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The Metropolitan Water Board reported 20 cases of discontinuance of water supply, 19 for nonpayment
of rates and 1 for non-compliance with regulations as to storage cistern. Eight of the premises
were unoccupied. In 11 of the remaining cases the water supply was restored after various intervals,
ranging from one day to six weeks, whilst in a further case legal proceedings were instituted and a
closing order obtained, such closing order being cancelled after the water supply had been reinstated
some six months later.
A closing order was also obtained with regard to certain garage premises which were found to
be occupied as a dwelling although devoid of water supply and sanitary conveniences.
Mortuary.—Five hundred and forty-nine (549) bodies were deposited at the Mortuary, inquests
being held on 440 of that number. Bodies deposited pending burial (all non-infectious) numbered 11.
Three hundred and ninety-six (396) post-mortem examinations were made.
Early in the year a nine-cell refrigerating chamber was installed in the Mortuary at a cost of
about £326.
Trade Nuisances.—Eighteen (18) complaints were received during the year, those relating to
manure numbering 3.
Removal of Manure.—Section 36 (2) of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, empowers the local
authority to give notice requiring the periodical removal of manure from stables, etc. With a view
to the prevention of an increase in flies as well as other nuisances arising from accumulation of manure,
it has been the practice of the Council for some years past to require stable refuse to be removed twice
weekly during the months of May to September, public notice of such requirement being given by
means of posters displayed in the various Mews in the Borough. Very little difficulty is experienced
in securing compliance with the notice.
Rag and Bone Dealers.—In December, 1934, there were 10 rag and bone dealers in the Borough.
Smoke Control.—During 1934, 26 trade premises were kept under observation for the detection
of smoke emitted so as to be a nuisance. These premises were watched on 47 occasions, occupying
15 hours.
Smoke of all descriptions was noted during 7½ hours, the duration of "black" smoke being only
8 minutes.
Eleven complaints relating to the emission of smoke were received during the year.
FOULING OF PUBLIC FOOTWAYS BY DOGS.
The following bye-law was made by the Council on the 29th July, 1924, for the good rule and
government of the Borough:—
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.
Any person offending against this bye-law shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding 40 shillings.
This bye-law shall cease to be in force after the 1st day of August, 1926, unless a bye-law
confirming and continuing its provisions has been duly made and come into force before that date.
In July, 1926, the bye-law was adopted permanently by the Council.
This bye-law is enforced by the Medical Officer of Health and his staff. Active assistance is
given by the police, the Home Secretary having intimated in June, 1928, as a result of representations
from the Council, that the police had been instructed to report to the Council such ofiences against
the bye-law as come to their notice in the course of their ordinary duties. During 1934 four prosecutions
were instituted, fines ranging from 2s. 6d. to 10s. being imposed.
The publicity which has been given to the bye-law has had good effect in causing many dogowners
to be more careful. One minor difficulty in enforcing the bye-law is that an offender cannot
be compelled to divulge his identity, and cannot be given in charge as the police do not enforce the
bye-law.
Notices concerning the bye-law were frequently posted on shingle-bins throughout the Borough.