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Sanitary Inspection of the Borough. 81
This increase may be associated with the extensive building operations
which have taken place during the last few years.
Towards the end of 1936 the Council gave special consideration
to the matter, and in December decided to appoint a Rat Catcher
and Assistant Rat Catcher for a period of one year. Mr. A. Moon
was appointed in the former capacity, and Mr. H. Jarvis as his
Assistant.
These officers work in conjunction with the Sanitary Inspectors
and visit premises where their services are required. Dogs and
ferrets are employed for the destruction of rats, and the Rat Catcher
gives advice to householders on the steps which should be taken
to render their premises rat-proof.
554 rat complaints were received during the year. The Rat
Catcher made 1686 visits, and a considerable number of rats were
destroyed.
For some years it has been the practice of the Council to lay
rat baits in the sewers, and this has been continued during the year
by the Borough Engineer's staff. In addition to the laying of
baits as a matter of routine, 4,450 baits were laid during National
Rat Week and 3,617 were taken by rats.
Shops Act, 1934.
397 inspections of shops have been made to ascertain if the
provisions of the above Act respecting ventilation, temperature
and sanitary conveniences for the use of the persons employed in
the shop were complied with. In one case it was neccessary for
a notice to be served for an infringement, and this has been complied
with.
Swimming Baths and Bathing Pools.
There are four public swimming baths belonging to the Council,
one open air swimming bath owned by the London County Council,
one public swimming pool privately owned, and six private bathing
pools in the Borough. The Queensmere pond on Wimbledon Common
has also for many years past been a recognised bathing pond.
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