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Engineering, Medical Colleges, City and Guilds of London Institution,
Imperial Institute and Colleges of Music, Estate Management, Science
and Technology, Needlework, &c.
Most of them are old-established and well-managed institutions of
great traditions and renown, and the sanitary arrangements generally are
of the best class.
Of the 47 referred to in the report of 1928 some 29 are elementary
or continuation schools either wholly or partly under the control of the
London County Council, and though some are old buildings the sanitary
arrangements are quite satisfactory.
Improvements or alterations in the sanitary arrangements have been
carried out during the past year at 9 schools.
Rat Repression.—Forty-seven complaints of rats were received and in
each case an inspector investigated as to the cause of the complaint.
In a number of instances it was found that rats had entered through faulty
or defective drains and sewers. Thirty outlets to sewers were examined by
the City Engineer's staff at the request of the Public Health Department.
Special measures were taken to deal with two areas in Kensington
Place and Douglas Place. The clearance of old properties in the neighbourhood
had disturbed the burrows and in consequence rats became
a nuisance and almost a menace to the residents of those areas. A rat
catcher was engaged by the City Council, and by using dogs, ferrets,
poisoned baits and gas, he succeeded in clearing the premises. 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, large
additions were made to the baits usually laid in the Council's sewers and
at the Council's depots. The clearance of rat-infested areas is being
realised as a measure of great importance to the public health, and the
City Council has voted a sum for increased expenditure towards this
purpose.
Nuisance from Pigeons.—Section 52 (1) of the London County Council
(General Powers) Act, 1927. The administration of this section is a duty
of the City Council and details of the arrangements made were given in
the Report of 1928.
Nine complaints were received and trapping took place in three
different areas. The same difficulties were experienced as last year
owing to the partisan feelings of the community. Some are pro-pigeons,
while others are anti-pigeons. It is also extremely difficult to deal with
the nuisance affecting ledges and cornices of high buildings. If wiring