View report page

39
Large collections of water—lakes, rivers, etc.—are not
favourable to the breeding of mosquitoes, as the movement of the
water drowns the larvae.
Certain fish, too—goldfish and millions—are very fond of the
larvae, and consume large numbers of them.
From a consideration of the above facts certain preventive
measures can be deduced.
All collections of stagnant water should, as far as possible, be
abolished. In this respect the local Sanitary Inspector can do
much in the way of securing proper paving round houses, seeing
that the gutterings round roofs are kept in repair, and by persuading
people who store water for gardening purposes, or for
animals' drinking, to empty the receptacles at least once a week.
Collections of stagnant water in ponds, etc., may be sprayed
with paraffin.
Larvae-consuming fish may be stocked in ponds, etc.
I was asked to propose the motion:—
"That this Conference of representatives of Local Authorities
in the Epping Forest District, and of the Epping Forest Commissioners,
deem it desirable to institute a campaign against the
mosquito nuisance."
Mr. Bird, who seconded the motion, asked for permission to
add, " And that a copy of the reports be sent to each delegate."
The motion was carried nem. con., and a fairly large SubCommittee
was formed, of which I was appointed a member.
There is plenty of evidence to show that even although the
mosquito does not in this country convey the serious and fatal
diseases it does in the tropics, yet it is capable of causing much
annoyance and mischief, even leading in rare cases to the death of
the object of its attentions.