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49
The Establishment Laundry is well equipped with up-to-date
washing machines, hydro extractors, mangle and drying horses. It
is in this laundry that the washing, disinfecting, sterilising and
drying of all the towels, garments, etc. used in the Baths, Conveniences
and Clinics takes place.
In winter the first class bath is covered over and used as a hall
for dancing, boxing and public meetings. The remaining two baths
are kept open all the year round for swimming, mixed bathing
being available every day."
The following table shows briefly the condition of the water
at stated times. It will be noted that out of 18 tests, only in one
instance was an adverse report received. An investigation showed
that during the three hours prior to the test being taken (Monday,
10th May, 1937), the Bath was used by 173 adults and children.
This also followed heavy week-end bathing. The chlorine content
was subsequently slightly increased.
Rat Infestation.—Investigations in regard to premises, etc.,
alleged to be infested with rats or mice were carried out in 239
cases of which 54 were abated. Particular attention is given by
the Inspectors to enforcing the law as regards sealing off of disused
drains thus preventing the ingress of rats.
As usual special measures adopted during Rat Week were put
into operation in conjunction with the Borough Engineer's Department.
Public Sanitary Conveniences.—There are 9 Public Conveniences
provided by the Council, in addition to 6 urinals, 5 Horse
Troughs and 8 Drinking Fountains, which are cleansed daily by
Attendants belonging to the Public Health Department.
Water Supply.—This is derived from the Metropolitan Water
Board, which is a statutory undertaking, and the responsibility
for the purity of the water supply rests with the Board. The
majority of premises in the Borough have at least one supply
direct from the main for drinking purposes. There are, however,
some properties which derive their drinking supply from a cistern.
In this connection a complaint was received from a householder
regarding the peculiar taste and appearance of the drinking water
supply. On investigation of this complaint a dead pigeon was
discovered in the cistern supplying the premises. Fortunately no
ill effects could be attributed to this happening but this has shown
the necessity of having a supply for domestic purposes direct from
the main, and attention is now being directed to tenement houses
and houses let in lodgings. Wherever possible an effort is made
to bring the water supply up to modern standards.
It is interesting to note that in the 31st Annual Report of the
Metropolitan Water Board recently issued, only 199 complaints