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weekly collection of refuse from all parts of the Borough has been
consistently maintained, resulting in the total collection of 29,676
tons of refuse, an increase of 3,103 tons over the previous year.
This increase is no doubt accounted for by the continued return of
residents to the Borough, and also by the fact that the poorer quality
coal at present being issued has greatly increased the ash content
of the resulting residue.
"Included in the above figure, of course, is the total tonnage
of salvage collected, amounting to some 3,956 tons, this figure
shows a decrease of 579 tons over the year 1944 and, I am afraid,
represents the general trend of public opinion in-so-far as salvage
is concerned. This downward trend is national and despite many
appeals from the Ministry of Supply the reduction continues.
"Waste Food.—As I have already stated, the general salvage
collection has decreased by an appreciable figure, but it should be
noted that the decrease in waste food collection is much less marked,
namely, 1,526 tons collected in 1945 as against 1,589 tons in 1944.
These figures lead me to believe that the salvage is there, could we
provide a more satisfactory system of collection; this could be obtained
by the provision of a separate kitchen waste container for
each household in the Borough.
"Trade Refuse.—The contract system for the collection of trade
refuse from business premises within the Borough is continuing
satisfactorily and further improvements in this direction can hardly
be expected inasmuch as we have practically every trader covered
by this scheme.
"Refuse Disposal.—The increase in the total of refuse collected
in the year has naturally affected the tonnage incinefated, this latter
figure having increased by 2,060 tons to 23,413 tons. This I consider
to be a very satisfactory tonnage for a plant of this type.
"Street and Market Cleansing and Gully Cleansing.—As with
other services, our general standard of cleanliness in respect of
Streets, Markets and Gullies will improve with the improving labour
position, and I hope during 1946 to increase the number of Street
Sweepers. The number of gullies cleansed during 1945 increased
by 1,976 over the 1944 figure, and amounted to 11,353 cleansings
in the twelve months; this I consider to be the maximum that can
be expected of our Gully Cleansing Machine and the only way that
the desired frequency of emptying can be attained is by the provision
of another machine.
"In conclusion I wish to place on record my appreciation of the
services rendered to the Department by all employees and every
member of my staff. We have surmounted another difficult year,
and once again can claim unbroken record of normal services being
maintained, and I sincerely hope that the coming year will see the
end of some of the difficulties that beset us during the past years."
SANITARY INSPECTION OF THE AREA.
Owing to Mr. Duncan's continued illness he was unable to
resume duties as Chief Sanitary Inspector during the year, and he