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direct from public water mains. There are a few wells in the Borough, used chiefly
for trade and kindred purposes. No complaints were received as to the quality or
purity of the water supply.
Eradication of Bed Bugs. The number of inspections of verminous
premises was 1,548. Appropriate action was taken in all cases where infestation
was discovered. The houses and furniture of all tenants allocated houses or flats
by the Council were examined, and where necessary disinfestation of the furniture
was carried out in the process of removal; the vacated accommodation being
dealt with at the same time. Hydrogen cyanide was used in this connection for
the disinfestation of 34 loads of furniture.
Rat Destruction. Although there are no large areas of rat infestation in
Woolwich, a number of complaints were received and a thorough investigation was
made in each case. These investigations, together with the supervision of baiting
and trapping where necessary, occupied a considerable amount of the sanitary
inspectors' time; 3,592 inspections being made. Maintenance treatments of the
sewers in the Borough were carried out in January and June, in accordance with
the scheme of control initiated by the Ministry of Food. In these two treatments,
697 manholes were baited, most of them on both occasions. A total of 567
"takes" was recorded, 144 being small "takes," suggesting the visit of one rat
only. The results of these treatments were very satisfactory and indicate that
the rat population in the sewers of the Borough is being kept at a very low level.
Housing. The total number of dwelling houses inspected for housing defects
under the Public Health or Housing Acts, was 3,295, and the number found not
to be in all respects reasonably fit for habitation was 1,310. The number rendered
fit in consequence of informal action by the sanitary inspectors, including the
service of intimation notices, was 829. Statutory notices were served in respect
of 182 houses. The number of new houses for which water certificates were issued
during the year was 304, most of these were temporary houses.
INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD.
Milk. The number of milk premises on the register on the 31st December
was 58, and the number of visits paid to them was 210. The standard of the milk
supply was satisfactory. Of 93 samples submitted for chemical analysis, none
contained less than 3 per cent. of fat, and only 8 less than 3.5 per cent. Of 21
samples of pasteurised milk examined bacteriologically, only one was below the
prescribed standard. The phosphotase test for adequate heat treatment and the
methylene blue test for keeping quality of milk was satisfied in 179 samples and
52 samples respectively. Only 12 samples failed to satisfy; 4 the phosphotase
test and 8 the methylene blue test. In each case where the sample failed to satisfy,
further samples from the same sources of supply gave satisfactory results.