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68
Cinemas, etc.
The cinemas and theatres were periodically inspected as to
their sanitary condition, and a number of minor defects remedied
Rat Extermination.
The official rat catcher made 2,089 visits to premises, and was
responsible for the extermination of 4,467 rats. During the year
rat extermination on certain Corporation lands was carried out by
hydrogen cyanide. Defective drainage at a number of houses was
revealed and remedied consequent upon investigation of rat infestations.
Disinfection and Disinfestation.
The disinfector carried out terminal disinfection at
1,003 premises. Steam disinfection of bedding, post infection
diseases (except smallpox) is not generally carried
out, but in connection with cases of scabies steam disinfection
is carried out. Numerous applications for advice on vermin
destruction were made during the year, and in 16 cases disinfestation
measures were carried out at the cost of the owners of the
property. The method comprised fumigation with sulphur dioxide
(5—6 lbs. sulphur pur 1,000 c. ft.) and supplementary spraying
with contact insecticides.
In connection with the slum clearance displacements all household
effects were disinfested by hydrogen cyanide, and all bedding
steam disinfected.
Atmospheric Pollution.
Considerable attention was given to this subject during
the year. Fifty-six observations of factory chimneys
were made and* three notices of offence served. In two
cases statutory notices followed but no subsequent offence was
committed. Complaints of effluvia from a Chemical manufactory
resulted in a comprehensive investigation of the atmospheric condition
in the vicinity of the factory concerned. Intensive observations
were made over a period of three months, when it was revealed
that the nuisance arose primarily from the emission of
chlorine from a chloral hydrate plant. At the close of the year
legal proceedings were pending in this connection.
Complaints of alleged damage to crops on allotments and
alleged injury to persons by atmospheric pollution caused by a