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58
doubtful if at the end of the year the great underground supplies had
recovered their normal level.
Rat Repression.—The campaign against rats was continued throughout
the year; 31 specific complaints were investigated and steps taken to
destroy the vermin and to remove the source from which they came.
In the majority of instances the invasion of houses was due to defects
in the drains or sewers, in others the rats were brought from the docks
in packages of fruit and vegetables.
During the twelve months 294 dead eyes in the sewers were bricked
off at a cost of £200. In addition, 79 defective house drain connections
were renewed. It is important in pulling down premises that old drains
should be taken up or properly filled in.
In the week commencing 1st November a united attack was again
made throughout the country.
During the week 16,080 baits were laid in 262 of the Council's sewers
and at the four wharves used as dust shoots. All of the baits were taken,
but the actual number of dead rats seen was only 93. Probably the
dead bodies were carried away in the sewers.
Smoke Prevention.

There was considerable improvement in nuisances from smoke, but
we are reminded every winter by the occurrence of fogs that there is
room for still further improvement if London is to be protected from
the evil effects of the pollution of the atmosphere by smoke. If the
public generally appreciated that it is a direct cause of illness and death,
that it lowers industrial output besides throwing an additional charge
for artificial illumination and that it could be prevented, steps would be
taken to have the law made more stringent.
In many of the new buildings being erected in Regent Street and elsewhere
the ordinary fire-place is being replaced by central heating in accordance
with the recommendations of a recent Commission.