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78
DRAINAGE
During the year there was no lessening of work in this branch
of the department's duties. Some 4,270 visits of inspection were
made to underground drains in course of repair. The labour
and materials situation being somewhat easier it was not necessary
to serve so many statutory orders as in previous post-war years.
Of 592 Orders served, 195 had to be done in default of the owners.
KEEPING OF ANIMALS.
There was during the war a large increase in the number
of pig and poultry keepers. Byelaws were relaxed by Government
Order, but this did not relieve the keepers of providing
against nuisance. Little complaint of nuisance has however
arisen.
OFFENSIVE TRADES.
There are but few registered, and during the year there has
been no cause for complaint.
WATERCOURSES, PONDS AND DITCHES, Etc.
269 inspections were made and pollutions were found in 10
cases.
SMOKE OBSERVATIONS.
During the year 231 observations were made of factory chimneys
for the purpose of detecting offences. In those cases where
nuisance occurred appropriate action was taken with a view to
remedying the condition. Today there is little choice left to the
factory owner regarding the fuel he uses and this creates a difficult
problem in smoke abatement. The difficulty of renewals of plant
has also to be overcome.
AMUSEMENT HOUSES.
100 inspections were made of Theatres, Music Halls,
Cinemas, Dance Halls, and premises where stage plays are given.
A report is submitted annually to the Licensing Authorities on the
sanitary condition of these premises. Notices are issued to remedy
any unsatisfactory conditions.
DISINFECTION.
The Borough Disinfecting Station is situated at Factory
Lane. Two steam disinfectors are in use and are supplied with
steam from the Electricity Works.