View report page

18
have commanded the commendations of all the authorities who
have inspected the works. So far as the existing resources of the
Destrucftor cells are concerned, it is satisfactory to learn that they
consume almost all the house refuse which is collected within the
District, and an increased cell capacity will probably result in
adding value to the clinker. It is a very important statement to
make, that at the present time all house refuse and garbage of
every description is rendered absolutely inert by its passage
through the fires. It promises well for the not distant future, that
already a considerable number of houses are supplied with pails
wherein to store refuse, and these receptacles are emptied daily,
and their contents conveyed to the Destructor. As provision
can be made, block after block of houses will be included in this
arrangement, until the whole house refuse of the District will be
collected and destroyed daily. Then dust-bins will exist only in
the memories of those who have often deplored their presence in
close proximity to rooms, the air of which they frequently tainted.
I may be permitted to add that already the present cost of dealing
with the refuse does not much exceed the cost formerly incurred,
whilst a large increase has been noted in the number of loads
which have been collected and destroyed.
Certain Acts of Parliament have been added to the Statute-book.
The Notification of Infectious Diseases Act, which came into operation
in October, has already been found useful. I need not
point out how necessary it becomes for Sanitary Authorities to be
made early acquainted with the first cases of infectious diseases.
The advantage to the public of such an Act is great, although its
working adds considerably to the labours of your staff. The
diseases which the Act specifies as requiring to be notified, are:
"Small-pox, Cholera, Diphtheria, Membranous Croup, Erysipelas,
Scarlet Fever, Typhus Fever, Typhoid Fever, Relapsing, Continued,
and Puerperal Fevers." Also any other diseases which,
after due notice has been given to the ratepayers, and the sanction
of the Local Government Board has been obtained, the Local
Authority deems it necessary to add.
A horse-flesh Act has been passed. This Act compels the vendors
of horse-flesh to legibly label the meat, and it also gives power
to the Sanitary Officers to "inspect, examine, and seize horseflesh
illegally exposed for sale."