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51
The inspection of new drainage and of extensive reconstruction of old systems
is carried out by the Borough Engineer, but in all other cases alterations are supervised
by the Sanitary Inspectors. During the year 47 complaints were received
regarding the defective action of combined drains; on investigation 244 houses
in all were found to be affected. In all systems, except seven, the obstruction was
of a temporary character. In 17 instances choked interceptors were found. Costs
recovered from the owners amounted to £3 7s. 6d. In the following 7 instances
reconstruction was necessary, and the work was carried out by the owners after the
service of notices :—Mast Pond Wharf and Tuff & Hoar's Wharf, Woolwich High
Street; 78 Archery Road, Eltham; 5-7 Speranza Street, Plumstead; 52-72 Tuam
Road, Plumstead; 38-46 Spray Street, Woolwich; 28-29 Albion Road, Woolwich;
89-91 Kingsman Street, Woolwich. Seven single private drains were cleared at the
request of the owners, from whom the costs, £1 14s. 0d., were recovered.
Action with Regard to Smoke Abatement.—Twenty-six special observations
were made to ascertain whether there were any breaches of the law regarding smoke
emission and four nuisances were discovered, notices being served in each instance.
No legal proceedings were instituted, as the action taken by the Sanitary Inspectors
resulted in the abatement of the nuisances.
Fouling of Pavements by Dogs—By-law.—In view of the fact that nuisance
and inconvenience caused to pedestrians by the fouling of pavements by dogs appeared
to be increasing, and because of representations made by ratepayers and residents
in the Borough, the Council decided to make a by-law in the interests of public
health. The by-law is as follows:—
"(1) No person being in charge of a dog in any street or public place and having
the dog on a lead shall allow or permit such dog to deposit its excrement
upon the public footway.
(2) Any person offending against this By-law shall be liable on summary
conviction to a fine not exceeding Forty Shillings."
The by-law was adopted by the Council at their meeting on the 3rd October,
1934. The Home Secretary confirmed the by-law on the 30th November, 1934, and
fixed the date upon which it was to come into operation as the 1st January, 1935.
The Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.—Each district Inspector is
the rats officer for his area and investigates all complaints received. The total
number of inspections made was 381. In 50 instances defective drains were repaired,
12 premises were rat-proofed, and other effective measures were taken in 30 instances.
National Rat Week was held from the 5th to the 10th November, and during it
co-operation was obtained from the Borough Engineer and many large firms in the
Borough. The number of baits laid in old sewers in Woolwich and Plumstead, which
were regarded as infested, was 10,548.