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32
Van Dwellings.— The occasional camping of Caravans in
the District, usually on vacant building land of easy access and
adjoining a main road, has been the cause of complaints during
the year.
In one instance several vans settled on land adjoining the
Burlington Road Schools. With no sanitary conveniences
whatever provided for a camp of about 30 people, this is to
say the least very undesirable and especially so near a public School,
I am of opinion that some of these van-dwellers are frequently the
carriers of disease from one District to another.
The Bye-laws Committee are considering the Model Bye-laws
for Tents, Vans, Sheds, &c., and these will be put into force in the
District as quickly as possible.
DRAINAGE.
During the year 266 drains were tested.
91 drains were found defective, and
103 drains have been re-laid.
Under the provision of Sec. 41 of the Public Health Act, 1875,
15 notices of intention to open the ground and examine the drains
were served.
Upon the ground being opened and the drainage of these
premises examined, in every case the drainage had to be reported
defective. Proper notices were served and the drainage entirely
reconstructed.
The sewer at the rear of the houses in California Road was found
in a bad condition, and has been partly re-laid, with an improved
gradient and inspection chambers erected on it where necessary.
In the re-drainage of Nos. x, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11
St. John's Road, notices were served under Sec. 41 of the 1875
Act in conjunction with Sec. 19 of the Amendment Act, 1890.
There being in this case three different owners all draining into one
common drain and the work has been done by the joint owners.
It was decided during the year that requests by intending
occupiers or purchasers of houses in the District for the testing of
drains and sanitary fittings be not acceded to.
A general sanitary survey of all fittings, &c., including the
testing of drains is carried out in all cases of Diphtheria, Scarlet
Fever or Typhoid Fever occurring in the District and the proper
notices served to remedy any defects found.