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Atmospheric Pollution.
A great deal of attention has again been paid to this subject
and highly satisfactory results have been achieved in a few specific
cases. In the absence of proper recording instruments it is difficult
to assess whether or not there has been a general reduction
in the pollution of the atmosphere but this omission will be remedied
in the near future. Arrangements have been made to set up three
stations for the measurement of smoke and sulphur by the daily
volumetric method.
Contraventions of the Byelaws were noted on two occasions as
a result of observations on factory chimneys, and statutory notices
were served. In one instance the nuisance was remedied by conversion
of the boiler to oil firing, whilst in the other case a larger
boiler was installed. Oil firing is not, in itself, a guarantee against
smoke emission but in the case in question the improvement has
been spectacular. There were, however, many occasions when the
emission of smoke was in excess of the amount which need be
caused by a well run plant. On such occasions discussions took
place with the management of the factories concerned, often leading
to improved operation of the plant.
The mobile exhibition of the Solid Smokeless Fuels Federation
created a great deal of interest when shown in the Town Hall Park
on the occasion of the Town Fete in June.
Drainage.
At the end of the year there were sixty-six cesspools and fortythree
pail closets in the district. These numbers are respectively
three and fourteen less than at the beginning of the year, the
reduction having been achieved mainly by the demolition of unfit
houses. In an effort to expedite the abolition of cesspools the Council
have agreed to make a contribution towards the cost of connecting
drains from these premises to the sewer and negotiations with the
owners concerned are now in progress. Pail closets and cesspools
are emptied regularly by the Engineer & Surveyor's Department.
The practice of clearing stopped drains free of charge has now
been in operation for six years and has reduced to a minimum
nuisances from this cause.
Keeping of Animals.
Byelaws under Section 81 of the Public Health Act to control
the keeping of pigs, horses and cattle are in force. The byelaws deal
with the structural condition and cleanliness of premises in which
these animals are kept, the storage of manure, boiling of swill,
drainage etc., and have proved of considerable assistance to the
Sanitary Inspectors in their efforts to minimise nuisances from this
source. In view of the suspicion which has fallen on flies in the spread
of poliomyelitis these additional powers of control over premises
which are particularly liable to infestation are useful and necessary.
Proceedings were taken in one instance on account of failure to
comply with the Byelaws.
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