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44
Schools.
Thirty-six routine inspections of the sanitary accommodation
and water supply of schools were made.
Rat and Mice (Destruction Act), 1919.
Two hundred and eighty-seven visits were paid in connection
with complaints received, and rat biscuits wore issued to the occupiers
of 166 premises. At 71 premises the source of rat infestation
was definitely traced and the premises freed of rats.
The following report on the National Rat Week was submitted
to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries:—
"The recommendations contained in the Circular issued
by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries have, as far as
possible, been carried out.
"Posters drawing the attention of the public to the
danger of rats were exhibited throughout the Borough.
"By the courtesy of the Editors, an article bearing on the
subject appeared in the local Press.
"The Borough Engineer and his staff co-operated in the
efforts made, baits being laid in the manholes of the sewers in
74 roads, and steps were also taken at the Destructor Works,
the Council's Shoot, and other places where there was likely to
be rats.
"Eight applications were made at the office for rat biscuits
during the week.
"There is no evidence forthcoming as to the actual
number of rats destroyed as a direct result of the campaign,
but it is known that the baits laid in the sewers were all taken.
"It is difficult to estimate the practical value derived
from a week's endeavour of this kind, but it is important to
remember that in Leyton constant measures are taken
throughout the year to deal with the question of rat infestation.
"The following interesting figures show the total number
of complaints received and dealt with each year during the
past five years:—
1931 360
1932 337
1933 314
1934 179
1935 152