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been their wish to see an end to the dumping of waste matter which occurs
at different sites in the district. These accumulations start probably
because of the difficulty the householder has in getting rid of something
such as a disused bedstead or perambulator. These articles have not
been accepted for removal by the ordinary round for collecting house
refuse, though they could be collected at a charge; but this the householder
often enough is not prepared to pay. These articles then are dumped
at some convenient site, and that might be the beginning of what becomes
a large accumulation comprising such articles as old stoves, empty containers
and garden rubbish, and in time builders rubbish as well.
Apart from these accumulations being an eye-sore, they are a matter
of concern to the Public Health Committee for more than one reason.
They provide a harbourage for rats and in time foodstuffs for these rats
finds its way there as well. Another reason is that often putrescible
material is added and the deposit might become a public health nuisance.
When there is such a nuisance, it can be dealt with at a charge to the
Public Health Committee; but not until it has reached this stage. The
Public Health Committee has up to this not been able to prevail on the
Highways & Cleansing Committee to find a solution to the problem, in
spite of their representations that that Committee might find itself able
to extend the construction of the term "house refuse" beyond that matter
which finds its way into the household dustbin. More recently, though,
the Highways & Cleansing Committee have had their own reasons for
wishing to see this material being dealt with because of the trouble experienced
by flooding which has followed on the interference to the flow of
a water course which has been brought about by such deposits placed
in the water course. At their June meeting the Highways & Cleansing
Committee agreed (a) that arrangements be made for the collection free
of charge, of household refuse comprising typical domestic articles such
as old mattresses, linoleum and carpets, old fenders, domestic cooking
utensils, etc., and (b) to continue for the present the existing practice of
making a nominal charge for the special collection of such items as old
water tanks, rubble, garden rubbish, etc. It is confidently expected that
this service will help materially to tidy-up the district and reduce the
problems of those in the Public Health Department which arise from
accumulations and deposits.
Fouling of Footpaths by Dogs. This nuisance continues, partly
because of the ignorance of the owners of dogs of the bye-law which aims
at controlling it. The Public Relations Committee were asked to consider
a suggestion that publicity should be given to the bye-law by the issue of
a small notice about it with the rate demand notice.
SWIMMING BATHS
There are two open-air swimming baths in the district, one at Charles
Crescent, Honeybun Estate, Harrow, and the other at Christchurch
Avenue, Wealdstone. The former, constructed in 1923, measures 165 feet
by 75 feet, with a depth of 7 feet to 3 feet 6 inches. The water, after being
filtered, is treated by chlorination. Dressing accommodation, shower and