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"The average weight of refuse collected per day per 1,000
population has been 11.13 cwts. (an increase of .11 cwts.), as against
an average throughout the country of over 14 cwts. per 1 ,000. In
bulk, however, the increase over the previous year has been remarkable,
and has resulted at times in problems which have not been
easy to solve. Owing to the increased capacity of the collecting
vehicles, however, it has been possible to effect a slight reduction
in the cost of the service in spite of the increased loan charges to
be made for this service.
"Trade Refuse.—In January the department commenced entering
into annual contracts with traders who requested the removal
of their trade refuse, and arrangements were made for payment
for this service to be made in advance through the Borough Treasurer.
This proved so successful that certain carts are employed full time
on this work. It is impossible to ascertain exactly the total weight
of refuse so collected, as some of this was dealt with by the vehicles
on the ordinary house refuse collection, in accordance with the
normal procedure.
"Refuse delivered by traders in their own vehicles amounted
to 3,288 tons, an increase of 136 tons over last year.
"Market Refuse.—No alteration was made in the arrangements
for the collection of market refuse during the year, collections being
made during marketing hours where necessary and a final clearance
being made after the market closed at night. The total weight of
refuse collected from the markets amounted to 1,554 tons, a reduction
of 391 tons on the previous year.
"Refuse Disposal.—During the year some rather extensive
repairs were required, especially to the brickwork of No. 2 boiler,
the exterior seams of the rear end being entirely exposed for inspection,
whilst a serious breakdown of the elevator also occurred during
the early part of the year. Consequent upon the reduction in
burning capacity, it was necessary to tip 2,099 tons of refuse more
this year, whilst the amount burnt was 24,792 tons, being a reduction
of 1,709 tons on the previous year, with a slight increase in the
cost of disposal. Practically the whole of the tip was brought
under control during the year.
"Sales of salvage were, on the whole, disappointing, markets
remaining on a fairly low level throughout the period, whilst on
several occasions difficulties were experienced in the movement of
materials.