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135
REMOVAL TO HOSPITAL OF AGED AND INFIRM PERSONS UNDER
THE PUBLIC HEALTH (LONDON) ACT, 1936, S. 224
Five cases which might possibly have been dealt with under the above Act came
to the notice of the department during the year. Enquiries were made and it was
possible to arrange for the voluntary removal to St. Leonard's Hospital of four
persons and the other case was found to be not in all respects suitable for action
under the Act.
SCHOOLS
The sanitary condition of the public elementary schools in the Borough is satisfactory.
SMOKE NUISANCE
During the year under review the inspectors continued to pay attention to the
possibility of nuisance due to smoke from chimneys of factories and workshops.
Observations were made in 58 cases, the usual period of observations ranging from
five to thirty minutes. In six instances intimation notices were served.
RAT SUPPRESSION
During November, 1937, the annual Rat Week was held and an effort was made
to educate the public concerning the danger to health and the economic wastage
which is occasioned by rats. Posters were exhibited throughout the Borough.
It is not sufficiently realised by members of the general public that the Rats and
Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, places upon the owner the onus of clearing rat-infested
premises. The sanitary inspectors offer considerable assistance to owners in the
matter of advice regarding the most suitable methods of suppression in connection
with any particular type of building. The work done during the year is summarised
in the following table, but it should be realised that the items tabulated do not
embrace all the work done by the inspectors in connection with rat suppression.

In addition to the above, rat poison was deposited in sewers four times during
the year.