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The Analyst reported that a sample of feathers failed to meet the standard
of cleanliness prescribed by Regulations made under the Rag Flock and Other
Filling Materials Act, the sample not being objectionable but probably not having
been processed satisfactorily, as the result of the analysis indicated incomplete
washing or rinsing or both. A cautionary letter was sent to the manufacturers
concerned, who withdrew the remaining stocks for re-purification. A further
sample of feathers processed by the same firm was later obtained for analysis and
the Analyst's report showed that the sample failed to meet the required standard
of cleanliness, the total average impurities figure being 2.3 per cent., compared with
the permitted maximum of 2 per cent. The result indicated insufficient processing.
However, owing to variations in the analysis results between the samples analysed
from the same batch of materials and the third portion of the formal sample held
by the Council, the matter was taken up with the Prescribed Analyst and with the
Analyst acting for the manufacturers, and it was found that one firm of analysts
was carrying out a different form of testing technique. In view of this, it was
decided not to institute legal proceedings in this case. All the analysts concerned
agreed that in future all such tests on samples of feathers would be carried out
in a uniform manner. The processing firm were further warned regarding any
future sample found to be below the required standard of cleanliness.
Mosquitoes.
During 1952 the spraying of stagnant ponds, marsh ditches and allotment
holders' water butts and wells in the Abbey Wood area was again carried out.
Fewer complaints were received of nuisance from mosquitoes.
Other Pests.
A number of complaints from all parts of the Borough were received of
infestations of insects such as cockroaches, crickets, beetles, silver fish, Pharaoh's
ants, etc., and advice and treatment were given, where necssary. Charges totalling
£41 7s. 4d. were made upon the responsible persons for treatment carried out.
In one particularly serious infestation of woodworm, hydrogen cyanide was
used to treat all the furniture in the house and the woodwork was sprayed with
insecticide. A charge of more than £31 was made for this work.
During the latter part of the summer several complaints were received from
householders of wasps nesting in their houses or gardens. Wasps often construct
their nests in eaves of roofs, behind ventilators in the sub-floor space, beneath
concrete paths, and in rockeries in the garden. The destruction of a nest must,
of course, be carried out with care, and should preferably be done at dusk after
a preliminary survey has been made. The point of the wasps' entry into the nest,
which is usually a hole about one inch in diameter, is noted and a sulphur bomb
is opened and pushed into the hole. If the nest is in the garden, a shovelful of
earth is used to seal the hole. The canister contains a volatile liquid form of
sulphur under pressure and when opened and exposed to the air it vaporises and
is driven into the nest. The next morning the operators return and, if possible,
remove the nest.
If the nest is inside the roof space or in some other inaccessible place where
a bomb cannot be used, insecticide spray is employed. Besides being less efficient,
spraying in inaccessible places is often hazardous to the operators.
During the year, 33 wasps' nests were destroyed and removed, and charges
amounting to £23 were made upon the occupiers of the premises concerned.
Common Lodging Houses.
There are two licensed Common Lodging Houses in the Borough and they are
licensed annually by the Council, in accordance with the provisions of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1936. The premises concerned are situated at 60, Beresford
Street and at 102, Woolwich High Street and accommodate 50 and 22 men
respectively. The premises are visited regularly from the public health point of
view.
The Common Lodging House at 60, Beresford Street is included in one of
the six areas in the Ropeyard Rails district represented for slum clearance.
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