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with some cogency that on public health grounds the absence of sandpits
is preferable to their presence. As with so many things it is an
impossible task to estimate the degree to which they might be
undesirable in a hygienic connection and it may well be that any
risk attendant upon their presence is of a relatively minimal
character. The fact remains, however, that it is virtually impossible
to keep them free from contamination of various kinds and this of
itself would suggest to me that unless their provision was imperative
they would be well omitted from our scheme of things. I do
not think that the problem can be solved either by periodic sandchanging
with any frequency likely to be effective or really by any
of the other methods open to us.
It will be gathered therefore that I do not favour sandpits as
part of the desirable equipment of children's playgrounds.
Paddling Pools.
Our usual investigations were made into the paddling pools at
Harrow Lodge, Harold Wood, Spring Farm and Rainham Recreation
Ground, controlled by the Council and the results were
generally satisfactory.
Sixteen samples were taken in process of our supervision.
Disinfestation and Disinfection.
The practice of encouraging concurrent disinfection was
continued.
I often think that taking the disinfection of library books as
seriously as legally we are bound to has more theoretical than
practical value and I do not really believe that either public health
or the incidence of infectious disease would be affected greatly
if our action in this regard was limited to one or two of the really
serious diseases and not adopted in such instances as Scarlet Fever.
I think probably a substantial amount of what time is devoted to
dealing with library books is largely wasted.
Rodent Control.
Increasing use has been made of the services of our Rodent
Operative. During the year his advice was requested in respect of
210 infestations and 1,907 routine and re-visits were made. During
that period he remedied 203 infestations and 7 were under continued
treatment or observation.
Establishments for Massage or Special Treatment.
The Essex County Council granted licences to 8 persons during
the year authorising them to carry on establishments for massage
or special treatment. Twelve visits were paid to these premises
throughout the year.
Heating Appliances (Fireguards) Act 1952 and Regulations 1953.
During the year 11 appliances were tested (involving 21 tests)
and of these 9 appliances were satisfactory. The two unsatisfactory
appliances were withdrawn from sale.