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91
The dust in Woolwich is collected by your Council's employees,
but that in Plumstead and Eltham by two different
contractors.
17. Drains and Water-Closets 7 defective combined
drains were investigated and reported on by the Chief
Sanitary Inspector, compared with 29, 16, and 22, in the
three preceding years. These drains affected 39 houses.
411 private drains, found choked and defective, were examined,
cleared and re-laid, compared with 451, 371, and
440, in the three preceding years. The largest number
was found in River Ward.
963 water-closets and w.c. cisterns were repaired, compared
with 1,131, 944, and 992, in the three preceding
years. 312 foul w.c. pans were cleansed by tenants, compared
with 175, 193, and 197, in the three preceding years.
Rats. Six complaints of rats were received. These were
dealt with by examining the drains which were all found
to be defective. When the drain was made good the rats
disappeared. Chief Inspector Duck thus describes two instances:—
Complaints were made of rats in a chicken-run. On
investigation, a drain was found underneath, which
had a broken pipe. This was repaired and no
further complaint has been received.
Complaints were received from the occupiers of a small
cottage at the end of a row, that the house was infested
with rats, several having been seen during
the daytime and much mischief having been done
during the night.