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78
The staff of the Works Department have, in addition to laying baits
in the sewers throughout the year, treated one section of sewer with antirat
gas.
During "Rat Week" in November, efforts in connection with rat
destruction were intensified; circulars of advice on methods of rat
destruction were distributed to householders and others while posters
issued by the Ministry of Agriculture were displayed on buildings in
various parts of the City. A total of 14,450 baits were laid in the sewers
and 565 at the council's depots and other places where rats were likely
to be found. The number of dead rats discovered was small, but most
of the baits were reported to have been taken.
At the request of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, a special
investigation was made as to the prevalence of the black rat in the City.
This rat is the plague-carrying member of the rat family. The Sanitary
Inspectors made enquiries at some 1,469 premises, at 42 of which rats were
reported to have been found, but evidence as regards the black rat proved
entirely negative.
Nuisance from Pigeons.—The member of the disinfecting staff whose
duties are concerned largely with rat disinfestation and investigation of
complaints of nuisances caused by pigeons, visited some 20 premises on
complaint and advised owners or occupiers as to what measures were
necessary to prevent pigeons roosting or nesting on or about their property.
On two other occasions a firm of contractors were authorized by the
Council to undertake capture on a large scale and were successful in
taking some 400 pigeons.
London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1928, Sec. 28—
Removal of Infirm and Diseased Person to Suitable Institution.
One case was reported to the Public Health Committee with a view
to proceedings being taken under the Act. The person concerned was
a woman of 84 years living in a flat in a block of industrial dwellings.
She was in an enfeebled state and incapable of devoting to herself proper
care and attention. Her room was in a very dirty and verminous state.
Efforts to persuade her to enter an institution were unsuccessful. Notice
was served upon her in respect of the condition of her room, but before
further action could be taken she vacated the premises for an address
unknown.