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sions of suitable impervious paving laid with a fall so as to
carry surface water into the drains provided, in order to prevent
it, together with various kinds of filth, being absorbed by
the soil or walls of the dwellings. Where this improvement
is carried out there is no excuse for the occupier who does not
keep the surface of the yard in a cleanly and tidy condition.
In the course of the inspections made during the year no less
than 225 yards were found to be in an unsatisfactory state, due
either to the absence of any paving, or the defective condition
of that which did exist. The power to deal with this class of
nuisance has been greatly strengthened by the adoption of
Section 25 of the Public Health Acts (Amendment) Act, 1907.
Several complaints were again received respecting the
condition of the passage-ways adjoining and at the rear of
houses on the Ashen Grove Estate and other parts of the
district. This matter has now been before the Council for
some years without a satisfactory remedy being found or
applied. Consequently powers to effectually obviate a continuance
of this nuisance are being sought for by the inclusion
of provisions in the Wimbledon Bill, now before Parliament.
Stable Refuse.—Continued attention has been paid to the
mews and stable yards in the district, 907 visits having been
made to such premises during the year.
Less difficulty was experienced than formerly in securing
the prompt removal of manure, etc., from stables, the chief
reason for which is, I think, that with the advent of the motor
car, and the consequent reduction in the number of horses,
stable manure has become more valuable, and is therefore
more sought after by the market gardeners and farmers in the
neighbourhood.
Inspections under the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901.—
Sixty-five inspections of factories were made during the year,
and six written notices served referring to sanitary conveniences
or other nuisances.
One intimation was received from His Majesty's Inspector
of Factories, of defects or insanitary conditions which had
been found by him when visiting Factories and Workshops,
and one communication was sent to His Majesty's Inspector
informing him of the action taken to secure the remedying of
the defects or insanitary conditions to which he had called
attention.
With regard to Workshops and Worlplaces, the Borough
Council's duty of supervision may be classed under four heads:
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