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Accumulations of Refuse on Unfenced Plots of Land.
A number of complaints were received during the year
directing the Council's attention to "nuisances" arising
from the depositing of refuse on unfenced plots of land. It
is a fairly common practice among jobbing gardeners, and
one not infrequently adopted by the occupiers of houses near
open plots of land to deposit thereon their garden refuse.
Workmen employed by builders and others also find it convenient
to deposit their refuse on these vacant building plots,
thus avoiding the trouble and expense of disposing of their
refuse in a more suitable manner. The result is that these
plots of land become most unsightly, but if the accumulations
are not noxious or offensive, it would appear that appropriate
action cannot be taken under the nuisances clauses of
the Public Health Acts.
During the year a joint report by your Medical Officer
of Health and myself respecting the condition of a number
of these unfenced plots of land was submitted to the Public
Health Committee, and an application was made by the
Council to the Minister of Health with a view to an Order
being made under Section 31 of the Public Health Acts
Amendment Act, 1907, requiring the owners of the land to
properly fence the same. One plot of land has since been
fenced in, and the fencing of three other plots is about to
be undertaken by the owners.
Premises Periodically Inspected.
The following premises were visited periodically during
the year, and any matters found requiring attention were
dealt with:—
Description of Premises. No. in District.
Dairies, Cowsheds and Milkshops 25
Ice Cream Premises 61
Bakehouses 22
Dining Rooms 27
Slaughterhouses 8
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