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11
For four months out of the year the Department was without the
services of one of the Sanitary Inspectors.
The abnormally dry summer assisted in keeping down the number of
complaints which are normally received on account of defective roofs,
gutters etc., although when the drought came to an end in October nearly
200 complaints regarding defective roofs were received and the necessary
notices were served within 2 days.
Details of inspections and of sanitary improvements effected will be
found in the Appendix, Tables II and III.
Smoke Abatement
The problem of nuisance from the emission of smoke, grit etc., is one
which is constantly before the staff.
In one case the industrial process is one which is specifically excluded
from the bye-laws. Visits and consultation with the management of the
factory have produced some improvement but a nuisance does still
occasionally exist from time to time.
Offensive Trades
There are two premises in the Borough where offensive trades are carried
on. At one factory structural alterations were carried out under the
supervision of the Sanitary Inspector and considerable improvement
resulted. No notices were necessary in this connection.
Rodent Control
One Rodent Supervisor and one Operator were employed throughout
the year. The number of complaints received was 455. The number of
investigations made was 1,248 and the number of operations carried out
was 549, of which 29 were at business premises.
A high proportion of the business premises in the borough have their
own contracts with private firms for the extermination of rats and mice
and this accounts for the small number of business premises visited.
In addition, the sewers throughout the borough are baited and treated
every six months. This treatment is carried out in co-operation with
adjoining boroughs so as to obtain the maximum effect.
Disinfection and Cleansing
The use of the disinfector at the South-Eastern Fever Hospital (now
re-named the New Cross General Hospital) was continued as a temporary
measure throughout the year, the Bathing Station also occupying part of
the hospital premises. Neither of these are entirely satisfactory. It is
also anticipated that the Regional Hospital Board will require the premises
to be vacated in the near future but difficulties have previously arisen in
the selection of a site for new premises. The bathing station and disinfector
destroyed by enemy action were situated in Watson Street and this site