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59
Plans.—636 sets of plans were examined during 1913. Of these
129 were plans of new buildings.
Failure to send in plans occurred in 29 instances.
Infringement of the By-laws in connection with the erection of
buildings occurred in 14 instances.
The builders were cautioned, and required to do the work properly.
Drain-testing.—In the list given above is shown the number of
drains and soil pipes which have been tested under the superintendence
of the sanitary inspectors. The chemical test is applied by them, but
the other forms of test require assistance, this is frequently given by
the builders employed in the work, but in 543 instances the services of
the two drain-testers attached to the Department were requisitioned.
Regulations for Prevention of Fire.—The attention of the Public
Health Committee has been drawn to difficulties which have arisen in
carrying out the requirements of the County Council in respect of the
prevention of fire. No information is given to the Borough Councils
by the County Council in individual cases, with the result that from
time to time there is a conflict between the requirements of the County
Council on the one hand and those of the Home Office and the City
Council on the other, especially with regard to ventilation. Unnecessary
expense is caused to property owners, which could be obviated when
premises are being built or reconstructed if the County Council would
give information to the City Council of their requirements. Complaints
have also been received of the want of finality in the County Council's
requirements.
The Public Health Committee has asked the County Council to
furnish a copy of the requirements for the prevention of fire in each
case.
Removal of Offensive Refuse.—Complaints were made of offensive
smells in a number of instances occurring during the removal of
kitchen refuse from hotels, &c. Four persons were cautioned for
removing refuse during prohibited hours and one firm was prosecuted
and fined 40s. and 2s. costs.
Housing Conditions.
Sanitary Survey of Houses.—Special reports have been made of the
condition of houses in the following streets and courts:—Little
Grosvenor Street (4), Susannah Place (3), William's Mews (38), Horseshoe
Alley (17), Conduit Court (2), Catherine Street (5), Vandon
Street (4).