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64
a “receptacle” within the meaning of the by-laws; however, the
nuisance, which was a serious one to persons employed in workshops
within a few feet of the cart, was removed as the result of a summons
on a statutory notice heard on the same date.
Plans of Drainage.—All plans resulting from notices served by the
Public Health Department, and plans of all proposed water-closets,
whether in old or new buildings, are submitted to the Public Health
Committee, and reported upon by me. During the year 673 sets of
plitns were dealt with; in 535 the work was carried out under the
supervision of this Department, in the remainder under that of the
City Engineer. In about a quarter of the total number amendments
are required. A good deal of complaint continues to be 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 eventually required not only as to position of waterclosets,
but on many other points, and to enable certificates to be
given under the Public Health Act, the Revenue Act, &c. The Public
Health Committee have had the matter under consideration, but until
an alteration in the law is effected, it does not appear likely that
satisfactory arrangements can be made.
Testing Drains.—Three hundred and twelve drainage systems were
specially tested by smoke or water by the men of the disinfecting staff,
in addition to those in which the test was made directly by the Sanitary
Inspector or under his supervision by builders. Complaint had again to
be made with reference to the discharge of inflammable fluids into
drains chiefly at motor garages, and a good deal of trouble is also caused
by the obstruction of traps in garages by dirt and grease. It would
obviate both these conditions were these waste matters run into a
sump unconnected with the drainage system.
Houses Infested with Vermin.—Intimation notices have been served
in respect of premises in which there were rooms infested with vermin,
under the London County Council General Powers Act, 1904. The
Council fumigated 22 rooms in 9 houses on account of vermin.
Watek Supply.
Taking the average amount of organic impurity in a given volume
of the Kent Company's water during the 9 years ending December,
1876, as unity, the proportional amount contained in an equal volume
of water supplied by the Metropolitan Water Board during each month
of 1905 is shown in the following table, extracted from the monthly
reports of the Analyst (Prof. Thorpe) of the Local Government Board:—