View report page

114
The principle of such compulsory power has been established by a local Act
in Bradford. Under this Act a Court of Summary Jurisdiction may, on the
application of the Medical Officer of Health, issue an order for the removal to
an institution of any aged, infirm, or physically incapacitated person, where it is
shown that in the public interest or the interest of the person concerned such
removal is necessary.
Some, if not most, of these aged people rely almost entirely on the Old
Age Pension for sustenance, and although they endeavour to retain their independence
they are sometimes found unable to keep either themselves or their
rooms in a decent condition. There would seem to be ample reason for suggesting
that some authority should be charged with the responsibility of looking after the
welfare of these pensioners. It would not require any elaborate machinery to
effect this, and but little expense, if the duty was placed on local authorities,
and the work of visiting carried out by Sanitary Inspectors or Health Visitors
already attached to Public Health Departments.
Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Acts.
On the application of a tenant one certificate was issued under the above
Acts that the house complained of was not in all respects reasonably fit for
human habitation or was otherwise not in a reasonable state of repair. One
application was refused.
Other Propaganda Leaflets, etc.
Arrangements were continued with the co-operation of the Library Committee
for the publication of two bookmarks, one for adults and one for children. On the
front information was given as to health and educational facilities afforded by the
Council. On the back of the bookmark for adults information was contained
respecting diphtheria antitoxin and the arrangements for the prevention of
diphtheria by immunisation. The back of the children's bookmark contained
hints to boys and girls on how to keep healthy.
A leaflet giving advice to women on constipation was also issued during
the year and a very large number were distributed by means of "Please Take
One" boxes in the public conveniences for women.
Pigeons.
Complaints are very occasionally received by various bodies in the Borough
of nuisance caused by pigeons; about two years ago it was necessary to serve
a notice for the abatement of a nuisance arising from an accumulation of excreta
deposited on a window sill by pigeons.
These birds are found in considerable numbers in the Borough, particularly
in Gray's Inn, at the British Museum, and in the vicinity of some of the church
buildings.
At the British Museum, pigeons have given considerable trouble for some
years past and involved the authorities in considerable cost in clearing away the
filth caused by their presence. The birds cause very extensive fouling of the
floor of the colonnade, entrance, portico, and outer steps, in addition to splashing
the stone plinth course and the ashlar. It is necessary to clean the entrance
portico and steps every morning and wash down the colonnade once a week to