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96
Scavenging. House refuse is removed by the Works
Department of the Council in the Parishes of Woolwich and
Eltham. In Plumstead, it is removed by contractors.
When the Council took over the collection of refuse in Eltham,
refuse was being collected in carts and dumped in dust shoots
on some farms in the district. In 1924, the Council purchased
two electric vehicles of six tons capacity, and in consequence
it has been possible to bring this house refuse to the Plumstead
Destructor, where it has been burnt. The subsequent disposal
of the burnt refuse is interesting. By the installation
of a plant (also in 1924) the Council are now able to use the
clinker for road construction purposes, a much more sanitary
and useful method of disposing of this material. Inoffensive
trade refuse is also removed at a charge of 5s. a load and
disposed of at the Destructor. Offensive trade refuse is
collected in specially made receptacles, at a charge of 6d. a
receptacle, and conveyed to a firm in the East End of London
for conversion into soap.
Closet Accommodation. With the exception of a few earth
closets, used by sports clubs in the rural parts of the Borough,
water conservancy is general. The number of cesspools is 29,
two less than in the previous year.
Combined Drains. Twenty-seven combined drains, connected
with 132 houses, were reported on at various times
throughout the year. Full investigation is made in each case,
and it is found that, when the Department learns of these
defects, there is usually a stoppage in the system. If the
stoppage is only of a temporary character and not due to any
defect in the system, the drain is cleared, the details of the
investigation being simply recorded. If, however, some
further action is necessary, the facts are reported to the
Committee, and notices are served under the Metropolis