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51
Legal Infringements.—In 16 instances builders were cautioned
with regard to infringements of by-laws, and in one instance police
court proceedings were taken for failure to give notice that a watercloset
was to be constructed, and a fine of £2 with 4s. costs was
inflicted.
In one instance proceedings had to be sought to obtain rectification
of defective drainage; the Magistrate's order was obeyed and the costs
paid.
In one instance (No. 8, Lancashire Court, Bond Street) a Closing
Order was obtained, together with a fine £5 and 3s. costs, for the
premises being without water.
Several persons were cautioned for improperly removing offensive
refuse.
Plans of Drainage, &c,.—All plans dealing with drainage schemes,
the result of a Public Health Act Notice, and with proposed waterclosets
in both old and new premises, are submitted to the Public
Health Committee and reported upon by me. During the year
870 sets of plans were dealt with; in about 25 per cent. amendments
were necessary, and led to a considerable amount of correspondence and
many interviews with Architects. A good deal of complaint is made
that the regulations of the Council are so complicated that it is
almost impossible for the public to know which subject comes under the
Works Department and which under that of Public Health. In almost
every case, even of new buildings, the sanction of the Public Health
Committee is required not only as to position of water-closets, but on
many other points, and to enable certificates to be given under the
Public Health Act, the Revenue Act, &c.
Inflammable Fluids in Drains.—In November I called attention to
a practice which may be fraught with a certain amount of danger. The
practice I allude to is that of allowing inflammable fluids to find access
to the drains of premises. This occurs especially in hair-dressers'
establishments and motor garages. In the former case it is patroleum
spirit which is used for shampooing purposes, and in the latter petrol.
In two instances where a chemical test has been applied to the
drains of premises occupied by hair-dressers, explosions have occurred,
and in some other instances examination has shown that a considerable
quantity of explosive vapour existed in the drains and inspection
chambers.
A lighted match thrown into a gulley in the presence of an
Inspector in a garage set fire to the petrol contained therein.
Besides being a danger to the premises, this practice of allowing
inflammable fluids access to drains may result in serious consequences
if they reach the sewers. In most cases the presence of an intercepting