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Outworkers.
Outworkers within the Borough are visited periodically by the woman Sanitary
Inspector. The number of outworkers and the nature of their work in the list
prepared in August, 1952, was as follows:—
Wearing apparel (making) 92
Household linen, etc. 15
Curtains and furniture hangings 1
Artificial flowers 2
Feather sorting 3
Stuffed toys 2
Lampshades 11
Rats
Once again measures for the destruction of rats were continued throughout
the year. A total of 1,803 complaints were received, and in addition to the
investigation of the premises concerned in the complaints, the systematic inspection
under "block control" principle was continued. 12,781 premises were inspected
under the block control system. The total number of properties found to be
infested by rats or mice or both totalled 1,484, including 154 business and industrial
premises. All infestations coming to light are systematically treated and where the
cause of the trouble is found to be due to defective drains or other defects in the
building the owner is requested to effect the necessary repairs.
During the year "Warfarin" was used in addition to the other poisons available
for rodent control. As previously reported, this poison is a blood coagulant,
which was originally found in spoiled, sweet clover. It is relatively harmless to
man and domestic animals in the concentration used and creates no prejudice or
bait shyness in rats. It has proved to be a welcome alternative poison.
Towards the end of the year a request was received from the Ministry to carry
out some experimental treatments using arsenious oxide from one of the approved
suppliers. One experiment was conducted at a small factory infested by the
common rat. Bread rusk was used for prebaiting and 20 points were selected.
"Takes" were recorded at eight points and these were poison baited. There
were three complete takes of poison bait and two partial takes. A week later
these eight points were baited with sausage rusk and no takes were recorded.
The Council continued its practice of carrying out free treatment in respect
of infestation of rodents in private dwellings. A charge is made for treatment
carried out by the Council at business premises.
Once again, with the co-operation of the Borough Engineer's Department,
two sewer treatments and one test baiting were undertaken during 1952 and in
this way the number of rats in the sewers has been kept under control. In spite
of the kill obtained at each treatment there is a build-up between treatments, as
survivors will continue to breed. The only limiting factors appear to be the length
of time elapsing between treatments and the amount of food available.
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