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to conceal the presence of these insects for fear of the comments of their neighbours,
though they may be well aware that the whole area is infested. It was, therefore,
decided that propaganda should be used to try and dispel some of the innate prejudice
which exists in the minds of many people—one of the slogans used in the propaganda
campaign, "The bed bug is not a social stigma, it is a misfortune," led to
many questions being asked as to the methods of eliminating these pests and their
practical application. The stall was the most popular focus of interest throughout
the week and has led to a considerable increase of "bug-mindedness" in the Borough.
The stall itself consists of three shelves and the sides and back of the interior
of the walls were used to display pictures, literature and slogans.
"The first shelf was used to show the life history of the insect and live bugs
were exhibited in small glass jars in the six stages of development, with separate
ones for adult males and females, eggs, "Mr. and Mrs. Bug and Family" and cast
skins of the insect.
"On the second shelf the haunts of the bug were displayed by showing a portion
of a spring mattress in a glass case infested with live bugs, a portion of the underside
of a chair and of an iron bed rail, each being grossly infested, the latter clearly
showing that the bug will live in an iron bedstead. Other examples were wood
mouldings, skirtings, picture rails, ceiling fillets, bed ticking, and pillow casing,
each showing the presence of eggs, cast skins and the filth deposited.
"The third shelf was utilised to show the materials used in Woolwich to destroy
the bug, but the centre of this shelf contained a model of a bug, enlarged forty-five
times in a glass case. On each side were arranged the gases, solutions and implements
which consisted of, tins of Cyanide, Zyklon B preparation in a glass jar, a tin opener
and hammer, gas mask, a cylinder and syphon of Etox, Cyanide testing outfit, a
compressed air sprayer, bottles of various solutions, sulphur cylinders, sulphur
candles and a pail, soap, floor cloth and scrubbing brush on which was a card bearing
the words, 'You can use soap, and water and then paraffin oil. This method is
also effective but takes longer.'
"The whole exhibit will be on view at the Institute on the occasion of the
Sessional meeting on the 13th November when Mr. McKenny Hughes opens the
discussion on 'The Bed Bug as a Housing Problem.' "
(i) Health Services Booklet.—In 1931 it was decided to publish a booklet
which would inform the public of the services available and also act as a reference
book in case of need. A booklet was accordingly prepared giving detailed information
regarding the Care of the Mother and Child; the duties of foster-mothers under the
Children's Act; the Nursing Services; Ambulance facilities; Infectious and other
Diseases; Disinfection; Sanitary matters; Health Education, Vaccination and
the Registration of Births and Deaths. A first edition of 5,000 copies was quickly
distributed during Health Week and through the Council's Centres, and since then
revised editions have been similarly circulated.