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31
In his report on rodent control work during 1953, Mr. Walker,
the senior sanitary inspector, states :—
"The rodent control staff dealt with about the same number of
infestations as last year, and again no rat infestations of a major
character were encountered. An increasing number of requests for
assistance in exterminating mice have been received. The method
used for heavy infestations is poison bait, and, in less serious cases,
traps are also used or lent, and advice given as to their use.
"The methods and poisons used in baiting both for rats and
mice are those advised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
In the use of Warfarin the Ministry have suggested an increase in the
proportion of master mix to the oatmeal or other base used and the
results have been most encouraging. In the case of rats, the
infestations have been cleared up in a much shorter period, and for
mice far greater success than before has been achieved.
"The usual inspections and treatment of the rivers in the
borough were carried out, and fewer infestations were discovered
than in the previous year. Sewer treatments were carried out on
two occasions. As yet there seems to be no definite evidence that
this work affects the incidence of above-ground infestations."
Swimming baths
The following is a summary of samples taken by the health
department staff for submission to the public analyst for examination
of chlorine content and to the Southern Group Laboratory for
bacteriological examination:—
Chlorine Bacteriological
content examination
Bellingham 2 -
Downham 6 -
Ladywell — first class 5 -
— second class 9 -
Forest Hill — first class 1 -
— second class 1 -
Private baths 1 2
A detailed report on the use of breakpoint chlorination, which is
the method employed at the baths, was included in my annual report
for 1950.
Old people
The Council continued to make grants to organisations in the
borough which are carrying out work for old people, whether by recreational
facilities or by the provision of meals. A sum of £2,100 was
included in the annual estimates for the year 1953-54 for such