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66
DRAINAGE PLANS.—In the course of the year 209 plans were submitted
with regard to proposed reconstruction of water-closets or drains in the City.
Of these, 192 were approved; 10 revised and approved; and 7 not
approved.
STREET GULLIES.—The gradual substitution of properly trapped gullies for
those formerly existing has greatly reduced the number of complaints received of
offensive smells arising from those appliances, especially in warm weather. In some
cases this nuisance was doubtless due to want of flushing, but in the majority
faultv construction was the cause of the trouble.
The City Engineer has given special attention to this matter for several years
past, and his action in replacing the old pattern gullies with those of a more up-todate
design will, I hope, eventually lead to a complete abatement of the evil.
OVERCROWDING.—Overcrowding is a nuisance to be dealt with summarily
under Section 2, Sub-section 1 (e) of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, and
during the year 2 cases were reported by your officers. On the service of the
statutory notice of abatement the overcrowding was discontinued.
SANITARY DEFECTS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE.—In every case of
notification of infectious disease, the premises involved were inspected with regard
to the drainage system, water supply, ventilation, &c.; and of the 51 cases so
investigated in 1924, it was found necessary to make amendments to soil and waste
pipes, water-closets, &c., in 25 instances.
HOUSE, TRADE AND OTHER REFUSE REMOVAL.—The City Engineer
informs me that the refuse removed from the City in 1924 consisted of 21,629
cartloads of street sweepings and slops, and 43,743 loads of house and trade refuse,
a total of 65,372 loads. The total for the year 1923 was 64,208. 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.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.—During the year, 483 notices have been served by
the District Inspectors at the order of the Sanitary Committee, and in one case
only was it found necessary, in consequence of non-compliance therewith, to refer
the matter 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 23,360,436 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 1924, 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, 38 reports
were received from the City Engineer respecting the condition of connections between
the drains of certain City houses and the public sewer.