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assistance to the department if those who complain would give
more definite information as to the place, time and nature of
the nuisance complained of. Some complaints are fanciful, and
many are inspired by spite against landlords, neighbours, &c.,
but these are soon sifted.
457 Complaints of sanitary defects were received, compared
with 623, 458 and 493 in the three preceding years. 42
Complaints of non-removal of dust were received compared
with 160, 114 and 70 in 1901, 1902 and 1903 ; 18 of the latter
referred to Woolwich parish, 19 to Plumstead, and 5 to Eltham.
13. Drains and Waterclosets.—22 Defective combined drains
affecting 129 houses were investigated and reported on by the
Chief Sanitary Inspector. In the three previous years 52, 29
and 28 combined drains, respectively, were dealt with. These
were all referred after investigation and report to the Borough
Engineer.
573 Private drains found choked and defective were examined,
cleared and relaid where necessary at the expense of the owners.
By far the largest number proportionally to population were in
the River Ward. The number of defective drains found in the
three preceding years was 786, 693 and 722 respectively.
233 Drains were tested with the smoke test, and 237 by the
water test after relaying.
709 Water closets, and 789 defective W.C. cisterns (total
1498) were repaired, compared with 1864, 1444, and 1532 in
the three preceding years.
231 Foul pans were cleansed compared with 120, 54, and 179,
in the three preceding years.
2 Additional water closets were provided to workplaces.