View report page

32
The Annual Report for 1920 sets out the scheme whereby
cesspools are emptied and house and trade refuse removed
in the Borough, and little or no change has taken place during
the year.
Sanitary Inspection of the Borough. Staff.—Mr. C. W.
Prance, temporary sanitary inspector, resigned in February,
and Mr. C. V. W. Harris commenced duties as a temporary
sanitary inspector in June.
Complaints. The number of complaints received during
the year, 2,064, compares with 1,691 in 1920, 719 in 1919,
and 599 in 1918. 57 of these complaints related to the
non-removal of dust, 38 being from Woolwich, 8 from Plumstead,
and 11 from Eltham.
Drainage. 33 combined drains were reported upon at the
meetings of the Public Health and Housing Committee throughout
the year. These related to 211 houses. The investigation
in connection with the examination of these drains usually
arises from stoppages, but where a stoppage is found on
examination to be due to a temporary cause only, no further
action is recommended. These circumstances existed in 28
instances. It was found necessary for 5 combined drains to
be reconstructed. These were connected with 52 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 addition to the extensive
repairs of combined drains, various small repairs are undertaken
at the time of examination at the request of the owners,