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from the street lamps by fitting special plugs. Twenty-four
sites have been selected in different parts of the Borough for
these fittings and in addition we use the open spaces in the
Council's blocks of flats.
Since the commencement, 401 lectures and demonstrations
have been given in this way, and although the "Council's Picture
Show" is known everywhere in Bermondsey, the public interest
is still maintained with no lessening of the size of'the audience
prepared to listen.
With this kind of work, the numbers of lectures and demonstrations
given in any one year must of necessity depend to a very
large extent on the weather. For instance, in 1927, when the
summer was very wet, only 19 were given, whereas in 1933 when
we were particularly fortunate with the weather, the number was
70. The season for outdoor work is May, June, September and
October. Before May and after October it is usually too cold and
during July and August the light nights prevent a start until
nearly 10 o'clock at night and it is considered unwise to commence
at that hour. Before going out, the police are always notified,
but never on one single occasion have they had anything more to
do than remain as interested spectators.
Opportunity has been taken at the time of elections for further
outdoor work. On the evening of the poll, crowds stand outside
the Town Hall sometimes for several hours waiting for results.
This applies particularly to Parliamentary Elections. A screen is
fitted in front of the houses opposite and the cinema shown from
one of the Town Hall windows. As the results come through,
they are shewn by lantern slides and during the intervals of
waiting, hygiene films are displayed with short talks by the
Medical Officer of Health. As many as six films have been shewn
in one evening by this means.
Indoor Lectures. —During the period under review the total
number of indoor lectures given, exclusive of schools was 414.
Our policy with regard to these is to accept every invitation to