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37
SMOKE ABATEMENT.
The number of complaints of excessive smoke or grit
received during 1933 was 10.
Thirty-three observations of chimneys were made.
The use of low grade or unsuitable fuel is found to
be the most usual cause for smoke and grit. In some cases
the stoker has other duties to perform and is prevented from
stoking as often and as regularly as he should.
The bye-law in force in the Borough prohibits the
emission of black smoke for more than two minutes in any
consecutive thirty minutes. Observations are taken over
periods of forty minutes and contraventions of the Act are
notified either by telephone or by personal visit to the
offending works.
The retorts at the Gas Works were not used during
part of last Summer and the reduced emission of smoke was
distinctly noticeable.
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.
The Vicarage Road premises were designed for the
purpose of a lodging houses at the time of erection. The
Canbury Passage house on the other hand was converted
to its present use from that of a public house. The latter
premises has several drawbacks but it is maintained in clean
condition and good repair having regard to the age and
lay out of the building.
There were changes in the person of the registered
deputy at each of the premises during 1933.
Twenty-one visits were made to the lodging houses
during the year.