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Sanitary Inspectors eight other cases came under observation. As far as practicable
steps were taken to prevent infection spreading.
RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION ACT, 1919.
The following is a summary indicating the work done by the Rat Officer with
a view to giving effect to the provisions of the above-mentioned Act:—
Number of complaints (rats) 354
„ „ (mice) 73
,, visits and revisits 5,349
rats caught in traps or killed by dogs 1,600
,, rats found dead through poisoning 420
,, premises cleared of rats 305
„ premises cleared of mice 56
„ pavements taken up, fronting houses 45
drains reconstructed and repaired 25
„ drains tested by Sanitary Inspectors 45
,, floors of kitchens, sculleries, passages and coal
cellars concreted 47
The poisons used included 1,576 packets of Ratquit, which provided some
31,500 baits, 35 lbs. of Londovus, and 1,726 tins of Rodine. Experience shows that
variation in the poisoned baits used is very frequently necessary. The rat-infested
localities in the Borough did not differ materially from those of the previous year.
HOUSING.
The special house-to-house inspection of dwelling houses in the Borough is
referred to on page 22. Further particulars as regards housing are contained in the
Appendix (pp. 64/65).
The work on the area included in the London County Council Ware Street
Housing Scheme continued in progress throughout the year. Some 48 tenements
were completed and the erection of 48 others was commenced. Mention should also
be made that the erection of 104 flats by the Corporation of the City of London was
in progress during the year. These dwellings which contain 342 rooms are for the
accommodation of persons displaced in the city in connection with schemes for
improving the housing conditions of the people. The dwellings are being built upon
a site adjoining Shepherdess Walk and Wenlock Road.
Towards the end of the year a further inspection was made under the instructions
of the Health Committee with regard to the adequacy of the artificial lighting of the
common stairs of the artisans dwellings in the Borough. In a very appreciable number