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THE HEALTH OF BARKING
to the success of the operation. It was found that the Rodent Service scheme which
the Council inaugurated for the assistance of occupiers of industrial and commercial
premises was welcomed. The charge made by the Corporation for this Service
was at the rate of 3s. 3d. per man-hour.
During the year the Infestation Control Division of the Ministry of Food
was transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
SWIMMING BATHS AND POOLS.
The facilities in the district for swimming are inadequate and the Council
looks forward to the early consideration of the model bathing station for which
plans were completed before the outbreak of war.
Open Air Pool. The Report of the Baths Superintendent for the Season 1947
in relation to the swimming pool at Longbridge Road shows that over 109,000
bathers attended—this represents an increase of 44,000 over the previous year's
total. In addition to these bathers, no less than 17,000 people were present as
spectators and therefore benefited by exposure to the sunshine. The peak day was
the 1st June when 4,846 bathers were recorded.
The capacity of the bath is 500,000 gallons and the total water used during
the season was 4,547,600 gallons. Thirteen examinations were made of the water
in the bath and reported upon by the public analyst as being satisfactory.
In connection with school classes, 10,104 children attended and of these 726
qualified for swimming certificates during the year.
It is indicative of the times in which we live that although the cafe facilities are
not those of the most modern establishment, no less than 21,000 meals were served.
Owing to the infantile paralysis outbreak, it was considered desirable to cancel
competitive events and accordingly all school galas ceased. Children were, however,
allowed to continue their swimming lessons with the results mentioned.
Swimming Bath, South-East Essex County Technical College. This bath
continued in use throughout the year and a constant check is made by sampling.
The results showed that at no time was the water unfit for bathing.
East Street Swimming Bath. The covered swimming bath was open during
the summer months and during this period was attended by 52,334 bathers.
The operation of this bath is associated with the slipper baths which were used by
50,000 persons. This bathing establishment was constructed in 1898 and in its
general scope is inadequate for present needs or varied enough in the facilities it
offers to meet the present day practice.
I cannot leave the use of swimming baths without referring to the need for
school children to be practised in the duty of using the lavatories before entering
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