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62
at each weekly collection a small quantity of "Gammaexane"
power was introduced to each refuse bin by means of sprinkler-top
tins. In addition, the collecting vans were sprayed with D.D.T. in
kerosene and dust chutes in the numerous blocks of flats all received
fortnightly treatment, this latter work being carried out as soon as
possible after dust collection.
Static water sites, ponds, ditches, etc. were sprayed with
D.D.T. and in certain instances "Gammexane" powder was
employed. Much ingenuity is necessary for the purpose of overcoming
the difficulties encountered at many of the places not easily
accessible for treatment.
Food shops and cafes are difficult subjects to deal with in this
respect and great care has to be exercised in the use of D.D.T. and
"Gammexane," but these premises generally were treated with
good results.
Offensive deposits, such as old mattresses, dead animals,
food debris, etc., on vacant and bombed sites are a constant source
of nuisance : in these cases combustible materials are burned on
the site or collected and destroyed centrally and the site is then
sprayed in the usual way.
Disinfestation of Verminous Premises.—D.D.T. in kerosene
continues to prove the most effective vermicidal agent in
dealing with verminous houses.
During the year the Sanitary Inspectors dealt with 176 cases
of dirty and verminous houses compared with 149 for 1951. The
Disinfestation staff sprayed 398 rooms and contents as compared
with 399 last year.
In 30 cases the bedding and effects were removed to the
Council's Disinfecting Station for steam disinfection.
Other pests, such as cockroaches, ants, moths, and wasps were
again troublesome this year and 234 houses comprising 015 rooms
were treated effectively with D.D.T.
Public Baths and Washhouses.—Greenwich is in the happy
position of having a modern establishment for its Public Baths and
Washhouses, situated in Trafalgar Read, and covering an area of
1¼ acres. Originally there were 3 large swimming baths, 74 ladies
and gent's slipper baths, medicated vapour and foam baths,
washhouses and laundry, etc.
During the war the Ladies 2nd Class Swimming Bath was
demolished by enemy action and it has been decided that when