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only 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.
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 18,336,013 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 1922, 24 were situated in the East District, 33 in the Middle
District, and 32 in the West District.
DEFECTIVE CONNECTIONS TO SEWER.—During the year, 159 reports
were received from the City Engineer respecting the condition of connections between
the drains of certain City houses and the public sewer.
Investigations shewed that it was necessary to reconstruct 148 of the connections
referred to. Of these, 104 have been completed and the remainder are,
at the time of writing this report, in process of reconstruction.
In the majority of cases these drains were brick-barrel drains, in which rats
had their breeding places, and were, undoubtedly, a source of much annoyance to
the occupiers of the houses to which they were connected.
FLY NUISANCE.
In accordance with the practice instituted some few years ago, leaflets calling
attention to the nuisance and danger created by the fly were distributed throughout
the City. Special reference was made to the precautionary measures which should
be taken to minimise the danger, and every effort was made by your officers to
impress on householders in the City the necessity for the observance of cleanliness,
frequent removal of house and other refuse, and the prevention of access of flies
to foodstuffs, especially milk.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACT, 1901, &c.
FACTORIES, WORKSHOPS AND WORKPLACES.—The premises upon the
Register number 3,739, in which are included 7,788 workrooms, &c.
There were served 2,226 notices during the year for various purposes under the
Acts.
The number of Factories, Workshops and Workplaces at present Registered is
as follows:—
Registered Workrooms, &c , in
Places. Registered Places.
FACTORIES 1,027 3,494
WORKSHOPS 1,790 2,723
WORKPLACES
Kitchens of Restaurants, Tea Rooms, &c. 793 1,264
Stables 20 31
Other places 109 276
3,739 7,788