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64
SEWER EMANATIONS.
Some little difficulty was experienced during the year in connection with ventilation
of the sewers passing through the City area.
Many complaints were received of offensive smells emanating from the surface ventilators
of these sewers. The practice generally adopted in the past, of sealing them on receipt of
such complaints, has not been practicable in view of the serious explosion which occurred
in an adjoining area towards the end of 1928, and the subsequent recommendation of the
Commission appointed by the Home Secretary, that all structures forming underground
cavities should be adequately and continuously ventilated. The alternative practice of
erecting upcast ventilating shafts against adjoining buildings has also presented difficulties
by reason of the fact that the Corporation has no power to enforce this, and is dependent
upon the owners' permission. In the past this permission was more often granted than
refused, but now that architectural features are of such importance in new City buildings,
owners are reluctant to consent to anything which may in any way interfere with the artistic
aspect.
The origin of the nuisance this year was the drought experienced during the summer,
and as this was of an unusual nature, it is hoped that complaints will be less frequent in
future.
Where they are received, however, efforts will be made if the complaint is justified,
to obtain permission of owners of adjoining property to erect an upcast ventilating shaft,
failing which, if circumstances justify it, the City Engineer will temporarily seal the offending
surface ventilator during the period of hot and dry weather.
PIGEONS.
The nuisance caused by the congregation of pigeons in the City has again been a cause
for complaint by several influential property owners and private persons. A campaign on
similar lines to that adopted in 1928 is being put into operation at the time of writing this
Report, and will be referred to at greater length next year.
THE FLY NUISANCE.
Possibly because of the warm conditions which were experienced during the summer,
many complaints were received as to the nuisance caused by the large number of flies which
were invading certain residential and restaurant premises in the City.
Special attention was given to this matter, especially with regard to the possibility of
the spread of infection. Leaflets were distributed throughout the City directing attention
to the fly nuisance, and indicating certain precautionary measures which should be taken
in order to minimise the danger and nuisance so far as practicable, and drawing the attention
of residents and others to the necessity for the strict observance of cleanliness, frequent
removal of dust and other refuse, and particularly of waste food stuffs.
The several stables existing in the City received special attention, but it was found in
general that the persons responsible at these places appreciated the necessity of efficient
control if the breeding of flies was to be kept at its minimum.
I wish to acknowledge the assistance which has been rendered to me by the several
Ward Beadles in bringing the suggestions which I have mentioned above to the notice of
the residents in their districts. Their intimate knowledge of their areas was of considerable
assistance.
EXHUMATION OF HUMAN REMAINS.
102, FETTER LANE AND PLAYHOUSE YARD.
During the course of excavation work at the above-mentioned premises several quantities
of human remains were unearthed. In both instances they were very old bones and showed
evidence of having been previously disturbed.
Appropriate arrangements were made for their reverent reinterment.