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89
Nuisance from Pigeons.
London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1927.
During the year several requests were received for steps to be taken to reduce
the number of pigeons frequenting the precincts of buildings in the Borough.
The arrangements made in the previous year were continued under which two
members of the Health Department staff endeavour to trap the birds. Successful
operations were carried out by them on various occasions at five different sites
frequented by pigeons and, in all, 375 birds were caught. This number included
118 birds caught in Lincoln's Inn Fields. It must, however, be recorded, that on
many occasions in Lincoln's Inn Fields, even after several hours work, no birds
were caught. In open spaces such as this pigeon trappers are handicapped by
members of the public who regularly feed the birds and who endeavour to prevent
the effective use of the trapping nets. It is not desired to destroy all wild pigeons
in Central London, but it is desirable that the number should be kept within
reasonable limits.
Demolition of Old Buildings.
The London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1927, gave power to that
Council to make By-laws in relation to the demolition of old buildingB.
By-laws dealing with the subject were made by the London County Council in
July, 1929, and were approved by the Minister of Health on the 14th November,
1929. These By-laws are enforceable by the Metropolitan Borough Councils.
We are informed by the Borough Engineer's Department of licences issued
for the erection of hoardings for the purpose of the demolition of buildings, and
the sites are then visited by the Sanitary Inspectors concerned.
Propaganda.
Health propaganda work was continued during the year, and included the
following: —
A. Lectures arranged in co-operation with the British Social Hygiene
Council, namely:—
(i) "Answering Children's Questions." This lecture was given by Dr.
Naomi Dancy, and the Deputy Mayor (Alderman Albert A. Mussett) presided.
(ii) A lecture by Dr. I. Feldman on " The problems of the growing boy
and girl." The Worshipful the Mayor (Councillor Wilfred E. Mullen, J.P.)
presided at this lecture.