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REPORT OF THE CHIEF SANITARY INSPECTOR.
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have pleasure in presenting the Annual Report which
summarises the work carried out by your Sanitary Inspectors
during the year ended 31st December, 1950.
Housing Inspections. The total number of houses inspected
for " sanitary defects" under the Public Health and Housing
Acts was 912. Informal action secured improvements to most
of the houses, it being necessary to take statutory action in only
99 instances. Building materials were in greater supply and the
shortage of labour experienced in repair work proved the main
obstacle to the speedy execution of repairs. Difficulty has still
been experienced in dealing with the older parts of the district as
the continued low rental has precluded action under the repair
section of the Housing Acts.
A greater incidence of overcrowding was noticed during the
year, 66 cases being found compared with 31 in 1949. The total
number of cases known to exist at the end of the year was 314.
One application was received for a certificate in accordance
with the Rent Restrictions Acts, 1920-1939 that the house was
not in tenantable repair, and after the inspection, the certificate
was issued.
Action taken in connection with defective dwelling houses is
set out in the housing table on pages 42 and 43.
Summary of Nuisances Abated and Sanitary Improvements
Effected.
Ceilings cleansed or repaired 250
Coppers provided or repaired —
Dampness in premises remedied 118
Drains exposed and repaired 13
Drains reconstructed 1
Defective sashcords renewed 51
Dustbins provided 66
Floors repaired 125
Fresh air inlet valves provided and repaired 7
Inspection chamber covers provided 10
Obstructions removed from drains 20
Rain water pipes renewed or repaired 34
Rooms cleansed 6
Roofs repaired 112
Gutters repaired 55
Sink wastes repaired 19
Walls repaired 508
W.C. cisterns provided 2
31