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39
Comparison of these tables with similar tables last year
shews that there has been a large increase in the number of
inspections. The total number of inspections, however, does
not actually give the total number of houses inspected, because
these included inspections for complaints, infectious disease,
house-to-house, etc., and it is inevitable that many of these
are in duplicate. The increase can be associated with the
rearrangement of the work and the addition of two inspectors,
and is general in the various departments of the work, being
more or less uniform throughout the Borough.
24. Drains. There were 30 combined drains reported upon
at the meetings of the Public Health Committee throughout
the year. These related to 192 houses. The investigations
in connection with these systems of drains usually arise from
stoppages, but, in cases where a stoppage is found on examination
to be due to a temporary cause only, no further action
is recommended. These circumstances existed in 21 instances.
It was, however, found necessary for 9 combined drains to be
reconstructed. These were connected with 61 houses and
notices were served for reconstruction under the provisions
of the Metropolis Management Act. In all cases in which
notices are in default by the owners the work is undertaken
by the Works Department, and the costs recovered from the
owners by the Borough Council.
In accordance with the provisions of the Metropolis Management
Act, it is necessary for plans to be submitted where any
alterations to drains are intended. This provision is only
observed when the repair is of such extent that the information
furnished by a plan is likely to be of use for further
reference, but it is not insisted on where small repairs to drains,
w.c., pans and traps, are carried out by owners. An elaborate
drawing is not asked for—only a plan reasonably interpreting