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106
The frequent removal of stable manure and other refuse
is a matter of considerable importance as these accumulations
are ideal breeding places for the common house-fly. It
is now generally recognised that these insects may be carriers
of disease germs, especially of Typhoid, Cholera, Tuberculosis,
Diarrhœa, etc. It may be interesting to mention that the
latter disease was, according to statistical information, responsible
for no less than 1811 deaths amongst children in
London alone during 1910.
It is, of course, desirable to adopt measures to kill flies,
but it will be conceded that the logical procedure is to destroy
their breeding places. This is done, as far as possible,
by the frequent removal of stable manure and other refuse.
The number of stables in the district is diminishing on
account of the increased use of motor vehicles.
Storage and Collection of House Refuse.
There were formerly a considerable number of brick ashpits
in the district, but practically the whole of these receptacles
have now been abolished and movable galvanized iron
dustbins provided in lieu thereof. During the year 82 dustbins
were found to be in a defective condition, and were replaced
with new galvanised iron receptacles. Many of the
dustbins provided are made with very light gauge metal, and
consequently they are easily damaged. I have seen the sides
of such a dustbin badly "buckled" by its own weight when
placed on a man's shoulder in the act of removing the same
for emptying purposes. The life of these dustbins is also
considerably reduced by being made the depositories for wet
and sodden refuse, much of which could be more sanitarily
disposed of by burning in the kitchen range. Many householders
also fail to realise that the cover is made for the
purpose of closing the top of the dustbin when it is not in use.
With respect to the Strength of dustbins, your Council
possess considerable power, as Section 22 of the Finchley
Urban District Council Act, 1908, provides (inter alia) that
"dustbins shall be of such size and construction as mav be
approved by the Council,"