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it was decided that Warfarin might be used in the sewers. Eight
ounce baits containing Warfarin placed in polythene bags, were
suspended from the manhole step-irons by string. The advantages
of such a system are that in the event of sewer surcharge the
baits are not washed away and a more accurate assessment of
poison "takes" can readily be recorded. The results were
disappointing as will be appreciated from the following record:-
Number of manholes baited 750
Manholes showing partial take 35
Manholes showing complete take NIL
A neighbouring authority was most successful with this
method of treatment and it is odd that for no apparent reason it
should fail. in Hampstead. In some instances it was recorded that
the string used to suspend the polythene bag containing the bait
was gnawed through and the bag thus deposited on the manhole
benching was subsequently untouched.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
Smoke Control Areas
The Smoke Control Order affecting the Vale of Health
came into operation on 1st September, 1959 and the No.2 Order
relating to the South East corner of the Borough became effective
on 1st November, 1959.
These two areas jointly comprise an area of 115 acres
and some 820 private dwellings and observations have shown that
the Orders have been very effective and that smoke from private
dwellings within the areas has been almost completely eliminated.
Just before and after the Orders came into effect a
number of enquiries were made by householders concerning stocks
of bituminous coal which they still held. It seems possible that
the general publicity on the progress of the Orders and the
effective date was not entirely adequate and some householders
ordered and received coal at the reduced summer price, whilst in
other cases the unusually mild winter of 1958-59 resulted in fuel
remaining unused. These residents were advised how to burn the
coal together with smokeless fuels so as to avoid smoke or reduce
it to a minimum and they have cooperated very well In surmounting
this difficulty.
The number of fireplaces known to have been adapted or
replaced is much less than was anticipated. This may be due in