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C.- SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA.
1. (i) WATER.- No new mains have been installed during the
year 1940.
(ii) DRAINAGE & SEWAGE.- No works of this character have been
carried out during 1940.
2. RIVERS & STREAMS.- Periodical cleaning of the Dagenham Brook was
carried out to the requirements of the Lea Conservancy Catchment
Board.
3.(i)COLOSET ACCOMMODATION.- There has been no change in the
number of cosspools which exist within the area.
(ii) PUBLIC CLEANSING. - Mr. Eric Bell, M.I.P.C., A.R.San.I.
Cleansing Superintendent, reports as follows:-
HOUSE REFUSE COLLECTION.
In spite of air-raids and the evacuation of many people, the
total weight of refuse collected during the past year was
25012 tons, 5 cwts; this is a slight reduction in weight
compared with 1939.
The analysis of the refuse still shows that large quantities
of tinned foods are being consumed; a drop in the ash and cinder
content; and still a large amount of waste paper being mixed
with the refuse, despite the many appeals made for this to be kept
separate, so that it may be used to the full advantage in the
production of articles for the war effort.
Separation and incineration has always been maintained in this
Borough, and since the war tremendous efforts have been made to
extend the salvage activities of the Department, to ensure that
even the smallest scrap of any value be returned to industry.
Special salvage films have been shown throughout the Borough,
lectures have been given to the various Women's organisations,
and women have been appointed as Street Salvage Officers in almost
every street; they have been advised on the subject of materials
most urgently needed and the point has been stressed very clearly
that paper, cardboard and rags must not be put into the bins, but
bundled and placed either by the side of the bin or in the sacks
provided at the Street Salvage Officer's house. All other refuse
may bo placed in the bins as the contents are mechanically sorted
at these Works.
TRADE REFUSE.
The contract system for the charges re collection of Trade
Refuse from business premises within the Borough continues to
operate most satisfactorily, and despite the war, has been
further extended.
Every trader who comes under this scheme, from the smallest
shop to the largest factory, has had an allowance made in his
contract rate for any salvageable materials collected by the
Council, i.e. cardboard, paper, tins, etc.
The amount of Trade Refuse delivered by traders to the Works
for disposal for the year 1940 has shown a reduction on previous
years.
REFUSE DISPOSAL.
During the past year it has been found possible to dispose of
the refuse, working only 1½ shifts per day instead of 2 - this
has been brought about by the reduction in weight of refuse
collected, and the extensive salvage system now in operation.
9.