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that the water had been cut off in eleven premises. The reason for discontinuing
the supply was in nine cases the non-payment of rate, and in two cass the premises
were reported empty.
In cases in which the premises were tenement houses, action was taken immediately
on receipt of the Board's notice, in order to secure that the tenants should
suffer no hardship as a result of being deprived of water.
Cisterns.—:The bulk of the houses in the Borough, in accordance with the
requirements of the Water Board, are provided with a cistern, and though in a
considerable percentage water for drinking purposes is drawn from the main,
there are still many in which supplies for all purposes are obtained from the cistern.
In many cases this leaves much to be desired, both as regards situation and
accessibility, and despite the fact that a by-law of the Council requires that the
apparatus shall be emptied and cleansed every six months, it cannot be doubted
but that in many houses no such step is taken. During the year 55 notices were
served in regard to defects in and necessity for cleansing cisterns.
Water Supply in Dwelling Houses.—The certificates granted under Section
48 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, in respect of new and rebuilt premises
numbered four. The number in 1930 was 10.
In 11 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 all cases.
Drainage.
There have been few changes in regard to work in this connection during the
last five years. Duties in connection with drainage in the portion of the Borough
north of Marylebone Road, which were allotted to Inspector Cook in 1929 have
been in his hands ever since, duties in the southern half being performed by
Inspector Draper. Engaged exclusively in drainage work, these officers between
them in 1931 made 4,309 inspections.
The total number of plans deposited was 374 in respect of 470 premises, as
against 380 and 461 respectively in 1930.
The number relating to new buildings was 28. The number deposited in 1930
was 41.
In the case of old buildings, the number of plans received was 346. In 1930
the totnl number was 339.
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 conveni;nces
proposed to be constructed in basements.
Now that the new by-laws (1930) of the London County Council with regard
to sanitary conveniences are in operation the number of such cases is diminishing-,
provision having been made for accepting as compliance a number of arrangements
which were definitely outside the provisions of the earlier by-laws.
In two cases it was discovered that drainage work had been executed
improperly and without notice to the Sanitary Authority as required by the By-laws.
In one case the defendant was cautioned, in the other legal proceedings were taken
and the defendant was fined £2 10s. with £3 3s. costs.
Combined Drainage.—Orders under seal as to combined drainage were issued
in respect of 34 premises. The number in 1930 was 46.