View report page

64
by the sanitary authority numbered 59 and related to 58 premises. Police
court proceedings were taken in 7 instances in order to enforce compliance
with the requirements of statutory notices. In 5 cases the summonses
were withdrawn on payment of costs, amounting in all to £5 4s. In the
other two cases, the defendants were fined £3 and £4 respectively,
including costs, the first mentioned being in respect of absence of water
supply to premises, and the second, illegal letting of underground rooms
as separate dwellings (Public Health Act, Section 96).

Rat Repression.—Fifty-two complaints of rats were received and
in each case an inspector investigated as to the cause of the complaint.
In a number of instances it was found that they had entered through faulty
or defective drains and sewers. Forty-three outlets to sewers were
examined by the City Engineer's staff at the request of the Public Health
Department. 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 distributed to householders and to business firms.
During that week large additions were made to the baits usually laid in
the Council's sewers and at the Council's depots.
Water Supply.—The Metropolitan Water Board sent six notices
of withdrawal of water supply to premises. In four cases the reason for
I the action of the Board was failure to pay water rate, and in two, defects in
I the water fittings, causing waste of water.

By-laws as to Removal of Offensive Refuse.—No cases were reported
during the year.