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It is under the control of the Thames Conservancy as regards
pollution, but regulations are badly needed in regard to the
repair of banks, flooding, etc. This stream for the greater
part is outside the Borough, but any damage caused by
accident or neglect higher up is felt almost entirely within
our boundaries.
Social Conditions and Occupations.
The population is roughly about 1000th of the total
population of England and Wales. The distribution of population
is about the same as for the country generally as to
Male and Female, Rich and Poor and numbers of Children.
There is no staple industry. A large number of women
are employed in Laundries, Soda Water Works, Beer
Bottling, &c. In many cases these women are the keepers of
the house as the men are only casually employed, on the
river, &c.
There are fewer empty houses in the Borough than last
year. Those of the better class are old-fashioned in design
and not now popular. There is also less demand for big
houses as the families of the well-to-do of all classes tend to
be smaller. Amongst working class property there are not a
great number of empty houses. Trading is largely restricted
to the centre of the town since the advent of trams and motor
omnibusses. A large flying machine manufactory has recently
been started.
Sewerage and Drainage—Its sufficiency in all parts of the District—
Condition of sewers and house drains—Method or methods of disposal
of sewage—Localities where improvements are needed.
The sewerage and drainage of the town is good on the
whole. Some parts of the district are flat and trouble
occasionally arises during heavy rain storms. This difficulty