View report page

79
The number of plans relating to new buildings was 87 (north 23, south 64).
In the case of old buildings, the number of plans received was 341 (north 199,
south 142). The total number of plans deposited was 428, the number for 1913
being 457.
Combined Drainage.—The number of orders under Seal as to combined
drainage granted by the Council was 6, the number in 1913 being 7.
In 2 cases the liability of the Council for the reconstruction of the combined
portions of existing drains was admitted, and the work carried out by the Works
Committee at the request of the Public Health Committee.
BLACK SMOKE NUISANCES.
The total number of observations of chimneys made by the inspectors was 1,267,
and 3 nuisances were discovered.
A report was submitted to the Public Health Committee at each meeting with
regard to the number of observations made and nuisances discovered. In each case
in which a nuisance had been detected, the owner was communicated with and any
explanation he had to offer was considered by the Committee along with the reports of
the inspector.
In many cases the excuse offered was that on account of the war it was impossible
to obtain smokeless coal and, further, that Navy men, who make the best stokers,
had gone back to the Service. These appeared to be reasonable, and no notices
were served or summonses issued.
REMOVAL OF HOUSE REFUSE.
During 1914 the removal and destruction of house refuse was, as in former
years, in the hands of contractors, the work being carried out by the Western
Cartage Co., The Wharves, Paddington.
The total cost for the whole Borough during the financial year to 31st March,
1915, was £ 12,695.
The contract expires March 31st, 1915.