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47
of refuse in shoots has ceased, all the refuse being taken
either to the Woolwich or Plumstead Destructors. The
Borough Engineer tells me that the special plant installed
a Plumstead for utilising clinker for road material is giving
very satisfactory results, and that this material, mixed with
bitumen, is now regularly used for the surfacing of certain
classes of roads in the Borough.
Trade Refuse. The collection of trade refuse is carried
out by the Works Department at a charge of five shillings
per load. In order £o obtain the removal of trade refuse
application must be made at the Town Hall and the charge
prepaid. During the year approximately 1,300 loads were
removed. This refuse is also disposed of at the Destructors.
Offensive Trade Refuse. The collection of offensive
trade refuse was, up to April, supervised by this Department,
but is now under the control of the Works Department.
Specially designed receptacles are provided by the Council
for this work, and a charge of sixpence is made each time a
receptacle is used, the full receptable being removed and a
clean, empty one substituted. The receptacles are collected
daily by means of an electric motor tractor and a closed
waggon with sliding doors. The refuse is disposed of to a
manufacturer of guano at Poplar, and the receptacles are
cleansed by steaming and washing.
Combined Drains. Twenty-five combined drains, connected
with 186 houses, were reported on at various times
throughout the year. When it has been ascertained that such
a system is choked, investigation is made, and, if the
stoppage is only of a temporary character and not due to any
defect, the drains are cleared and the fact is recorded.
Occasionally it is an economic policy to remedy defects while
the examination is being carried out, and, if application is
made by the owners at the time, the Council do the necessary
work. During the year small repairs, costing in all £8 0s. Id.,
were done in this connection, this amount being recovered
from the owners concerned. If, however, reconstruction of
the whole or of part of the system is necessary, the Council