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75
During the year 20 complaints regarding flies and mosquitoes
were received and a further 57 instances were revealed during
survey. One persistent source of complaint arose last year from
the S.E.G.B.'s allotment area where, during the summer period,
the Bendix outfall left pockets of stagnant water on the low—lying
land which gave rise to conditions ideally suited for the breeding
of mosquitoes. Effective control was then obtained with antimalarial
capsules and, as a consequence, complaints from this
source were greatly reduced.
The treatment of house refuse in the dustbins was carried out
by arrangement with the Borough Engineer, a small quantity of
' Gammexane' powder being sprinkled into the dustbins at each
weekly collection. Dust chutes in the numerous blocks of flats
received regular treatment with ' Gammexane' powder by anti—fly
personnel, as soon as possible after dust collection and 2,812 treatments
were so carried out.
Static water sites, ditches, etc., were sprayed with either D.D.T.
in Kerosene or Malariol, and in certain instances dusted with
' Gammexane' powder.
Vacant and bombed sites are regularly inspected for offensive
deposits in the nature of dead animals and food waste. It is found
that these items are generally placed away from the public view
and can become a potent source of fly breeding if not detected.
Other deposits include mattresses, discarded clothing and sundry
items of furniture, etc, surreptitiously dumped on vacant spaces
because the public, in the main, are unaware that this authority will,
upon request, collect and destroy such articles.
Deposits which by reason of organic substance allow fly
breeding are sprayed and removed for destruction centrally and the
immediate area sprayed and subjected to follow up inspection.
Other items are either treated and disposed of centrally, or burned
on the spot. In this connection 32 external areas were treated.
There is no doubt that since the introduction of the anti—fly
scheme, control of fly and mosquito breeding has been effectively
maintained and succeeding years have shown a progressive reduction
in the number of complaints notified to this department.
Public Baths and Washhouses.—Greenwich is in the happy
position of having a modern establishment for its Public Baths and
Washhouses, situated in Trafalgar Road, and covering an area of
1£ acres. Originally there were 3 large swimming baths, 74 ladies