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Another interesting case was the existence of rats in one of the public gardens
in the Borough. Upon tracing the run, a disused unsealed interceptor was found ;
the chamber had been filled loosely with large pieces of York stone, making it very
easy for rats to climb to the top of the manhole and escape above ground. This was
remedied by emptying the chamber and fixing a proper frame and cover. Another
hole was traced and revealed a disused, defective drain connected to the sewer. This
was sealed off and filled in. No further rat nuisance has occurred.
Investigations at a house in the Borough showed that it had two completely
separate drains, one running at the side and the other under the house. Rats were
escaping from the drains under the premises, and upon these being sealed and
filled in with lime, no further trouble has occurred.
Another case revealed the fact that two water closets discharged into a leadlined box approximately 18 ins. x 12 ins. x 18 ins , the untrapped outlet of which
was connected to the head of the house drain. Upon re-draining, the premises
became rat-free.
Four hospitals in the Borough were inspected quarterly for rodents, and any
necessary action taken by the appropriate Group Hospital Management Committee.
With the co-operation of the Superintendent of the Metropolitan Cattle
Market, the drains within the curtilage of the Market area were baited twice during
the year and found rat-free.
Four Workable Area Committee Meetings were attended by representatives
from this Department during the year.
Sewer Treatments.
Two routine sewer treatments were carried out during the year, in connection
with which the co-operation of the Borough Engineer and his staff was appreciated.

Water Supplies.
The Metropolitan Water Board continues to be the responsible authority for
the supply of water to this Borough. Two samples of water from the main supply
were taken for chemical and bacteriological examination, both of which were
reported to be satisfactory.
Public Health (London) Act, 1936—Section 95.
(1) Water supplies to tenement houses.
52 notices were served under this section requiring the provision of water
supplies to tenement houses.
59 water supplies were provided.
5 prosecutions were taken for failure to comply with statutory notices, details
of which are as follows: