View report page

55
National Rat Week, held from 4th to 9th November, special measures were undertaken
with the co-operation of the many large firms in the Borough and the
Borough Engineer. The number of baits laid in sewers in Woolwich and Plumstead
was 11,553.
Fouling of Footways by Dogs—By-law.—In 1934 the Council made a
By-law which was sanctioned by the Home Office to come into operation from
1st January, 1935. The administration of the By-law was delegated by the Council
to the Public Health Committee during the year, and officers of the Health Department
make periodic observations under the By-law. Three summonses were
issued during the year, particulars of which will be found in Table No. 22 at the
end of this Section.
Nuisance from Pigeons.—Under Section 52 of the London County Council
(General Powers) Act, 1927, a Borough Council is empowered to seize and destroy,
sell or otherwise dispose of house-doves or pigeons in excessive numbers, if they
appear to have no owner. It is necessary, however, in the first place for the Council
to obtain the consent to the measures adopted by them from the person or body
in whom the building or land, upon which the birds congregate, is vested. The
powers of the Council under this Section have been delegated to the Health Committee.
No action was taken during the year.
Rag and Bone By-laws.—One of the By-laws made by the London County
Council prohibits the distribution or sale of any article of food or any balloon or
any toy from any premises used for the business or from any cart, barrow or other
vehicle or receptacle used for the collection or disposal of rags and bones, etc., or
in any other way connected with the business. A practice has grown up whereby
bills shewing no name or address are distributed outside schools inviting school
children to supply old woollen articles and rags in exchange for toys. These are
distributed by men who are not principals and who, when challenged, do not
disclose who their principals are, and who accept rags and give toys in exchange.
Five persons were caught during the year, but it was only possible to take legal
proceedings in four instances. The results of these proceedings will be found in
Table No. 22.
Rag Flock Act.—Six 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. All the samples complied with the Regulations,
as the results of analyses show, the number of parts of chlorine being, respectively,
3, 3, 6, 6, 7, and 12.