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The number of persons receiving assistance at the beginning of the year 10
The number of persons for whom the service was recommended and
subsequently authorised by the Medical Officer of Health or by the
public health inspectors during the year 8
The number of persons receiving assistance at the end of the year 7
During 1963, 862 collections of articles were made.
SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL
Most of Finchley is provided with a dual system of sewers; one system dealing
with rainwater only which is discharged untreated into open water courses, namely,
the Mutton Brook, Dollis Brook and Strawberry Vale Brook. The other system dealing
with foul sewage was during the year linked with the East Middlesex Main Drainage
Scheme which utilises a modern treatment plant at Deephams Works, Tottenham.
Subsequently the old Sewage Disposal Works in North Finchley, working much above
capacity for many years, were dismantled.
In some older streets in the Borough, rain water and foul sewage is conveyed by a
single sewer into the foul sewer system. In two small sectors of low lying land there
are a few buildings which for economic reasons it is impracticable to connect into
existing sewers.
The control of rats in sewers is referred to in the paragraph on Rodent Control
on page 40.
SANITARY CONVENIENCES
There are 17 public conveniences in the Borough under the control of the Borough
Engineer and Surveyor. In addition, there are 32 conveniences attached to public
houses. The latter are the subject of regular inspection by the public health inspectors.
Public conveniences in the Borough of Finchley as elsewhere up and down the
country, fall short of the ideal which, in my opinion, comprises the following provisions:—
(a) Free hand-washing facilities to include soap and hot water.
(b) Free hygienic hand-drying facilities.
(c) Smooth, washable and impervious surfaces.
(d) No coin operated W.C. door locks.
(e) Sanitary towel dispenser and receptacle in all female conveniences.
(f) 24 hours a day service.
The two factors which militate against achievement of this ideal are finance and
vandalism, with accent on the latter.
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