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Rats. Every male Inspector has been authorized under
the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, to act as Rats
Officer in his own district. The Act places the responsibility
for rat preventive measures upon the occupiers of premises
and it is the duty of the Inspector to advise occupiers as to
the best means of rat-proofing buildings and for the destruction
of rats. In every case in which complaint was made of
rat infestation that procedure was followed. The Council
co-operated in the general scheme throughout the country
during Rat Week. With the assistance of the Works Department
8,242 baits were laid in the old sewers of Woolwich
and Plumstead that were likely or known to be infested with
rats. Co-operation was sought and readily obtained from
the many large firms in the Borough. During the year 18
informal notices were served but in no instance was it necessary
to resort to legal proceedings.
Mosquitoes. For some years past the number of complaints
of these pests has gradually decreased, and last year
none was received. The marsh ditches, except a few private
ones, are now concrete inverts and the drainage of the marshes
is very much improved. In addition the area was carefully
supervised during the year.
Rag Flock Acts, 1911 and 1928. The Rag Flock Act,
1911, was amended in 1928 in order to remove any doubts
as to the meaning of the phrase " flock manufactured from
rags." It is now defined as flock which has been produced
wholly or partly by tearing up woven or knitted or felted