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26
PIGEONS.
Five complaints of nuisance from these birds (four relating to private dwellings
and one to a public building) were dealt with in 1940. The small number of complaints
received may be attributed to a reduction in the pigeon population which,
owing to the conservation of foodstuffs generally, may have migrated to other
districts where natural food suppliee are more readily obtainable.
FOULING OF FOOTWAYS BY DOGS.
Breaches of the bye-law were detected by police officers in 5 cases, in 3 of which,
following prosecution, convictions were secured and penalties imposed.
The total number of prosecutions since the bye-law came into operation in 1928
is 295, the amount of fines imposed being £108 19s. Od.
NOISE.
During the year 18 complaints of noise were received, six relating to wireless
loudspeakers, gramophones and similar instruments, two to machinery, two to dustbins,
one to dogs, one to cats, one to a cockerel, one to street hawking, one to building
operations, one to a bakery, one to a sawmill, and one to tenants of a flat.
The issue of 7 notices was necessary to obtain a remedy of nuisance caused by
wireless loudspeakers at 4 premises. In carrying out investigations into a number
of complaints of disturbance from this cause it was claimed by the owners of certain
types of factory, more particularly where girls are employed, that production is
materially increased by the provision of broadcast music and that, indeed, the
workers demand it as a relief from the monotony of watching machines or carrying
out work of a repetitive nature.
PHARMACY AND POISONS ACT, 1933.
Traders whose names were on the Council's list of persons entitled to sell poisons
included in Part II of the Poisons List numbered 104 at the end of 1940. Inspections
of all premises were carried out during the year, and in no instance was there failure
to comply with the requirements which apply to tho sale of poisons by a listed seller
of Part II poisons.
FACTORIES.
The number of registered factories at the end of tho year was 1,213. In addition
there were 288 restaurants, tea rooms, coffee shops, etc., and 34 bakehouses (25
underground). Frequent inspections were carried out, and defects were remedied
in 46 instances (want of cleanliness 13; overcrowding 2; unreasonable temperature
11; inadequate ventilation 5; insufficient or unsuitable sanitary conveniences 15).
Outworkers' lists were received from 67 employers relating to 100 contractors and
461 workpeople.
RAG FLOCK.
There are no premises within the district where rag flock is manufactured, used
in the making of mattresses, etc., or sold. Frequent inspections have been made but
in no instance has the use of flock for repairs been discovered.