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94
In the special report which I presented to your SubCommittee,
on the re-organisation of the Department, I used the
following words:—
"I am distinctly of opinion that the daily kerb collection
of refuse ought to be extended to cover a much larger area of
the Borough. It is nothing less than a standing disgrace to
the civilisation of the Metropolis that dust collection with its
most disagreeable accompaniments and possibilities of danger
to health, should be going on in good residential and business
localities at all hours of the day. I hope St. Marylebone will
lead the way in the abolition of this insanitary procedure.
The extension of the early removal could be done at an
increased cost which I feel sure would be cheerfully borne by,
at any rate, the large majority of the ratepayers."
Figures were given to the Sub-Committee showing that in
Westminster it had been found possible to arrange for a very
considerable extension of the daily removal at an increased cost
which was surprising in its smallness. After a slightly longer
experience I see no reason whatever to alter the opinion
expressed in that report to the extent of even one word, and I
sincerely trust that your Committee will take the matter up
in an earnest and business-like manner at the time of the renewal
of the Contracts.
The complaints which have been received as to the time
of clearance of dust has somewhat increased, but it is obviously
impossible to arrange for clearance at a time which will be
satisfactory to everybody. Your contractors have shown a
commendable desire to please in all cases where the request has
been a reasonable one.
Requests for more frequent clearance have also been
received in fair numbers, and are always specially investigated,
and the request granted if it is a fair one. The increasing use
of gas stoves is doubtless responsible for many of these requests
—the absence or temporary abandonment of use of the oldfashioned
kitchener, especially during the summer months,
rendering it difficult to dispose of animal and vegetable refuse
in the proper manner, and resulting in its deposit in the dustbin,
where, in a short time, it gives rise to offensive smells.
No fewer than 44 fixed dustbins have been abolished during
the year as the result of notice from the Department—movable
metal covered receptacles taking their place. Many abominable
dust-shoots have also been cleared away