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PUBLIC HEALTH (MILK AND CREAM) REGULATIONS, 1912 AND 1917.
Milk.—Three hundred and thirty-two samples of milk were submitted to the Public
Analyst during the year. All were reported to be free from preservative.
Cream.—Eight samples of fresh cream and six samples of preserved cream were submitted
for analysis. Two samples of fresh cream contained 0 31 per cent. and 0 33 per cent. respectively
of boric acid. Both were supplied by the same vendor, to whom a cautionary letter
was sent. In no case did the amount of boric acid in the preserved cream exceed the percentage
disclosed on the declaratory label.
RATS AND MICE (DESTRUCTION) ACT, 1919.
Seventy-one (71) complaints were received.
In practically every case the usual procedure was followed of requesting an examination
by the Borough Engineer and Surveyor of the sewer connections of the infested house and
the two premises immediately adjacent. In several instances defects were found and these
received the requisite attention of either the owner or, where only a minor trouble, the Borough
Engineer and Surveyor.
Five (5) Notices were served on persons responsible under the Act in respect of rat-infested
premises.
Rat Week.—This was held from 31st October to 5th November inclusive. The usual
circular letter was sent out to principal wharfingers, railway companies, tradesmen, etc., and
an intensive campaign in sewers, etc., carried out by the Borough Engineer and Surveyor,
who caused 9,771 baits to be laid in 654 different positions, 214 rats eventually being found
dead. This number is of course only a small proportion of the number killed.
VERMINOUS CONDITIONS.
Cleansing of Verminous Persons.—Eleven (11) cases were referred by the department to
the Kensington Medicinal Baths for treatment under the scheme arranged with the Kensington
Borough Council.
Cleansing of Verminous Rooms.—Notices under section 10 of the London County Council
(General Powers) Act, 1922 were served with respect to 109 premises, the verminous rooms
numbering 142.
The owners of 51 premises accepted the Council's offer with regard to the spraying of
infested rooms with a special vermicidal solution, 71 rooms being so treated at a charge to the
owners of 7s. 6d. per room.