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39
The whole of the public urinals connected with public-houses require
much attention to keep them in a cleanly condition, and have been very much
abused.
The amount collected from Angel Road lavatories during 1921 was
£4-14 2s Id.—a decrease of £16 17s. Id. on the previous year.
The amount collected from the Green Lavatory was £397—an increase
of £22 6s. 8d.
GIPSIES.
During the year there were 168 vans seen and 81 removed, but in many
cases they either returned the same day or in the course of a day or two.
They politely tell you they have no land of their own, so must live on someone's.
We shall have to again resort to Police Court proceedings. Some
few years ago seven were summoned in one year, and at that time we had 48
committals awaiting them; very few of the fines were ever paid.
Why these people are still allowed to roam the country scot free, I cannot
understand. There are a few clean respectable gipsies who give very
little trouble, but the majority recently visited are filthy, and overcrowded,
and their vans are nothing but boxes on four wheels. To see five or six
vans together is a common occurrence, and this means at least 20 to 30 human
beings without water supply or lavatory convenience of any kind, and the
children not receiving any education.
In my opinion every responsible owner of a van should be registered and
be compelled to have a registered number on the van and a certificate
identifying the owner and the number of the van, similar to canal boats
used as dwellings. This filthy class of so-called gipsies are a menace to
health, and to the bona-fide showmen and hawker.
SLAUGHTERHOUSES, BUTCHERS' SHOPS AND
FOOD INSPECTION.
There are only five slaughter-houses in the district. Four licensed from
year to year under the Public Health Acts (Amendment) Act, 1890. One is
very old and registered a great many years ago. Very little killing takes
place here, and then only sheep and pigs. They are regularly inspected, and
kept in a cleanly condition and in compliance with the Bye-laws. Repairs