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THE HEALTH OF BARKING
the byelaw. Such an emission has demoralising effects on the residents in the area
and is a constant source of irritation.
Owing to the development of the river frontage for timber storage and
processing, the use of wood waste as a fuel for steam generation is a common
practice. Unless the furnaces are specially designed and the operatives skilled,
the burning of this waste can cause serious nuisance.
Complaints were received in respect of a furnace consuming wood waste and,
although the Ministry of Fuel and Power were called in, the operation continued
to offend. There is a conflict of opinion between the Management of the firm in
question and the Ministry of Fuel and Power, in that the Ministry charge the
Management with neglect of furnace operation and the Management contend that
the supply of graded fuel is necessary for furnace improvement. In such case the
solution appears to require a Court of Summary Jurisdiction to arbitrate. It is
necessary, however, to realise that to remedy any smoke nuisance a factory occupier
is faced with many practical difficulties outside his control. It is fitting, therefore,
that a local authority should assist wherever possible when the offender is willing
to be helped—this I know is your wish.
RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION ACT, 1919, AND INFESTATION
ORDER, 1943.
The disinfestation of sewers throughout the known infested area of the
Borough was carried out in the months of June and December.
The treatments were in progress over a period of six days and the results
showed cause for satisfaction.
In connection with the general surface infestation, you appointed two operatives
and two investigators for a period of nine months for the purpose of carrying out a
survey and disinfestation of the scheduled area, including private dwellings,
factories, business premises, refuse tips and open spaces.
The Borough was divided into seven areas with sub-sections and the whole
of the Borough was systematically surveyed by the investigators who preceded the
operatives and advised them of their findings. The following is a summary ot
the investigations and treatments which took place during the period 1st January
to the 30th September:—
Suspected Premises Surveyed 6,841
Premises Infested 1,115
Premises Treated 1,115
Bodies Found 446
Estimated Kill 4,048
I must express my appreciation of the cordial co-operation of the managements
of the many factories and business premises in the town, which added considerably
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