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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 l+,1l+2 rats were destroyed; and in the second
I|.,667 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 1,122
Premises inspected following complaints 1,236
Premises where rats were found 370
Premises where mice were found 625
Premises where other vermin were found 127
Premises where no infestation existed 111+
Number of visits made 8,111+
Number of notices served 1+0
Premises successfully treated 1,099
Cases in which advice only was given 71+
Borough Council properties dealt with' 81
Public Mortuary
The number of bodies taken to the mortuary during the
year was 1+97- The number of post-mortem examinations was
1+21+ and inquests were held in 80 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. Pour complaints of nuisance caused
by pigeons were passed to him for investigation during the
year. Approximately 700 pigeons were destroyed.
Atmospheric Pollution
The Council have established 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 has been 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 carried out in 1951+ by the Council's
Public Analyst, show the following results