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28
unlikely to be in operation for some years.
The pollution of watercourses continues to receive the attention
of the Department. Sanitary Inspectors have undertaken special
investigations into sources of pollution. In a built up district
like Tottenham, where the streams are culverted for most of
their length, the tracing of sources of pollution is extremely difficult,
and takes prolonged and careful observation to locate the
cause. This is so particularly in the case of intermittent pollution.
A scheme to improve the drainage of the Stonebridge watershed
and so reduce flooding in the area is now being discussed by the
local authorities concerned, and it is hoped that agreement will
soon be reached.
Closet Accommodation.
The water carriage system operates throughout the Borough.
There are no privies.
Atmospheric Pollution.
It is reasonable to assume that the reduction in pollution of
the atmosphere by industrial undertaking has improved,, This is
particularly so in the case of firms using the normal fuels.
Anxiety continues in respect of firms who are using wood chips,
off cuts or sawdust.
In two cases the firms concerned committed themselves to schemes
of prevention costing from £300 to £600, This sense of responsibility
is encouraging although lapses still occur due to the personal
element by lack of appreciation of the problem by individual
stokers.
The main source of pollution in this district is the domestic
fire; this has reduced only by reason of the shortage of coal.
Sanitary Administration.
The year 1950 marked the centenary of public health in the
Borough of Tottenham since it was in the year 1850 that the first
inspector of nuisances was appointed. On the 27th April, 1850, a
Mr* Thomas Tuck was appointed as Inspector of Nuisances and Roads
Surveyor by the Tottenham Local Board of Health. He was selected
from a number of applicants who were all "fit and proper persons"
but whose technical qualifications are not recorded.