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Two are used for trade and the rest for boiler supply and kindred purposes.
The chemical and bacteriological reports showed that only one well was giving
water unfit for drinking. This was a riverside well situated on Crown property
and subject to contamination by tidal water from the river. In view of the
restricted access to the site and the use to which the water was put (storage for
fire-fighting), the quality of this water was not of serious consequence.
The water from one deep source, a spring, although reasonably safe for drinking
purposes, was liable to pollution by animals. There was no evidence that the spring
was used for drinking, but the owners of the land, at the instigation of the Council,
rendered the supply inaccessible.
Eradication of Bed Bugs. The necessary action was taken in all cases
where infestation by bed bugs was discovered, in accordance with the usual
procedure adopted by the Department. This procedure has been fully described
in previous Annual Reports. The total number of inspections of verminous premises
was 3,493. Hydrogen Cyanide was used for the disinfestation of 46 loads of
furniture on removal to Council houses or flats, but no house was disinfested by
this method.
The use of D.D.T. was commenced towards the end of the year and further
particulars will be included in subsequent Reports.
Rat Destruction. The work of rat destruction continued during the year.
The staff engaged on this work consisted of two investigators and four operators,
working under the supervision of a sanitary inspector who devoted the whole of his
time to rat destruction and prevention.
Under the scheme one investigator and two operators work systematically
through the Borough, block by block. The other investigator and two operators
deal with areas of infestation arising from reports and complaints.
The total number of premises surveyed during the year was 20,715, and the
number of inspections was 35,405. Effective preventive measures were taken
in 1,856 instances.
Maintenance treatments of the sewers in the Borough were carried out in
June and December, and in these two treatments 1,057 manholes were baited.
The results of these treatments continue to be satisfactory and indicate their
worth in helping to keep the rat population of the Borough at a low level. In
addition a test-baiting of 361 manholes was carried out in April.
The Transfer of Functions (Infestation Control) Order, 1947, which came
into force on 1st September, had the effect of transferring to the Ministry of
Agriculture and Fisheries the main functions of the Minister of Health under the Rats
and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, and the functions of the Minister of Food under
the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Order, 1919, and the Infestation Order, 1943.
Housing. The total number of dwelling houses inspected for housing defects
under the Public Health or Housing Acts was 7,302 and the number found not to
be in all respects reasonably fit for habitation was 3,813. The number rendered
fit in consequences of informal action by the sanitary inspectors, including the
service of intimation notices, was 2,431. Statutory notices were served in respect
of 910 houses.