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9
In the bulk of the cases the arrangements shown were in accordance with the
by-laws and the work was allowed to proceed under the preliminary approval of
the Medical Officer of Health. In cases in which there was departure from the
requirements a special report was made to the Public Health Committee, who
rarely refused approval if satisfied that compliance was impossible and that there
was no possibility of nuisance or injury to health arising. In the majority of cases
the departure referred to closet accommodation and affected particularly conveniences
proposed to be constructed in basements.
Combined Drainage.—Orders under seal as to combined drainage were issued
in respect of 63 premises. The number in 1919 was 37.
Closet Accommodation.
In the table at page 14, 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.
In most instances the closets erected were with a view to providing additional
accommodation in tenements, houses, shops or workshops or in order to afford
suitable separate accommodation for women in places where both sexes were or
were about to be employed. Though there may be here and there a small lock-up
shop in which it is necessary for the individuals engaged on the premises to make
use of a convenience in some other part of the building, or more rarely in an
adjoining building, there are no premises in the Borough totally without sanitary
conveniences of this type. The only class of closet is, of course, the water closet.
One of the great difficulties experienced from time to time is in regard to
finding a suitable place for a convenience and a position in which there will be
complete compliance with the requirements of the regulations in respect of waterclosets.
This is particularly the case as regards closets in basements and in the
more over-crowded business and shopping portions of the Borough. All plans
showing proposals to construct water-closets are most carefully scrutinized and
only if it is impossible to find a completely suitable position, and there appears to
be no possible risk of nuisance or injury to health, is permission granted to
construct the convenience in a situation where there is not compliance.
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.

* One free urinette provided.
† Opened 10th March, 1925.
‡ Two free urinettes provided.