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109
The results of the examinations were on one occasion unsatisfactory
and the attention of the appropriate department
directed to them.
Subsequent samples proved satisfactory.
Eradication of Bed Bugs
The number of Council Houses disinfested during the year
was 23, and the number of other houses disinfested by the Corporation
for owners was 33.
The method employed by the Corporation consits of fumigation
by a 5 per cent. by volume concentration of sulphur di-oxide,
and supplementary spraying with contact insecticides, "zaldecide"
or "pyagra."
Hydrogen cyanide was employed in the disinfestation of
household effects of 104 families transferred to Council houses.
This work is carried out by contractors under the supervision of
Sanitary Inspectors, the van method being employed.
All new tenants so transferred are subsequently circularised
on methods of preventing re-infestation.
Housing
The 74 houses of the adjustable type for persons displaced
from clearance areas and overcrowded houses were completed and
occupied in the year.
(a) Overcrowding.
Since the housing survey 84 per cent. of the houses then
found overcrowded have been de-crowded. In the same period
a further 116 have become overcrowded, and at 31st December,
1938, 248 dwellings remained overcrowded.
During the year, 62 families were de-crowded consequent
upon alternative accommodation being offered by the Council.
The 32 houses erected in the year and designed for large families
enabled the Council to de-crowd many of its own houses.
Although the reduction in known overcrowded families is so
markedly progressive, it is believed that unless further large type
houses are built, a static stage in overcrowding is bound to be
reached. Chronic cases of overcrowding remain, and a further
complement of the original plan of 132 de-crowding houses is
necessary.