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17
apparatus maintained at the Public Health Offices. A comprehensive
report was presented to you during the year.
The main cost of atmospheric pollution research for us is that
of Analysts' fees and if this important public health problem is to
receive widespread investigation and sympathy some more economical
method of having samples analysed should be sought. This
might well engage the attention of the appropriate Government
department and might be pursued to the point of keeping under
constant review the possibility of arranging such analyses under the
auspices of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
who are after all assisted by the work of the local authorities in this
connection.
River Thames.
Complaints arose during the year which appear to have their
origin in an unsatisfactory condition of the River Thames. They
were thought to have a certain basis in the unusual conditions of
drought and high temperature which obtained during the summer
and the question of prevention is being actively pursued by the
various Authorities concerned.
Drainage.
Some 17 properties were converted from pail to water closet
and sewer at the joint expense of owner and Council and similar
action is proceeding in respect of others similarly placed.
Only an insignificant number of houses in the urban part of our
area is not provided with W.C.s, although cesspools are unavoidably
present in a minority of instances.
Practically every cesspool seems to be a potential nuisance and
their avoidance where it is at all possible is a course of obvious
choice. Whatever be the legal position, from a practical viewpoint
a cesspool is not an effective substitute for a sewer.
Disinfestation.
Infested effects are, where possible, cyanide treated. Gammexane
is used where cyanide is impracticable.
Considering the overcrowding which exists, known infestations
are not of high proportions. A close liaison is maintained with the
Housing Department so far as concerns Council property.
Rodent Control.
The Rodent Operative made 2,053 visits and cleared 82 infestations
up to the end of the year. In addition routine baiting of the
Council's refuse tips was carried out during the year.
A charge of 2s. fid. is made for dealing with infestations on
private premises and 5s. Od. for minor infestations on business
premises.