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107
Special observations were made during 1914 with reference to
the premises belonging to St. Thomas's Hospital (Westminster
Bridge), and in connection therewith a letter was received from the
Governors admitting that the boiler plant was too small for the
hospital requirements, and stating that instructions had been given
to the architect "to prepare plans for a building to hold extra
accommodation which will practically double the boiler capacity."
It was stated in the letter, as an excuse for the nuisance, that, owing
to the coal strike, inferior coal had had to be used and coke breeze
mixed with the Welsh coal, which was used as a rule, with the result
that grits were carried out and over to the houses adjoining, as well
as to all the roofs and into the wards of the hospital itself.
Special observations were also kept during 1914 with reference
to the premises occupied by (a) the Bethlem Royal Hospital (Lambeth
Road) and (b) Hammerton's Brewery (Stockwell). The former
case was referred to the Southwark Borough Council, in whose
district the hospital is situated, though the nuisance in part affected
inhabitants living within the Borough of Lambeth, whilst, in the
case of the latter (Hammerton's Brewery), the nuisance was found
to be due to the fact that alterations had been carried out to the
boiler-house roof so that the stokers were unable to see the chimney
stack (as formerly) when stoking. A large mirror was erected to
enable the stokers to see easily the top of the chimney whilst stoking,
and weekly bonuses were offered for good stoking, such bonuses to
be stopped and the defaulting stokers suspended in the event of any
nuisances from black smoke occurring.
UNDERGROUND CONVENIENCES.*
The conveniences were kept under regular supervision and inspection
during 1914—the male conveniences by the male inspectors
and the female conveniences by the female inspectors.
During 1914 there has been no alteration in the personnel of the
attendants.
ANALYSIS OF FOOD AND DRUGS, WATER, &c.
1.—Food and Drugs.
(a) Formal Samples.
During 1914, 801 formal samples were purchased within the
Borough, and submitted to the Public Analyst for analysis. Of the
801 samples 73 (i.e., 9.1 per cent.) were reported by the Analyst to
be adulterated, and 39 summonses were issued, with the result that
29 convictions were obtained, with £34 in penalties and £35 12s. in
costs.
*The Staff consists of 19 male and 17 female attendants. There are 8
male and 7 female conveniences.