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23
National Rat Week.
In response to the request of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, "Rat
Week" was observed in the Borough in the week commencing 4th November,
1935.
The following is a summary of the action taken:—
(i) Posters, principally those prepared by the Minister of Agriculture, were
exhibited in suitable positions throughout the Borough.
(ii) Letters were addressed to local chemists and hardware dealers inviting
them to stock and advertise suitable baits and appliances for killing and
trapping rats and mice.
(iii) Preparatory visits prior to rat week were made by the District Sanitary
Inspectors to places known or suspected to be rat-infested, with a view
to advising and arranging for concerted action by the various owners in
infested blocks.
(iv) Pamphlets and leaflets were distributed giving suggestions for rat
destruction and the rat-proofing of premises.
(v) The baits in the Council's sewers were increased, 3,000 Ratin baits were
laid during Rat Week, followed by 3,000 Ratin baits during the period
25th-29th November.
The Borough Engineer reported that rat repression has considerably
improved in the Holborn sewers, and during the monthly inspection of the sewers
worked in it is unusual to see more than two or three rats at the most. Sewer
foremen and the gangers report that the poison used is proving very satisfactory.
Drainage Works.
Every house in the Borough is connected with the water carriage system for
the disposal of sewage. Work connected with new drainage, reconstruction of
old systems and alterations to existing drainage, is supervised by the Sanitary
Inspectors.
During the year 137 applications were received for the Council's approval to
proposed drainage and sanitary works. All the applications received were
approved, subject in some instances to amendments being made which were
necessary in order to secure compliance with the London County Council Drainage
By-laws.
Smoke Abatement.
The smoke shafts in the Borough were kept under frequent inspection, 82
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. Seven complaints were received of
nuisances from the emission of smoke. As the result of inspections made, five
intimation notices were served.
The use of unsatisfactory coal is the common cause of smoke nuisance,
such use arises when attempts are made to effect economy in running