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42
During the year several complaints were received with respect
to the cleansing of the cesspools, but the conditions to which
complaints related were quickly remedied.
29. SCAVENGING.
(a) Storage and Collection.—The collection and disposal of
domestic refuse is controlled by the Engineer and Surveyor.
Every house is provided with a dustbin, the contents of which
are removed weekly in S.D. freighters of the dustless loading type.
During the year the provision of dustbins has been receiving
our serious consideration. The procedure now in force is to call
upon the owners of premises to provide a sufficient dustbin for the
storage of domestic refuse. The enforcement of such order places
considerable work upon the sanitary inspectors, whilst it does not
always secure the provision of the most suitable container so
expeditiously as we would like.
It is therefore suggested that the Council themselves should
accept the responsibility of dustbin maintenance, and meet the
expenditure out of the general rate, in accordance with the provisions
of the Public Health Act, 1875.
This suggestion has not previously been made, in view of the
fact that the rate levy would have been out of proportion to the
service rendered. The operation of the Rating and Valuation
(Apportionment) Act, 1928, has largely removed this objection,
and the removal of trade refuse, free or at reduced charges, would
satisfy any grievance occupiers of shop premises might hold.
Complete control by the Council of the maintenance of dustbins
should result in:—
(1) Standard type of dustbin.
(2) Definite economy in collection costs.
(3) Improved storage of domestic refuse at the home.
(4) No troublesome investigations,and no worrying notices
to owners.
(5) Cheaper dustbin maintenance for the owner, contributed
in a fractional rate increase.