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61
During the year 26 complaints were received with regard
to obstruction of combined drains. On investigation it was
found that 125 houses in all were affected and in every case
the drains were cleared. In all the systems, except two,
the obstruction was of a temporary nature or was due to
slight defects which admitted of a remedy at the time. Costs
recovered from the owners amounted to £3 14s. 6d. In two
instances, however, reconstruction was necessary. After
service of the necessary notices, and on receipt of the consent
of the owners, the work was carried out by the Works Department
of the Council, the costs being paid by the owners in
their proper proportions.
Sanitary Inspection of the Area. Details of the inspections
made by the Sanitary Inspectors and the types of nuisances
abated during the year are shown below in Tables 27 and 28.
In connection with these inspections, it was found necessary
to serve 3,558 intimation and 896 statutory notices, the
corresponding figures for last year being 3,513 and 863
respectively. The statutory notices related to 751 premises
and included 699 general notices, 111 ashpit, 44 water closet,
31 paving and 2 others served under the Public Health
(London) Act. In addition to these, 9 were served under the
London County Council (General Powers) Acts. In 154
instances the owners neglected to comply with the statutory
notice and in these cases the Town Clerk was requested to
institute legal proceedings ; this figure compares with 182
for the previous year. It is the practice in this Borough for
the Town Clerk in these circumstances to write a letter
reminding the owner that he is in default in not complying
with the notice and requesting immediate attention. On
account of this arrangement it was found necessary to apply
for only seven summonses, details of which are set out in
Table No. 32. In addition, eight other summonses were
taken out for failure to comply with Magistrates' Orders.