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found and remedied. Particulars are included in the general list given
at the beginning of this part of the Report. Sixty statutory notices
had to be issued before defects were remedied, and in four instances
proceedings had to be taken in the Police Court (see above). Two
persons were fined for obstructing the Inspector, and preventing her
inspecting certain premises.
The Local Government Board (17th October, 1912), confirmed a new
set of By-laws with respect to houses let as lodgings or occupied by
members of more than one family. They are substantially the same
as those previously in force, certain definitions being altered. A new
By-law was added by the Council to the effect that persons of different
sex, above the age of 12 years, not being persons living together as
husband and wife, shall not occupy the same sleeping apartment.
Water Supply.
Fifty-eight notices of withdrawal of water supply were received
from the Metropolitan Water Board, and in 26 instances it was reinstated,
on notice. The reasons given for cutting off the supply were: houses
empty, 21; non-payment of rates, 24; by request, 12; leakage, 1.
There has been a considerable decrease in the number of cutting-off
notices in 1912, as compared with previous years.
Additional sources of water supply on the upper floors of tenement
houses were provided in 21 instances. Legal proceedings in connection
with water supply were taken in two instances. Owners are
recommended in all cases to fit a proper sink in connection with the
new supply on upper floors and so prevent risk of walls and ceilings
being spoiled.
In a large factory, Thames water is used for Hushing sanitary
conveniences and for supplying lavatory basins. The ordinary supply
was laid on for drinking purposes, but it was found that some of the
employes, being unaware that there were two sources of supply, had
been drinking the water drawn from taps over the lavatory basins.
The attention of the firm was drawn to this, and they agreed to the
suggestion to put up tablets over the various taps indicating which
should be used to obtain water for drinking or cooking, and which should
not be so used.
Several new artesian wells have been sunk during the past year.
An analysis of the water has been obtained in each case. The quality
of the water closely resembles analyses of other wells in the City given
in previous Reports. The Geological Survey have recently issued a
"Record of London Wells," in which they give examples showing the
great fall which has occurred in the underground water-levels. Some
of these are of interest to citizens of Westminster:—
The fountains at Trafalgar Square are, or were, supplied by three