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more can still be done in the coming years to reduce the smoke
evil.
A smoke abatement conference, representative of the public
bodies in London and Greater London, was held at the Guildhall
late in the year. At this conference it was decided to appoint a
Committee representative of the local authorities and industry to
consider the whole subject from the point of view of uniform
action, and to report to a further meeting of the conference.
There is no doubt that a determined effort will be made to
reduce the smoke nuisance and thus minimise the deleterious
action which smoke and fog cause to health.
In 1927 the Council Sanitary Inspectors made 151 special
observations of the chimneys of factories and work-places for the
detection of black smoke. 18 complaints were also received. As
a result of the inspections 15 intimation notices were served,
which resulted in the abatement of the nuisances.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.
The necessary action to rid premises of the nuisance caused
by the presence of rats was continued throughout the year.
During 1927, 144 complaints received from persons "who
were troubled with rats" were investigated, and where it was
found that the nuisance was caused by the defective condition of
the drains, notices were served on the owners. In other instances
the Inspectors offered advice as to the steps to be taken to abate
the nuisance, and poisoned baits were issued where necessary.
Acknowledgment and thanks are due to the managers of the
various cinemas in the Borough who readily co-operated with the
Council during Rat Week by showing slides drawing attention to
the havoc caused by rats, their danger to the public health and
the need for the public to prosecute means to exterminate them.
The Borough Engineer and Surveyor also continued the practice
of systematically laying rat baits at different points in the sewers
of the Borough, particular attention being given to the matter
during Bat Week.
Nuisances by Dogs.
A By-law dealing with this nuisance has been in operation
since January, 1926, and was sanctioned by the Secretary of
State for the Home Department for a period of two years, subject
to the Council undertaking the necessary steps to enforce the
same by the officials of this Council. Since the By-law has been
in force several offenders have been cautioned either orally or by
letter, and chiefly with a view of giving wider publicity to the
By-law, two offenders were prosecuted and convictions obtained.
At the end of the year the Council further considered the
matter, and decided that the following By-law be permanently
made under the provisions of Section 23 of the Municipal Corporations