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As previously stated, it is probable that greater progress would have been made in this direction
but for the increasingly difficult position in relation to the granting of the necessary building licences.
The matter continues to receive the close attention of the Department.
Water.—Although water for domestic purposes is obtained from private wells at a small number of
blocks of flats and offices, the chief source of a constant supply throughout the Borough is from the
mains of the Metropolitan Water Board. One complaint as to quality was received during the year
and referred to the Board. In accordance with the provisions of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936,
the Board notified three instances where water had been cut off in occupied premises for non-payment
of rates. In all cases the supply was reinstated without the need for service of a notice.
Further examinations of the private well waters from the ten borings still in use were made by the
Public Analyst and the Council's Bacteriologist, and these indicated that since the last survey was
carried out in 1947, at the request of the Ministry of Health, there has been no appreciable change.
The reports for 1951 were generally satisfactory and no pathogenic contamination was found. There
were, however, indications that, as a sole source of supply of drinking water to any particular premises,
an artesian well cannot always be relied upon, as such water is liable to earthy contamination and
there is always the possibility of trouble arising from the breakdown of pumping and other equipment.
Because of this it is the practice of the Department to keep these wells under observation and sample
their waters every six months.
Six certificates relating to the provision of a proper and sufficient supply of water in dwelling-houses
were granted under section 95 (2) of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, in respect of newly-erected
and rebuilt premises, including three Borough Council blocks of flats.
Drainage.—The number of plans approved was 325, of which 24 related to new buildings. The drainage
inspectors made a total of 3,421 visits.
Legal proceedings under the London County Council Drainage and Water-Closet Bye-laws were
taken in respect of six cases where work had been done improperly and without notice to the Council.
All defendants were found guilty: fines totalling £48 0s. 0d. were imposed and £38 17s. 0d. costs
awarded to the Council.
Combined Drainage.—Eight orders under seal for combined drainage were issued.
Building Licences.—During the year 138 applications for building licences were referred to the
Department by the Borough Engineer for observations in relation to proposals concerning drainage,
ventilation and underground rooms, and also in cases where work had been called for by sanitary
notices.
Public Conveniences.—The usual supervision was exercised over the 15 public sanitary conveniences
(11 for men, 4 for women).
The free washing facilities, with paper towels and liquid soap, brought into operation in all public
conveniences in the Borough in May, 1949, to encourage personal hygiene and prevent the spread of
disease, still proved to be extremely popular and the public took full advantage of them.
During the Festival of Britain period the three main conveniences were kept open beyond the usual
closing times for the benefit of the large number of visitors to the West End, and as a result of
observations it was subsequently arranged for the conveniences at Oxford Circus to continue to close
later as a normal practice.
On the 26th November, 1951, the Consistorial and Episcopal Court of London issued a Faculty
authorising the Council to erect a public convenience in the St. John's Wood Burial Ground,
Wellington Place. Planning permission having already been obtained, arrangements were proceeding
at the end of the year for the construction of the convenience, which will have accommodation for
men and women, with access from the burial ground and the highway.
Public Cleansing and Salvage.—The Director of Public Cleansing has kindly provided the following
information on these services.
The materials dealt with during 1951 were: house and trade refuse, 35,537 tons; street sweepings
and gully slop, 2,876 tons; salvaged materials (including kitchen waste) 1,964 tons. A sum of
£15,406 was obtained from the sale of salvaged materials. In addition, £718 was received for the removal
of trade refuse, green offal and the cleansing of petrol interceptors.
During the year delivery was taken of four "Karrier" low-loading vehicles for general cartage
purposes, and two "Karrier" mechanical vacuum gully machines with power-operated street washing
attachments. Orders were also placed for twelve new mechanically-driven 4-wheeled tractors, complete
with barrier loading articulated trailers, for the collection of salvage and refuse, and for two additional
"Paladin" portable refuse container collection vehicles.