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79
Miscellaneous.
were breeding there. There was no doubt that the crickets were
gaining access to some of the houses near the Destructor, and in
several houses large numbers of them were found.
I was fortunate in obtaining the advice and assistance of
Mr. Laing, from the Natural History Museum, South Kensington,
who met me at the Destructor. He stated that the offending
insect was Gryllus Domesticus, the common house Cricket, which
was undoubtedly breeding in the dump of clinker, and that several
similar cases had occurred throughout the country during the
last few years. Mr. Laing advised that the clinker be sprayed
with a 1 per cent. solution of Sodium Arsenite and this was done
on several occasions with good results. A large number of the
insects were killed but owing to the size of the dump it was not
possible to eradicate them all.
The treatment outlined above will be continued during the
early months of the current year as there is evidence that the
crickets are still present in the clinker.
Statement of Work done under the Rag Flock Act, 1911.
36 visits to workshops were made by the Inspector, and the
materials used for bedding and upholstery were examined.
23 samples of rag flock were procured and submitted for
analysis, one of which was reported against as not conforming
with the required standard of cleanliness.
Certificates have been issued in respect of the sterilisation
of materials used in the manufacture of rag flock for export.
Canal Boats Act.
The Sanitary Inspectors are still carrying out their duties
under the above Act.
Revenue Act.
No certificates were granted under the above Act during
the year.
Water Supply—Cutting-off Notices.
During the year, 97 notices with respect to 88 premises were
received from the Water Board, stating that the supply had been
withdrawn.