View report page

THE HEALTH OF BARKING
It is a curious thing that, whereas this generation is definitely conscious, so far
as hygiene of sanitary fittings is concerned, they have not yet appreciated the need
there is to concentrate on the hygiene of the dustbin, and, personally, I would not
recommend any temporary expedient which might mitigate against the development
of this consciousness.
If people have dirty dustbins then, of course, the use of D.D.T. to prevent fly
nuisance could be entertained. At the same time, D.D.T. will only mitigate the
fly menace so long as the dustbin is empty, and I know of no research which has
been carried out which will enable me to say that D.D.T. at the bottom of a dustbin
would be of any use when it was half full, and, so far as I know, even a quarter full.
It is still true that" by fire all things are purified " and so far as may be practicable,
people should be encouraged to destroy by fire so much as they possibly can.
REFUSE DISPOSAL.
For some years it had been the practice for the whole of the refuse of Barking
to be taken to the destructor works of our neighbours, the County Borough of
East Ham. This was no longer possible and arrangements were made for the
refuse to be deposited on land remote from occupied dwellings. The controlled
tipping carried out by the Corporation has proceeded without nuisance and has
made possible further improvements of the low-lying land adjoining the River
Roding. A further area of land in the vicinity of the present tip at Jenkins Lane is
anticipated to be available for the use of the Corporation.
The provisions of the Essex County Council Act, 1933, with regard to tips,
are in operation.
ERADICATION OF BED BUGS.
It is pleasing to report that the calls upon the Corporation's service for
assistance in the removal of bed bugs is not frequent.
It was brought to our notice that in two instances bugs had been introduced into
newly erected bungalows as the result of the purchase by the occupiers of secondhand
furniture. The public, unfortunately, are faced with a shortage of new
furniture and in desperate need they take risks of vermin infestation. We believe
that the Corporation's assistance in the past and the wide knowledge the people of
the Borough have of the services available result in most of the cases of infestation
being brought to the notice of the Department.
RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION ACT, 1919.
The national rodent destruction campaign had its inception during the year at
'he instance of the Ministry of Food. In this connection, the Minister called for
the co-operation of all local authorities throughout the Country in a well planned
Page 41