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20
As in previous years the baits in the Council's sewers were increased during
National Rat Week. From the 6th to 11th November, 1,500 baits of "Batin"
were prepared and laid in suitable places in the sewers and at side entrances to
the sewers and nearly all the baits were taken. It is unusual to find dead rats in
the sewers after they have taken the bait because if they die they are usually
washed away to the sewer outfall.
In addition, communications were sent to chemists and hardware dealers
asking them to stock and display suitable poisons and traps both before and during
Eat Week. To a limited extent the request was complied with, more especially
by hardware dealers.
Literature on rat proofing was distributed, including copies of the Ministry of
Agriculture Bulletin No. 30.
The results obtained from the special work in Eat Week are included in the
summary table on page 19.
Smoke Abatement.
The smoke shafts in the Borough were kept under frequent inspection, 186
observations being recorded. A number of these were made in the early morning
when smoke pollution is more prevalent and frequently the observations extended
for periods of not less than one hour. Ten complaints were received of nuisances
from the emission of smoke. As the result of inspections made eight intimation
notices were served.
The use of unsatisfactory coal is the common cause of smoke nuisance in the
Borough; such use arises when attempts arc made to effect economy in running
plant. Usually a visit by the Inspector or a letter from the Medical Officer of
Health secures immediate abatement of the nuisance.
In accordance with its powers under the Public Health (Smoke Abatement)
Act, 1926, the Council made a small contribution towards the cost of the work
for smoke abatement carried on by the National Smoke Abatement Society.
Inspection of Workshops, etc.
The routine inspection of factories, workshops and workplaces has been carried
out during the year. 533 factories were inspected, 614 workshops and 3,376
workplaces.
It is found that changes frequently occur in the occupation of workshops. To
obtain information of such changes and further details of industrial conditions in the
Borough a large number of visits and inspections were made in addition to the routine
inspections mentioned above. As the result of these visits 61 premises no longer used
for the purpose for which they had been registered were removed from the register of
workshops. In some cases, owing to the introduction of machinery, former"workshops"
had become "factories" and the necessary transfer to the factory register was effected.
Variations in the staff employed were also frequently reported. During the year 45
workshops were added to the register.