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43
Labour.
The shortage of labour and the continual movement of
personnel has made it extremely difficult to maintain a weekly service;
a heavy sickness toll has added to the difficulties of the
department.
In the past few years students have filled the gaps during
holiday periods, particularly during the Summer, Christmas and
Easter holidays.
Paper Bag System.
This system which has many advantages over the metal
sanitary bin system, continues to receive substantial and continual
publicity in the press. While there is interest in the hygienic
storage and collection of refuse, it is as well to mention one
important factor to be taken into consideration, which is, the extra
cost this system entails. The bags purchased in bulk cost between
fourpence and fivepence each, and this must be added to the present
cost of service. There is also the capital cost of the holders,
though a number of improvements have been made to these.
There would, however, be some saving in other directions but as
yet there is no evidence to show its introduction would not entail
an additional charge on the rates. Over 100 local authorities are
now operating the system in parts of their districts.
Refuse Disposal.
The disposal of all house and trade refuse is carried on at St.
Paul's Cray Hill Park, where low-lying land is being reclaimed and
when completed will be handed over as an agricultural unit. It is
hoped to continue tipping at this site for a further two or three years
and, to enable the department to achieve this object, further excavation
work will be carried out on the site. The collection of waste
paper will also make a valuable contribution towards extending the
life of the tip.
Facilities for traders to use the tip are provided. They may
bring refuse in their own vehicles for disposal and the charge of
6/- per cubic yard is made for this service.
Tipping of trade refuse must, however, be confined to certain
hours in order to ensure proper control and covering of the refuse.
This means the site is only open to traders between 8 a.m.-12 noon,
and 1-3 p.m. The tip is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Facilities for disposing of refuse at this site are open to
members of the public on payment of the appropriate charges and
within the restricted hours, A word of warning however might not
be amiss here as the site by its very nature is only suitable for