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the London Electric Railway Company, the City and South London Railway Company
and the Central London Railway Company, reporting- on the results achieved
in this connection. This clearly indicates that by the use of every known method
of rat destruction, including traps, poisons and gas, the numbers have been
reduced to negligible proportions, only some sixty rats having been caught over
the whole system. This improved condition is confirmed by Inspector Draper so
far as St. Marylebone is concerned.
Equally satisfactory returns were received from the power stations, railwav
stations (above ground), siding's, warehouses, and in respect of the various open
spaces in the Borough. In addition, co-operation with neighbouring boroughs in
connection with increased baiting of the sewers was again secured during Rat
Week.
Special posters were displayed and leaflets distributed throughout the
Borough, and prominence was given to the subject in the daily and local press.
Circulars were also sent to occupiers of food premises, to property owners and
agents, and to the large business houses and institutions in the Borough drawing
attention to the duties imposed by statue in connection with rat destruction and, at
the same time, offering to assist them in every way possible with technical advice
as to the best means to be adopted in any particular circumstances for ridding
property of the pests."
Pigeons.—Considerable effort was made during the year to cope with the
nuisance caused by these birds, of which frequent complaints were received from
various sources from time to time. Taking advantage of the powers granted by
Sec. 52 of the L.C.C. (General Powers) Act, 1927, the Council after much discussion
and trouble entered into an agreement with Mr. T. Anthony, of 33, Lascotts
Road, Wood Green, who specialises in work of this kind. Partly as a result of
his endeavours and those of Inspector Draper, who in addition to acting as Rat
Officer undertook this work, as well by means of netting and other measures, a
certain amount of reduction in the numbers of the birds in the neighbourhood of
the Parish Church and the Town Hall particularly was brought about. The
amount expended upon the work done, which included the fixing of spikes in
certain positions on the eastern flank of the Town Hall was £27 7s. lOd.
Fouling of Footways by Dogs.
In enforcing the provisions of the bye-law relating to this matter great
assistance was obtained from the police. There were two prosecutions during the
year on reports from police officers, the defendants being fined 10/- and 5/respectively.
Though complaints of nuisance from this cause still continue to be made, it
would appear to be justifiable to claim that as a result of the operation of the byelaws
there has been a certain amount of improvement. In this connection it is
probable that some effect has been produced by the posters in use in the Borough.
These in addition to drawing attention to the existence of the bye-law indicate
the need for the co-operation of the public with the Council in order to secure the
abolition of the nuisance.
FOULING OF FOOTWAYS BY DOGS.
Nuisance and danger to health are caused by the excreta of
dogs. In order to protect the public the Borough Council have made
the following Bye-law:—
No person being in charge of a dog in any street or public
place and having the dog on a lead shall allow or permit such
dog to deposit its excrement upon the public footway.
PENALTY:—Forty Shillings for each offence.
In the general interest YOU are asked to assist in securing
enforcement of the Bye-law.