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103
On 25 occasions during the year wooden structures have
been reported to the Borough Engineer for removal, as there
were flagrant violations of the Bye-laws, such as enclosing bedroom
windows or outside water-closets, impeding ventilation,
etc., and on 41 occasions Notices had to be served under the
Public Health Act, 1875, upon occupiers of premises for
keeping animals in such a state as to be a nuisance or injurious
to health.
Gipsies.—155 Inspections of Gipsy Caravans and Squatters'
Tents have been made during the year, as compared with 246
for the previous year. It will be noticed there is a decrease of
91, which is largely attributable to the decision of the Council
to enforce the Bye-Laws, which make it compulsory for
occupiers of Caravans, Tents, or other structures to provide
suitable water receptacles and sanitary utensils.
During the year 11 Summonses were granted against
occupiers of caravans for non compliance with the Bye-Laws.
When the Summonses were called, only four answered—the
other seven had decamped, but convictions were obtained in
each case and penalties imposed. It is true that in only two
instances have the fines been recovered, but the remaining nine
debtors are absenting themselves from the Borough, which is of
much greater benefit to the district than their money.
The Gipsy nuisance lessens each year; as vacant land
becomes covered with houses opportunities for encampment
diminish.
Mortuaries.—The Council's mortuaries at Wakefield Street
and North Woolwich have been regularly inspected and found
in a clean and satisfactory condition. This will be the last
time the Wakefield Street Mortuary will be referred to, as the
new mortuary, an excellently-arranged and fully-equipped
building on the Town Hall site, will take its place.
The old building has served the Borough for many years,
and it is surprising how well the work has been done in such a
small and inconvenient place. The new building will be
appreciated by those whose duty it is to perform work there.