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administration.
Reconstruction Plans.—The plans deposited last year reached a total of 274, an increase of 62 on
the figure for 1921. With the lower cost of materials and labour, it is to be expected that more
voluntary work will be undertaken, and the pre-war annual average of 304 reconstructions (1911-14)
restored, if not exceeded. The following figures show how greatly this class of work has fluctuated
since 1914:—
Average
1914-18
1919
1920
1921
1922
Plans deposited 191 269 299 208 274
In connection with the 274 plans, 664 letters were sent out. No summonses were issued during
the year for failure to comply with the bye-laws.
Combined Drainage.—Orders were made under Section 74 of the Metropolis Management Act,
1855, sanctioning the draining by combined systems of the undermentioned groups of premises.
Biddulph Road, Nos. 4 to 12 Lancaster Mews, Nos. 26 and 27
Harrow Road, Nos. 374 and 376 Oxford Terrace, Nos. 2 and 3
Harrow Road, Nos. 501, 503 and 505 Porchester Square, Nos. 32 and 33
Harrow Road, Nos. 513, 515 and 517 St. Petersburgh Place, No. 24, and Garage
Kensal Road, Workshops at rear of Nos. at rear
156 to 168 Westbourne Grove Terrace, Nos. 10 and 11
No systems of combined drainage were reconstructed at the cost of the Council.
Sewer Connections.—In all, 63 sewer connections were either wholly or partially relaid, 29 after
Order of the Council and 34 on the initiative of owners. Examinations made in consequence of
complaints from householders of the presence of rats have led to the discovery of many defective
sewer connections during recent years.
Average
1914-18 1919 1920 1921 1922
After Order by the Council 12 36 46 22 29
On initiative of " owners" 18 26 24 38 34
Water Supply. (Table XIV.).—Last year seven certificates were issued with respect to newlybuilt
houses, the same number as in 1921. All the houses were situated in Biddulph Road.
In 13 instances the water supply was cut off from premises by the Water Board, the reasons
being unpaid rates (9), and defective fittings (4). Three of the houses were unoccupied. Before the
water supply was restored in the remaining 10 cases the service of six notices and one summons was
necessary.
Shortage of Supply.—In March of last year the Minister of Health issued a circular letter calling
attention to the possibility of a shortage owing to the deficiency of the rainfall during 1921, and indicating
the possibilities of supplementing any deficiency. There was no evidence of any deficiency
in the Borough.
Mortuary. (Table XIV.).—The number of bodies received rose from 220 in 1921 to 258 last
year, and of inquests held from 158 to 199. Post-mortem examinations were made on 53 per cent,
of the bodies, as compared with an annual average of 39 for the years 1914-18.
Trade Nuisances.—Offensive Smells.—The complaints received were fewer than in 1921, or any
year since 1914. Vegetable refuse and manure were the chief sources of trouble.
Emission of Dust.—For some years frequent complaints have been made of nuisance due to dust
and down escaping from a bedding factory. Many attempts have been made to remedy the nuisance
by screening, air shafts, etc. Last year a system of exhaust shafts was constructed by which the
dust, etc., were extracted from the work-rooms and led into water tanks. The scheme appears to
have succeeded, no complaints having been received since its installation.
A similar method has been installed at a factory where soap powder is made, with equal success.
Offensive Trades.—-Bye-laws made by the County Council under the Public Health (London)
Act, 1891, for regulating the business of dressing fur skins came into operation during the year No.
such business is known to be carried on within the Borough.
Smoke Nuisance. (Table XIV.).—Twelve complaints were received during the year, two more
than in 1921, but the duration of emission of "black" smoke was actually less, being 3.6 per 100
hours' observation as against 5.2 the previous year. Seven notices were served, but no further
proceedings were necessary.
Duration of Black Smoke 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922
per 100 hours' observation 6.6 6.6 4.1 5.2 3.6
Canal: Canal Boats. (Table XIV.).—The annual cleansing and repairing of the Paddington
Basin took place as usual during the Easter Holidays. About 415 tons of mud, etc., were removed,
752 square yards of concreting laid, 72 cubic feet of brickwork repaired, and 55 square yards of pointing
done by the Canal Company. At Nos. 11, 12 and 13 Wharves, North Side, belonging to the Paddington
Borough Council, about 5 square yards of brickwork were refaced, and 100 square feet of pointing
done.