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cases investigated the infestation was directly attributable to defects in the
drainage system, and the nuisance disappeared when repair or reconstruction was
carried out. In every instance all advice and assistance was given to the owner or
occupier by Inspector Willis, who acted as Rat Officer, and secured excellent results
from the methods advocated.
The following report submitted to the Public Health Committee on the 1933
Rat Week held in the Borough contains a certain amount of information that may
be found interesting.
"National Rat Week (the fifteenth of the series) was, at the suggestion of
the Ministry of Agriculture, held in the Borough during the week commencing
Monday, November 6th, 1933, the Ministry once more urging upon all local
authorities responsible for the execution and enforcement of the Rats and Mice
(Destruction) Act, 1919, the desirability of making a special effort during that week
to secure concerted action with a view to the destruction of rats and mice.
Arrangements similar to those of previous years were made with the object
of bringing to the notice of the inhabitants the importance of the matter and the
fact that rats and mice are responsible for an immense loss to the country each
year both directly, in the destruction of foodstuffs and other materials, and
indirectly as the agents and carriers of disease germs.
Suitable posters were displayed and leaflets distributed throughout the district,
and reference was also made to the subject in the columns of the daily and local
press. In addition, circulars were again sent to owners and occupiers of food
premises of all kinds; to property agents, and to the large business houses and
institutions in St. Marylebone, drawing attention to the provisions of the Rats and
Mice (Destruction) Act, and indicating methods to be adopted in complying with
the requirements. On this occasion also, the opportunity was taken of sending
with the circular a copy of a new leaflet on the destruction of rats and mice, issued
by the Ministry of Agriculture; and in each case an offer was made to arrange for
the Inspector who has the matter specially in hand to call and give all possible
advice and assistance on the question.
The authorities concerned with the various tube and railway stations, sidings,
warehouses, etc., power stations and open spaces in the Borough all made a
prompt response to the appeal to increase activities in the way of rat destructive
measures, and co-operated with the Department by arranging joint inspections by
their representatives and the Council's Inspector, and in other ways.
The sewers, as usual, received additional attention, the baits normally laid
down being greatly increased in number during the period, and neighbouring
Boroughs also co-operated in this connection.
No serious instance of rat infestation was met with during the course of the
work, and it is gratifying to be able to record that, mainly as a result of the
propaganda carried on by the Council, not only during Rat Week but continuously
throughout the year, the public generally show an active interest in dealing' with
this important health and economic problem."
Pigeons.
In relation to the nuisance caused by these birds, the Borough Council was not
given what may be called an official position until after the coming into operation of
Sec. 52 of the L.C.C. (General Powers) Act, 1927. In this section the Council
was empowered to seize and destroy, sell, or otherwise dispose of, or cause to be
seized, etc., house doves or pigeons in excessive numbers, if they believe them to be
without an owner. Seven complaints were made in 1933 as against ten in 1932,
relating to business premises (in one case), public buildings(three), and private
dwellings (three). As in other years, as much assistance as possible was given by
the inspector (Mr. Willis) in charge of this work to reduce the nuisance.
Fouling of Footways by Dogs.
In enforcing the provisions of the bye-law with regard to this matter, great
assistance was obtained from the police, 10 prosecutions undertaken being on the
reports of police officers. In all cases the defendant pleaded guilty, and the fines
amounted to £2 5s. Od. In three cases service of the summons was not made.
Including these cases the total number of prosecutions since the bye-law came into
operation in 1928, is 28, the amount of fines imposed being £13 0s. 0d.