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Full and careful inquiries were made and a report submitted,
in accordance with the regulations, to the Ministry of Health,
and samples of the cheese were forwarded to the Ministry for
bacteriological examination. The Bacteriologist's report stated
that no micro-organisms of the food poisoning group were found,
and that various animals were fed with the cheese without
disturbance resulting. The report concluded by stating that the
results did not warrant any conclusion as to the presence of toxic
substances. All the affected persons recovered within two or
three days.
RATS AND MICE (DESTRUCTION) ACT, 1919.
129 complaints of premises being infested with rats were
received during the year. Visits were made in all cases by the
sanitary inspectors and advice given. Defective drains or sewers,
where found, were relaid or repaired. In suitable cases poison
was supplied or laid by the inspectors. Poison baits were also
laid in the Council's sewers from time to time by the Borough
Engineer's Department. During National Rat Week additional
baits were laid in the sewers, and the occupiers of premises
known or suspected to be infested with rats were visited by the
sanitary inspectors and impressed with the necessity for special
efforts. By the courtesy of several managers of houses of
entertainment (music halls and cinemas) in the Borough, a
lantern slide designed by the Department was exhibited in
various parts of the Borough drawing the attention of the public
to the damage caused by rats, and urging the necessity for combined
efforts during Rat Week. Investigation into bad cases of
rat infestation has frequently led to the discovery of an unsealed
disused drain in the vicinity. It is most important that drains
which, for any reason, are no longer required be sealed under the
supervision of the sanitary inspectors, and legislation on this
point seems desirable.
SMOKE ABATEMENT.
182 smoke observations were made in 1924, and 14 intimations
and 1 statutory notice were served by the sanitary
inspectors. Investigation of the nuisances from factory shafts
in most cases revealed the cause to be careless stoking. It
should be remarked that the factories are not the sole cause of
atmospheric pollution—the domestic coal fire still plays a large
part. Should research result in the production on a large scale
of a satisfactory smokeless fuel at the same price as coal, the
prohibition of the use of raw coal would be brought within the
realm of practical politics, and the fogs, which cause so much
damage to health and property in our cities and industrial
areas, should cease.