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24. The dust destructor will probably be at work before
Midsummer. The Council's land now used for a dust shoot
will then be left free for another purpose. It could not in my
opinion be put to a better use than being converted into a
public recreation ground. There is a large population in its
immediate vicinity, with many hundreds of children, who at
present are largely dependent on the streets for a playground.
They, and the surrounding population generally, would be
greatly benefitted by having this ground kept free from
buildings, to act both as a fresh air lung, and as a place of
recreation.
Removal of Trade Refuse.
25. The system of Trade Refuse collection described in my
previous report has been continued. £98 5s. 3d. was paid by
tradesmen during the year, for the removal of 7,861 receptacles
of offensive refuse, £64 11s. 6d for 861 loads, and £8 9s. 2d.
for 1,015 bushels of inoffensive refuse.
The names of 135 tradesmen are on the books for more or
less regular collection of trade refuse. The total amount
received, £171 5s. 11d., does not cover the cost of the collection.
But much nuisance is obviated, and an attempt to impose
the full cost might mean refusal on the part of some tradesmen
to avail themselves of the public collection, and a further
raising of the expense of collecting from the remainder. For
it must be remembered that the Council has no authority to
collect trade refuse, except as required by the owners.
Accumulations in Courts and Passages.
26. There are, in the River Ward especially, many courts
and passages in which accumulations of offensive refuse are
very liable to occur. Inspector Mackie has been specially
charged with the duty of inspecting these, and of seeing that
they are kept perfectly clean.