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treme urgency of this work, it is earnestly to be hoped that as soon
as conditions permit South Hornchurch amenities will benefit by the
reduction of their capacity as a form of secondary storage reservoir.
Not only will this be advantageous from a public health point of view
but it will also encourage the inhabitants of the district to develop
or augment a real pride in their surroundings.
Pollution of the Thames.
Although the position is not yet ideal at any rate fewer complaints
on this score were received than during 1951 and the position is still
being kept under review.
Swimming Baths.
My annual plea for provision of this kind must be renewed. Circumstances
beyond our control—at any rate in the post-war years—
have so far precluded our being permitted to proceed with this project.
We must, however, ensure that every effort is made to secure the
provision of suitable baths as soon as possible. Our persistent efforts
should make this more than a distant dream.
Paddling Pools.
A routine cheek is maintained upon the local paddling pools and
the general standard maintained is satisfactory. It is clear that pools
of this nature used not only for paddling but to some extent for attempted
swimming by the younger members of the community and
subject to all sorts of contamination—generally of a minor character—cannot
be expected to achieve the bacteriological standards of pure main
water or at any rate not to maintain them for long, but from our results
there is little to support any apprehension about the possibility of
disease spread even when the waters concerned appear far from crystal
clear. Our samples it should be emphasized were taken often after
the pool had been in use for some time and the results show, I think,
the value of the preventive measures taken by the Engineer and Surveyor.
Six samples were taken during the year and were satisfactory.
Disinfestation.
The prevailing practice in this regard was continued.
Rodent Control.
During the year the Sanitary Inspectors and Rodent Operative
made a total of 2,084 visits and re-visits and the Rodent Operative
cleared 140 infestations of rats and mice and as a routine measure baited
the Council's refuse tips on a number of occasions.
A nominal charge is made for dealing with infestations as follows:—
Infestation on private premises 2.6d.
Intestation on business premises 5s.0d.