View report page

32
SMOKE ABATEMENT.
The number of complaints received during 1931 in
respect of alleged nuisance from smoke or grit was four.
Thirteen observations of chimneys were made.
On a few occasions proof that grit was permitted to
escape from a chimney was obtained, and in one case a fine
ash, as distinct from grit, was emitted, so as to cause a
contravention of the Statute. The ash was undoubtedly due
to the burning of wood chips, and when this form of fuel
was discontinued, the deposit of ash in the neighbourhood
also ceased.
It is very seldom now that dense black smoke is emitted
in excess of the two-minute period allowed by the Byelaws,
although in a few instances the total emission in thirty
minutes may approach the limit closely. In these cases the
black smoke is emitted in short bursts of a few seconds'
duration each and the offence is, therefore, more difficult
to detect than in those cases where the emission is sustained
for several minutes.
COMMON LODGING HOUSES.
There are only two registered common lodging houses
in the Borough, viz:—
Nos. 8 and 10, Vicarage Road (Othen's)—50 beds for
men only.
No. 52, Canbury Passage (Marsh's)-—35 beds for men
only.
As will be seen, there is no accommodation for married
couples or for children in the registered lodging houses.
There are other premises in the town where lodgers
arc taken for short periods, but in these cases the beds are
not let for one night only and there is no common room
for the use of the lodgers. Buildings of this class are not
subject to the Byelaws respecting Common Lodging Houses.
The lodging houses are inspected frequently, and I am glad
to report that the registered occupiers show willingness to
comply with your Council's requirements at all times, and
there is much less need for official action nowadays compared
with some years ago.