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17
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES.
Water.
Complaints as to water supply, either as regards quantity or quality, were few.
In accordance with the requirements of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891,
Section 49 (1), the Metropolitan Water Board reported that the water had been cut
off in ten premises. The reasons for discontinuing the supply were: waste of
water, three; non-payment of rate, seven. In one of these cases (24 Park Road)
it was necessary later (on 10th January, 1923) to apply for an order to enter the
premises. This action was taken in conjunction with the police authorities, who also
desired to make an inspection of the premises in connection with the search for a
woman who had been associated with the owner (Cecil Maltby) and who had
disappeared. Being less favourably situated in respect of powers of entry than the
Council as Public Health Authority, the police took advantage of an enforced entrance
to the premises made by the latter for the purpose of dealing with nuisances suspected
to exist as a result of the absence of water supply, non-removal of refuse, etc. By
reason of the fact that the inspection resulted in the discovery of the bodies of a
murderer and his victim, the former killed by his own hand at the moment the premises
were entered, and the latter in an advanced state of decomposition in a bath in the
kitchen of the premises, the case attracted a considerable amount of attention.
During the year 174 notices in regard to defects in and necessity for cleansing of
water cisterns were served and were complied with.
Water Supply in Dwelling Houses.—Nine certificates were granted under
Section 48 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, in respect of new and rebuilt
premises.
In 37 instances intimation notices were served, calling for the provision of a
supply of water to the upper storeys of tenement houses, as required by Section 78
of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1907. The supply was
provided after receipt of the intimation notice in 33 cases. In the remaining four it
was found necessary to issue a statutory (" Committee ") notice.
Drainage.
The total number of drain inspections made during the year was 6,619
as against 7,175 in 1921.
The total number of plans deposited was 493, the number in 1921 being 335.
Plans relating to new buildings numbered 58, the number deposited in 1921
being 24.
In the case of old buildings, the number of plans received was 435, as against
311 in 1921.
On seven occasions reports were submitted with regard to cases discovered by
the inspectors, in which drainage or sanitary work was being carried out without
permission from the Council and without deposit of plans, or not in compliance with
requirements. Proceedings in court were taken in six cases and fines and costs
imposed in each instance, amounting in all to £14 10s. and £19 13s. respectively.
Combined Drainage.—Orders under seal as to combined drainage were issued
in respect of 37 premises. The number in 1921 was 22.
Closet Accommodation.
In the table at page 19, summarizing the work carried out by the district
inspectors, figures indicating the number of defects in water closets remedied and
of water closets erected are set out.
Public Sanitary Conveniences.—The usual supervision was exercised over the
public conveniences during the year, Inspector Hill, the outdoor superintendent,
visiting those provided for the males : the women inspectors, especially Miss Baker,
supervising those provided for females.
Reports and comparative statements as to receipts for use of the underground
conveniences were regularly submitted to and considered by the Public Health
Committee.