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sufficient strength and method of construction to comply with certain
requirements relative to the spacing of the protective wires,
smouldering and ignition capacity, and strength of the guard itself.
In the middle of 1954 a circular letter was sent to all known
vendors of fires in the borough, of which there are about 48, informing
them of the requirements of the regulations. The Council's Public
Health Inspectors have kept a constant watch on shop windows to detect
any fires displayed without guards, and inspections of stock have
been made.
There has been little difficulty in connection with the sale of
new fires, for they are now provided with a fixed guard by the
manufacturers. We do experience some difficulty in connection with
the provision of guards for second-hand fires, for the cost of
providing and fixing the guard is out of proportion to the sum that
can be obtained for the completed article.
When dealing with the attitude of the public it is interesting
to note that one second-hand dealer maintained that his customers
became so guard-conscious that he had been asked to supply guards to
customers to whom he had sold fires before the regulations came into
force. On the other hand, some individuals have complained that the
guard makes it somewhat difficult to light a fire. I doubt if this is
a complaint that could be reasonably justified.
Pet Animals Act, 1951
This Act came into operation on 1st April, 1952, and makes
provision, inter alia for ensuring that animals exposed for sale
shall be suitably accommodated supplied with sufficient food and drink,
and protected against the spread of infection and danger from fire,
Certain forms of street trading and sale to persons under twelve
years of age are prohibited.
During 1956 seven licences to keep a pet shop were granted six
of the shops deal mainly with cage birds and cold water and tropical
fish. The other shop carries on an extensive business, and holds a
large and varied stock. This shop is inspected monthly, and the smaller
shops annually.
Hairdressers and Barbers
The Borough Council on 22nd June, 1955, made byelaws under the
provisions of Section 18(4) of the London County Council (General
Powers) Act, 1954, for the control of hairdressers' and barbers"
establishments and persons engaged in the work thereof.
The byelaws provide for the cleanliness and maintenance of floors,
walls, ceilings, chairs, shelves, cabinets, wash-basins, combs, brushes
and instruments; for the cleanliness and proper use of towels, wraps,
vi