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45
It is interesting to note that 68 infestations were traced to defective house drains
and 10 infestations to unsealed disused drains.
The bringing of an infestation to a satisfactory conclusion often presents considerable
difficulty. The Inspectors and the Rodent Control Staff are trained in
modern methods of tracing and ridding premises of rodents. The presence of disused
and obsolete drains cause considerable difficulty and result in much time being spent
in order to find the source of infestation. At one particular address what appeared
to be a Mason's dipstone trap was exposed and upon this being removed and the
drain repaired, no further trouble has been experienced. In two other cases large
rat holes appeared in the lawns of housing estates. After smoke testing two unsealed
disused drains were found to be connected to the sewer. Upon these being sealed
off, the infestation ceased.
The Public Health Inspector and the Rodent Officer carried out the usual
quarterly inspection of four hospitals in the borough and the Hospital Management
Committee was informed of any matter requiring attention. One of these hosiptals,
however, closed during the year under review.
Representatives of the Department attended three meetings of the Workable
Area Committee.
The Council, having given the Rodent Officer facilities to attend a three year
course, this Officer passed the final examination of the City and Guilds of London
Institute in Pest Control this year.
The Co-operation of the Borough Engineer, who has made available the services
of his sewer, highways and drainage staff on numerous occasions is appreciated.
(b) Prosecutions.

(c) Sewer Treatments.

Water Supplies.
(a) The Metropolitan Water Board continues to be the responsible authority
for the supply of water to this Borough. Two chemical and three bacteriological
samples of drinking water taken by the Public Health Inspectors were found to be
satisfactory.