London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Kensington 1953
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington Borough]
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On two occasions all the sewers in the borough were
dealt with by poison bait, and it was estimated that in the
first treatment 5,458 rats were destroyed; and in the second
4,312 rats were killed.
Sewer baiting was carried out in co-operation with
contiguous Local Authorities.
The rodent staff deal with infestations from pests other than rats and mice, and the following is a summary of all action taken during the year
| Complaints investigated | 1,140 |
| Premises inspected following complaints | 1,397 |
| Premises where rats were found | 360 |
| Premises where mice were found | 641 |
| Premises where other vermin were found | 126 |
| Premises where no infestation existed | 270 |
| Number of visits made | 8,121 |
| Number of notices served | 55 |
| Premises successfully treated | 1,087 |
| Cases in which advice only was given | 57 |
| Borough Council properties dealt with | 80 |
Public Mortuary
The number of bodies taken to the mortuary during the
year was 486. Inquests were held in 79 cases.
Destruction of Pigeons
In order to deal with the nuisance and damage occasioned
by the activities of wild pigeons, the Council have for many
years authorised a pigeon-catcher to catch pigeons on the
highway. He is provided, when necessary, with suitable
pigeon food for bait. Four complaints of nuisance caused by
pigeons were passed to him for investigation during the year.
Atmospheric Pollution
During 1953, the Council approved the establishment of
two atmospheric pollution measuring stations, one at St.
Joseph's Convent, Portobello Road, and the other on the roof
of Messrs. John Barker & Co. Furniture Depository in Pembroke
Road. The apparatus at each station consists of a standard
deposit gauge for collecting soluble and insoluble deposits,
and a lead peroxide apparatus by means of which the sulphur
content in the air can be estimated. Similar action is being
taken in other Metropolitan Boroughs and, indeed, throughout
the country, and the results obtained form part of an
investigation into the problem of atmospheric pollution, now
being undertaken by the Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research.
The examinations have been carried out by the Council's
Public Analyst, with the following results:-