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69
In the five instances of legal proceedings the cases were: failure to
remedy defects or to cleanse premises; absence of water supply to a
water-closet; and failure to abate a nuisance arising from the keeping of
animals. Abatement orders were made in two cases and a prohibition
order, with £2 2s. costs, in the case of the keeping of animals. One
summons was adjourned for 21 days on the owner undertaking to carry
out the work, and was eventually withdrawn. One summons against
an occupier was dismissed, the owner being ordered to abate the nuisance.
Rat Repression.—Forty-two complaints of rats were received and
in each case an inspector investigated as to the cause of the complaint.
Steps were taken to abolish their portal of entry into premises and advice
was given as to the best methods of destroying them. In 15 instances
it was found that they had entered through faulty or defective drains
and sewers. Forty-seven connections were examined by the City Engineer's
staff at the request of the Public Health Department on account of
complaints of rats. During rat week, beginning in November, a special
circular dealing with the causes of rat invasion and the means of getting
rid of rats was drawn up in the department and distributed to
householders and to business firms. During that week 14,000 baits
were laid in the Council's sewers, which number 247. This is about twice
the number of baits which are normally laid each week in the sewers.
Water Supply.—The Metropolitan Water Board sent nine notices
of withdrawal of water supply to premises. The reason for the action
of the Board in each case was failure to pay water rate.
Considerable progress was made in improving the water supply to
the upper floors of tenement houses, and it is anticipated that when the
new by-laws come into force still further improvements will be achieved.
Power to effect this provision is given under Section 48 of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1891, and under Section 78 of the London County
Council (General Powers) Act, 1907. The number of cases in which this
action was taken since 1921 is as follows :—
1921.
44
1922.
53
1923.
36
1924.
27
1925.
55
Artesian Wells.—There are approximately 25 artesian wells in the
City, and analysis of the water obtained shows it to be of a wholesome
character. The wells which have been sunk during the past few years
have been bored more and more deeply into the chalk underlying the
London clay. It has been found that as the number of wells increased
the level of the underground water has fallen, and it is now necessary to go
down 500 to 550 feet or more before an adequate supply can be reached.