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As in previous years, the Home Secretary made an Order
suspending the operation of the general Early Closing Order
from 19th to 24th December, inclusive. This did not, of
course, relieve occupiers of the obligation to comply with the
Weekly Half-holiday Order in force, and, as a consequence,
a number of enquiries were dealt with by the Department.
Petroleum Acts.—Ninety-eight applications were granted
for permission to keep petroleum, ninety-three of these being
for the renewal of existing licences.
One hundred and fifteen inspections were made of the
various premises in respect of which licences had been issued.
Fouling of Footways by Dogs.—Only six complaints
were received regarding this matter during the year, and they
were investigated immediately. As I have pointed out in
previous Reports, a considerable amount of time is taken up
by the Inspectors in these investigations as the complaints
usually refer to a portion of the district without a definite
road or place being mentioned. It must be clearly understood
that the Bye-laws in force apply only to dogs on a lead.
I would again emphasise that the closest co-operation on the
part of the general public, and dog owners in particular, is
needed if these Bye-laws are to be made really effective.
Employment Agencies.—Visits were paid, at irregular
intervals, to the premises of the twelve licensed keepers. No
breach of the Bye-laws was observed.
Employment of Children Bye-Laws.—In connection with
the employment of children, observations were made during
the year and ninety-three breaches reported to the Education
Authority. Legal proceedings were instituted in twenty-two
of these cases.
This work is done mainly outside office hours, on Sundays,
and public holidays. Further details relating to this matter
are given in the Report of the School Medical Officer.
Smoke Abatement.—Thirty 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.
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