as compared with 344 in 1913 and 352 in
1912. The correspondence arising from the deposit of plans comprised 646 letters and forms in
1914, 734 in 1913, and 705 in 1912. One summons was issued last year for a breach of the
by-laws requiring the deposit of plans. The defendant was fined £1, with 10s. costs.
Seivcr Connections.—During the past year 15 Orders with regard to defective sewer connections
were issued under Section 85 of the Metropolis Management Act, 1855. In addition, 23
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