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53
1937
or institution and his detention therein for a period not exceeding three months
and for such further period or periods, not exceeding three months in the case of
any one period, as may be determined by a further order made under this section.
During the year 16 cases were investigated by the Medical Officer of Health
under this section, 3 males and 13 females. Of these persons, two were admitted
to the Islington Institution on a Justice's order, 7 entered institutions without Court
proceedings, 1 removed to another address, and further action was not deemed to
be necessary; 6 cases after investigation were reported on as not coming within
the scope of section 224 of the Act.
RATS AND MICE (DESTRUCTION) ACT, 1919.
During Rat Week, double-crown posters issued by the Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries were exhibited on selected sites and boards in the Borough.
The Ministry of Agriculture leaflets No. 49, "Simple Suggestions—How to
Kill Rats"; Bulletin No. 30, and special leaflets issued by the Borough Council
were distributed from the Public Health Department, and rat baits were distributed
free to applicants.
The reports of the result of baits laid according to instructions given by the
Sanitary Inspectors appear to be both satisfactory and interesting. In one case
a large factory was infested and baits were supplied. It was later reported that
the poison appeared to have effected a considerable reduction in the number of rats,
but that it was not certain re-infestation would not recur because of the proximity
of the buildings to the Metropolitan Cattle Market. In six other instances private
houses were badly infested. The following is a short summary of the results attained
by laying baits:—
(a) Premises badly infested ; coal-cellars, etc., cemented, and baits used.
No sign of rats observed for ten weeks after action.
(b) Top floor room only infested. One dose of rat poison cleared the place.
No sign of rats for two months.
(c) Badly infested. Rat poison laid, floor of cellar concreted. No rats seen
for seven weeks.
(d) Badly infested. Coal cellar concreted, one set of baits cleared the rats.
The occupier of these premises is a fish merchant and often leaves fish
boxes at the house; these of course attract the rats, and this practice
has been discontinued. No rats seen for six weeks.
(e) Badly infested. Two doses of poison necessary. No rats seen for ten
weeks, but occupier states they had been heard up to two weeks ago.
Since then no sign of rats.
(f) Slightly infested. One set of baits cleared the premises of rats.
In all these cases the closing of rat-runs was effected and advice given in case
of re-appearance of the rodents.
During the year 1937 the number of complaints received was 228
Number of private houses visited under the Rats and Mice
(Destruction) Act 359
Number of shops and factories visited 63
Total premises inspected 422
Street work visits numbered 251
Number of premises proved to be rat infested 185
Number of premises in which infestation was due to mice 6
Number of notices served 134
Drain defects remedied as a result of complaint of rat trouble 28