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An account of the methods adopted by the rat officer appears in the report for 1923.
During the National Rat Week Campaign, held in November, the following special measures
were adopted.
Sewers.
The Borough Engineer placed 14 flushers at the disposal of the Public Health Department, and
these assisted by laying bait (equivalent to 30,000 barium baits) in the entrances to sewers. In North
Kensington, 108 entrances were baited daily, and in the southern half of the borough, 119 entrances.
The baits disappeared in the majority of cases between the daily visits of the flushers.
Wood Lane.
The rubbish tips were given special attention and bait (equivalent to 12,000 barium baits) was
laid in the metal and other dumps. Wire cage traps were also set and baited daily, with the result that
about 20 rats were destroyed. Others were found dead along the railway banks adjoining the depot.
Railways.
The railway companies whose lines run through the borough are always pleased to co-operate
during Rat Week, and special efforts are made by them to carry out an intensive campaign. During
the week, the Great Western Rilway heavily baited their lines between Westbourne Park Station and
Kensal Wharf. (The line runs at the rear of Southam Street, Wornington Road, the Gas Works in Barlby
Road, Ladbroke Grove Bridge, Tavistock Hay Bank, St. Ervans Road and Acklam Road.) All huts,
banks and dumps along the line were dealt with. The Uxbridge Road Depot and the Kensington Coal
Yard in Warwick Road were also baited.
Sidings in Warwick Road.
The coal depots of the Great Western Railway and the London, Midland and Scottish Railway and
other firms were inspected, and were reported free from rats. The London, Midland and Scottish Railway
Company baited their premises, but no baits disappeared. About 20 cats are kept on the site and
apparently keep the sidings free from rodents.
Canal and River Wharves.
The Council's wharf at Lots Road, Chelsea, was inspected, but no evidence of rats was found. The
jetty has recently been repaired with wood and granite chippings, and no rats were seen by the workmen.
The depot at Kensal Road was also inspected, and here again no evidence of rats was found.
The dogs on the barges apparently help to keep the premises free from rats.
Private Premises.
The number of private houses and business premises visited during the week was 77, and 18 rats
were killed therein on ratlime and by breakback traps.
Handbills.
Handbills were printed and distributed to the public at the public libraries, infant welfare centres,
London County Council Schools, etc., during Rat Week.
Cinema Theatres.
Lantern slides calling the attention of the public to Rat Week were shown at the Imperial Playhouse,
Portobello Road, and at the Bolton Cinema, Drayton Gardens.
Press.
An advertisement was inserted in the local press to attract the attention of the public to Rat Week.