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Many were discovered as a result of the work of the house-to-house inspector,
and a report with regard to each was submitted to and considered by the
Public Health Committee before notices were served.
In a certain number of cases it was found necessary to grant a little latitude
after the service of the notice, in order to allow the persons affected to find other
accommodation. All the notices were complied with, however, and it was not found
necessary either to make closing orders or to institute proceedings.
Customs and Inland Revenue Acts.
No applications for certificates were made during 1913 for reduction of or
exemption from inhabited house duty under these Acts.
NUISANCES.
No change was made in the staff of inspectors, or in the method of dividing the
Borough into districts during the year.
The same five inspectors were at work as in 1912, ard each had charge of the
same district as previously.
The total number of complaints received was 2,070, as against 2,372 in 1912,
and 1,927 in 1911.
The majority of these complaints were made by the inspectors themselves, the
number from outside being 320. These came from voluntary workers of the St.
Marylebone Health Society, members of the Children's Care Committee, neighbours
and others. In respect of nuisances, 546 statutory notices were issued, as against
551 in 1912, and 881 in 1911.
Of these notices, 345 related to ordinary nuisances (dirt, dampness, &c.) 54 to
verminous rooms, 44 to drains, 6 to insufficient w.c. accommodation, 5 to underground
rooms, and 2 to smoke. The remaining 90 were served on owners to provide
a proper or sufficient supply of water to the upper storeys of tenement houses, under
the London County Council (General Powers) Act of 1907. The number of such
notices in 1912 was 101, and in 1911, 141.
The 54 notices respecting verminous rooms were served under powers granted
by the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1904, and referred to 83
rooms. The number of notices in 1912 was 47, in 1911, 77.
In 1,424 cases the nuisances were abated by the persons responsible for their
removal after receipt of a preliminary (intimation) notice advising them of the
existence of the defect. In six instances there was failure to carry out works
after receipt of statutory notice and court proceedings were instituted.
Details of these cases will be found under the heading "Legal Proceedings in
connection with Nuisances."