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48
As a result of this decision the supervision of the collection of offensive trade
refuse reverted to the Public Health Department in accordance with the practice of
the Council.
Drainage.— With relatively few exceptions every house in the Borough is
connected with the water-carriage system.
New drainage and extensive reconstructions of old systems are supervised by the
Borough Engineer. In all other instances alterations are inspected by the sanitary
staff. During the year 48 complaints were received with regard to the defective
action of combined drains. On investigation it was found that 196 houses in all
were affected. In every case the drains were cleared. In all the systems, except seven,
the obstruction was of a temporary nature. In eleven instances choked interceptors
were found. Costs recovered from the owners amounted to £4 13s. 0d. In the
following seven instances reconstruction was necessary, and the work was carried
out by the owners after service of notices:— 120 to 122, Ann Street; 9 to 10, Sims
Buildings; 64 to 76, Ann Street; 55 to 64, Prospect Place; 17 to 18, Fennell Street;
26 to 27, Fennell Street; 11 to 13, Morris Street.
Cesspools.— The number of cesspools in the Borough is 13, 10 being in Plumstead
and 3 in Eltham. This is a decrease of 17 on last year. A new sewer was constructed
during the year, near the summit of Shooters Hill, and in consequence these 17 were
abolished.
In the draft by-laws, referred to above under refuse collection, by-law No. 3
dealt with the hours during which offensive material should be removed by road
through London, and limited the period to between midnight and 9 a.m. The
Council considered that difficulty would be experienced in emptying cesspools,
particularly in Eltham where they are situated in outlying fields, within the practical
limits of such hours, and suggested that the period should be extended to 10 a.m.
Action Taken with Regard to Smoke Abatement.— Forty-nine observations
were made of chimney shafts and one notice was served. Two offences were
discovered and warning letters were sent. No legal proceedings were instituted.
Complaints.— During the year 1932 there were 2,478 complaints of nuisances
made to the Health Department and investigated by the Sanitary Inspectors of the
Borough. Notices for the remedy or abatement of the defects or nuisances discovered
were served upon the owner or person responsible under the Public Health (London)
Act, 1891.
Sanitary Inspection of the Area.— A summary of the inspections carried out
by the Sanitary Inspectors will be found in Table No. 32. In connection therewith
the number of Intimation and Statutory Notices served was 3,133 and 785 respectively.
The Statutory Notices related to 612 premises and included 623 general, 100 ashpit,
32 water closet, and 19 paving notices. In addition to these notices under the Public
Health (London) Act, 1891, 6 notices were served under the London County Council