View report page

33
of premises. During the year the Council provided rat catching varnish
to applicants for the destruction of rats and 100 bait traps were prepared
and issued. In conjunction with the Works Department, investigation
was made of a number of old sewers likely to be infested with rats and
a large number of baits were laid. During the year many persons were
advised as to the best means of dealing with the rat nuisance so far
as it affected their respective premises.
The cost to the Council of rat catching varnish during the year was
£3 18s. Od.
Nuisance caused by Pigeons.—During the year further complaints
were received from residents in the neighbourhood of Chelsea Embankment,
Elm Park Gardens, and Draycott Place regarding nuisance arising
from the large number of pigeons in the area.
On investigation, it is invariably found that very serious nuisance is
being caused by these birds. In addition to accumulation of excreta
in rain pipes and gullies, pipes are blocked by the nests of the birds, and
the areas and walls of houses concerned are in an insanitary state
generally. Further, the birds pick out portions of mortar and cement
from the structures, tending to cause dampness within the houses. The
removal, cleansing and replacement of rain pipes ; the cleansing of areas
and walls ; and other repair work involves the owners of such property
in considerable and recurring expense.
Until recently a Sanitary Authority had no powers to deal with nuisance
caused by pigeons ; in fact, there were restraining enactments which
prevented steps being taken to reduce the nuisance, e.g., under the
Larcency Act, 1861, section 23, there is a penalty of £2 if pigeons are
shot or trapped and this may be claimed by a common informer.
The London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1927, now enables
a Sanitary Authority to take necessary steps to reduce the number of
pigeons within its area. The Borough Council has made arrangements
for the capture and humane destruction of a proportion of these birds.
About 80 birds have been destroyed, but it is hoped that this figure will
be considerably augmented in the near future.
Factories, Workshops and Workplaces.—The Medical Officer of
Health is required under Section 132 of the Factory and Workshops
Act, 1901, to include in his annual report details of the administration of
this Act in his district. The total number of factories, workshops, and
workplaces on the register at the end of the year was 283. The number
of inspections of these premises was 630, which compares with 677 in.
1928. Sanitary defects were found in 38 instances. The following
Table No. 20 is in the form requested by the Home Office in order to
ensure uniformity in the presentation of returns :—