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limited, can readily be appreciated. Even in bad cases which have been
taken before the magistrate orders have not been made. When rooms
become vacant, however, which had previously been illegally occupied,
it is the practice to inform the owner in writing that such rooms must
not be relet so as again to constitute illegal occupation. It is clearly
pointed out that the sanitary authority after issuing this warning will,
if necessary, take legal proceedings to prevent a recurrence of the former
conditions. In 31 instances owners were so informed during 1927 and
in none of these cases has reoccupation of an illegal nature occurred.
Rat Repression.—Twenty-seven complaints of rats were received and
in each case an inspector investigated as to the cause of the complaint.
In 11 instances it was found that they had entered through faulty or
defective drains and sewers. Twenty-eight connections were examined by
the City Engineer's staff at the request of the Public Health Department.
During "Rat Week," beginning in November, a special circular .
dealing with the causes of rat invasion and the means of getting rid of
rats was distributed to householders and to business firms. During that
week 15,000 baits were laid in the Council's sewers.
Water Supply.—The Metropolitan Water Board sent seven notices
of withdrawal of water supply to premises. In six cases the reason for
the action of the Board was failure to pay water rate, and in the remaining
one defects in the water fittings, causing waste of water.

In 35 instances the plans related to houses wholly or partially being
converted into flats, and in 15 instances to premises in mews being
converted into dwellings of a superior class.