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Smoke Abatement.—Five complaints of nuisance from
smoke were received.
It was found that improper stoking was the cause of
the trouble.
Instructions were immediately given for proper attention
to be paid to the fires, and occupiers were also warned of
the provisions of the Act in force.
It is customary for the Sanitary Inspectors to observe,
from time to time, the condition of any chimney likely to
be the cause of a nuisance.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.—Sixty-two complaints
were received. In investigating a complaint it is
invariably necessary for a number of premises to be inspected
as it is rarely found that only one house or garden is
concerned.
I am confident that as the matter is one which is now
being dealt with by the Local Authority residents are more
eager to seek advice. The usual procedure is for the Inspector
to endeavour to ascertain the cause of the infestation and
to give advice to the persons concerned as to the best method
of dealing with the matter.
In a number of eases where it had been suggested that
the services of a rat catcher should be obtained it was generally
found that this advice was acted upon.
Hairdressers and Barbers.—Early in the year the Public
Health Committee recommended the Council to make Byelaws
for the purpose of securing cleanliness of these premises
and of instruments, towels, equipment and materials used in
connection with the business. The Bye-laws were confirmed
on 4th June, 1937, and became operative on 1st August, 1937.
There are fifty-three hairdressers and barbers premises in
Wimbledon, to which eighty visits of inspection were paid.
At the first visit of inspection a copy of the Bye-laws was
handed to the proprietor of each of the premises concerned.
In several instances suitable receptacles for hair clippings,
etc., had not been provided. The occupiers were requested
to rectify this matter.
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