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Many requests were received from owners and occupiers
in respect of clearing drains, eradication of vermin, destructions
of ants and wasp nests, etc. In each case the necessary
service was provided, with much beneficial result to the applicant.
The charges made in connection with the above service
amounted to £53 7s. 6d.
E (5)d. Offensive Trades.
In addition to the ordinary statutory offensive trades
which are specified in Section 107 Public Health Act 1936,
fish frying was declared to be an offensive trade on 17th
March, 1939 and bye-laws were made accordingly.
Within the Borough, there are no offensive trades other
than those of fish frying, and of these premises, there are 14.
E (5)e. Closet accommodation and cesspools.
The whole of the closet accommodation both in the
older parts of the town and recently developed areas is on the
main drainage system, there being only 24 known cesspools
existing. During the year, one cesspool has been abandoned,
and the drainage connected to the main sewer.
Cesspools are emptied once a month free of charge by
plant belonging to the Council, and the contents thereof are
discharged into the nearest Council sewer.
The cesspools which require the service of the Council
are scattered throughout the district, and, in the majority of
cases necessitate the covering of considerable distances both
for pumping out and conveying to the point of discharge.
During the year 1948, cesspools were emptied on 28
occasions.
E (5)f. Smoke Abatement.
No black smoke nuisances have come to the notice of
the Department during the year.
An improvement effected during the year included the
provision of 2 twin screw underfeed mechanical stokers, and
1 single screw underfeed appliance.
On 4th March, it was observed that a heavy grey dust
deposit was prevailing in the district, and on investigation it
was concluded that such nuisance was not arising from any
source within the Borough. Further investigation revealed
the penetration of dust into the district from the East which
apparently was accelerated by strong easterly wind, and
accompanied by intermittent fog. On the wind resuming the
prevailing direction of South-west, the nuisance abated.