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The trespass by caravan dwellers on cleared sites in the Borough provided a
serious nuisance during the year and gave rise to a large number of complaints from
local residents. Every endeavour was made to clear these sites, and with the cooperation
of the L.C.C. in relation to trespass on sites owned by that authority,
very satisfactory results were obtained in removing this nuisance. However at the
end of the year there were still several small pockets of land occupied by caravan
dwellers.
The attention of the department was drawn on several occasions to the existence
in the Borough of the so called 'stink-weed' or American Thorn Apple (Daturastramonium).
This is a weed producing substances of powerful medicinal activity
and is comparable with the deadly night shade type of plant. Although it is poisonous
it is unlikely that anyone would interfere with this plant because of the
strong characteristic smell. Complaints were also received concerning other
strange plants and it would appear that these were specimens of Indian Hemp
(Cannabis Indica) also aplant with strong medicinal properties. Experiments were
carried out with regard to the eradication of these weeds from cleared sites and
allotments.
The appointment of four Public Health Inspectors and Woman Welfare Officer
during the second half of the year enabled an extension of services to the Public
and increased activities in all sections especially of Housing Surveys, Food
Hygiene Regulations, domestic dwelling complaints, smoke nuisances, and the establishment
of a Welfare section for the Aged and infirm.
I have to report with regret the death of Mr. A. A. Hamilton, Chief Clerk,
in the early part of the year; he gave sterling service to the Council and Public
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