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31
These methods of dealing with the problems of rubbish are not
altogether satisfactory. Whilst there is probably no alternative so far as
unfenced land is concerned there is no doubt regular sweeping of the
accommodation roads would reduce if not eliminate the trouble experienced
with these roadways. It is frequently the result of debris accumulating
over a period owing to non-sweeping that gives rise to dumping.
Small untidy heaps of waste form, rubbish is added, and once this
commences, like most undesirable practices, it grows until action has to
be taken.
With these roadways vested in so many individuals, with no one
in particular responsible, complaints regarding their untidy and neglected
appearance are inevitable. One solution to the problem, of course, is
for the Local Authority to take them over, and thereby the responsibility
for cleansing and maintenance.
Animals.
The one case where it became necessary to obtain from the Court
an order to abate a nuisance concerned the keeping of animals. The
case heard by the Magistrates on the 13th December, 1946, arose from
the keeping of over a hundred pigs in close proximity to dwelling houses.
The action resulted in an order being made for the practice of keeping
swine on the premises concerned to be discontinued.
Vermin.
Compared with previous years the number of complaints received
regarding vermin was low. An unusual incident for this district occurred,
however, during July, 1946, when an application was made by an individual
to be cleansed. It is obligatory upon the Local Authority to
take action if such an application is received and the person concerned is
verminous and in need of cleansing. The latter point in the case in
question was not in doubt and the action required was taken.
Dustbins.
Mention is made of dustbins in view of a decision taken by the
Public Health Committee at their October meeting, resulting in the
practice of supplying dustbins in default of owners being discontinued.
Prior to this meeting, if an owner failed to comply with a Notice
requesting the provision of a dustbin, a bin was supplied by the Council
and the cost recovered.
In all, 55 dustbins were supplied during 1946 by the Local
Authority in default of owners as against 18 by owners themselves. The
principal reason for property owners leaving the Local Authority to
supply was that they obtained a good quality bin at a cost lower than
that which they would have paid if ordered by them through an ironmonger
or merchant.
The time taken up in dealing with dustbins is considerable, and
there is without doubt much to be said for the Council taking advantage
of the provisions of the Public Health Acts whereby they can accept
the responsibility for providing at a charge dustbins for all properties
within the district.