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57
Coloured water tests, 7.
The application of the smoke test revealed defective
conditions in 70 instances. Drainage systems were opened
out and examined on 60 occasions.
On many occasions it was found that repairs and
alterations had been surreptitiously made to drains and sanitary
fittings which were not in accordance with modern methods.
In order to adequately safeguard public health, a Local
Authority should have power to render it a penal offence for
alterations or amendments to be made to drains and sanitary
fittings without notice having been given to the Local
Authority of their intention to execute such repairs.
Many Local Authorities have such powers in operation
and they have proved to be of considerable benefit.
Water Fittings.
One of the most important points in connection with the
inspection of a dwelling is that pertaining to the water supply.
During the past year 196 defective conditions were reported
and dealt with, viz.:—
Defective drinking water tanks, 27.
Defective covers to tanks, 74.
Storage tanks in a dirty condition, 53.
Water tanks in unsuitable and inaccessible positions, 17.
Water tanks connected directly with closets, 25.
Dampness.
One hundred and sixty-three nuisances due to damp house
walls were reported during the year and a considerable amount
of work was involved to secure a satisfactory remedy of such
nuisances.
The nuisance in the majority of cases resulted from the
absence of a damp proof course in the walls. One hundred
and two notices were served to remedy the nuisance by inserting
a suitable damp proof course in the walls, under the level
of the lowest timbers. A vertical damp course was also provided
where the ground adjoining the walls was above the
floor level. The nature of the damp course provided consisted