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The Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.—Each district Inspector is the
rats officer for his area and investigates all complaints received. The total number
of inspections made was 370. In 56 instances defective drains were repaired, 16
premises were rat-proofed, and other effective measures were taken in 21 instances.
National Rat Week was held from the 6th to the 11th November, and during it
co-operation was obtained from the Borough Engineer and many large firms in the
Borough. The number of baits laid in old sewers in Woolwich and Plumstead,
which were regarded as infested, was 9,416.
Offensive Trades.—By the Transfer of Powers Order, 1933, consideration of,
and decision on applications to the establishment anew or the enlargement of certain
offensive businesses, or imposition, modification, or removal of conditions, was
transferred from the London County Council to the Metropolitan Borough Councils.
In Woolwich, however, there is only one offensive trade, namely, that of a slaughterer
of poultry. The premises were approved by the London County Council in
November, 1931.
Rag Flock Act.—Four samples of rag flock were taken for analysis. Such
material must comply with the Rag Flock Regulations, in which it is laid down that
the soluble chlorine in the form of chlorides must not exceed 30 parts of chlorine
in 100,000 parts of flock. Three of the samples complied with the Regulations, as
the results of analysis show, the number of parts of chlorine being, respectively,
9, 10 and 5. In the other instance, where the figure was above the maximum,
proceedings were instituted.
Mortuaries.—The Public Mortuary is in Sun Street, Woolwich, and a temporary
mortuary is provided in Eltham High Street. The following Table shows the use
made of the mortuaries during the year:—