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These By-laws do not appear to be wide enough. Numerous complaints
have been received of persons giving children, in exchange for rags, etc., articles
—for example, goldfish, which do not fall within the definition of "any article of
food or balloon or any toy." A further difficulty has been experienced in tracing
persons responsible. In recent years it has been noted that bills bearing no name
and address have been distributed outside schools inviting school-children to supply
old woollen articles and rags in exchange for toys. These bills were distributed
by men who were not principals. They accepted rags and gave toys in exchange
but, when challenged, did not disclose who their principals were. It has been
suggested that it should be made obligatory for a rag and bone dealer to affix his
name and address to any vehicle used by him in the conduct of his business.
During the year representations were made to the London County Council
that these matters should receive consideration. The County Council in a letter
expressed themselves sympathetic to these proposals so far as children under 14
years are concerned, and suggested that the Council should communicate these
views to the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee for consideration
as the question is one which affects all boroughs.
Three summonses were taken out during the year. The results of these proceedings
will be found in Table No. 22.
Rag Flock Act.—Six samples of rag flock were taken for analysis. Such
material must comply with the Rag Flock Regulations, in which it is laid down
that the soluble chlorine in the form of chlorides must not exceed 30 parts of
chlorine in 100,000 parts of flock. All the samples complied with the Regulations,
as the result of analyses show, the number of parts of chlorine being, respectively,
9, 8, 6, 3, 5, 6.
Mortuaries.—The Public Mortuary is in Sun Street, Woolwich, and a temporary
mortuary is provided in Eltham High Street. The following Table shows the use
made of the mortuaries during the year:—