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CONCLUSION.
The outbreak of Sonne Dysentery in the Hook and
Chessington area during the Autumn involved the staff in
a considerable amount of work before it was brought under
control.
This in some measure dislocated other contemplated
activities, but every effort was made to keep up routine
duties which are designed to prevent occurrences which may
affect the health of the people, or alternatively to quickly
'spot' such happenings so that they can be dealt with.
I referred in my last report to inspections under the
Housing Act with the object of getting war-neglected properties
re-instated to a reasonable condition. This work has continued
and on the whole the response of property owners to the request
for repairs to be effected has been good.
The financial difficulties of landlords have not been
lost sight of in making our demands, but I must say our
problem would be easier if owners were not in the unhappy
position of having to maintain houses on pre-war rents with
today's cost of works. Generally speaking I think tenants
appreciate this position and are more inclined themselves
to carry out works for their own comfort especially internal
decorations. Unfortunately, all are not in a position to do
this, nor of course can we interfere with the legal relationship
between landlord and tenant. To prepare a specification
within the requirements of the repairs section of the Housing
Act which (briefly) requires that a house shall be made in all
respects fit at reasonable cost, taxes one's ingenuity under
present circumstances.
During the year I drew attention to the Unsatisfactory
drainage arrangements in the outlying part of the Borough
on the Leatherhead boundary, and the Borough Surveyor prepared
a scheme for a sewer and small disposal plant. Unfortunately,
the scheme had to be postponed for financial reasons, but
it is hoped that despite the small number of properties
involved the improvement will not have to be held over for
too long,
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
H.J. ELDRIDGE.
Senior Sanitary Inspector.
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