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65
HOUSE, TRADE AND OTHER REFUSE REMOVAL.
The City Engineer informs me that the refuse removed from the City in 1914
consisted of 22,952 cartloads of street sweepings and slops, and 53,008 loads of house
and trade refuse, a total of 75,960 loads. The total for the year 1913 was 77,242.
The use of the Destructor was discontinued in September, 1905, since which date all
refuse has been removed by barge from Lett's Wharf to the Corporation land on
Hornchurch Marshes, where it is dealt with. The horse manure collected from the
street orderly bins is not included in the above, but is dealt with by a contractor, who
sells it to market gardeners and others.
RAILWAY STATIONS.
Periodical inspections were made of the sanitary accommodation provided at the
twenty-six Railway Stations in the City.
In 11 instances, the Companies owning them have been called upon to effect
sanitary improvements. The defects, for the most part, have been due to the lack of
proper cleaning and to defective drains and sanitary fittings. In all cases the necessary
works have been satisfactorily carried out.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
During the year 822 notices have been served by the District Inspectors at
the order of the Sanitary Committee, and in no case was it found necessary, in
consequence of non-compliance therewith, to refer the matters to the City Solicitor with
a view to such steps being taken as he deemed necessary to ensure the required sanitary
improvements being effected.
SUMMER FLUSHING OF COURTS.
There are 279 courts and narrow passages throughout the City which were
regularly flushed during the summer months under the direction of the City Engineer,
who informs me that in this service and the flushing of the main streets, no less than
47,911,122 gallons of water were used. Of these courts and alleys, 20 were flushed
six times a week, 10 five times a week, 2 four times a week, 27 three times a week,
126 twice a week, and 94 once a week.
Disinfectants are also freely applied where desirable.
The condition of the approaches to Billingsgate Market and the Customs House, as
heretofore, required special attention. There has always been a difficulty in keeping
the thoroughfares in the immediate vicinity of these places free from the nuisance
caused by the drippings from the fish carts, especially during hot weather,
LIMEWASHING OF COURTS.
There are 89 courts and narrow passages situated in various parts of the City, the
walls of which, unless cleansed frequently, become dirty and unsightly through the
constant traffic of passengers or vehicles, together with the action of the smoke-laden
atmosphere. These are cleansed or limewashed twice a year under the direction of the
City Engineer. Of the places so dealt with during 1914, 24 were situated in the East
District, 33 in the Middle District, and 32 in the West District.