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42
The complaints received during the year were not all
concerned with pollution of the atmosphere by smoke. One exception
is worthy of note. Complaints were received regarding the emission
of fine wood powder from a factory. It was found that the receiving
hopper for the waste material from the saw-mills was in a defective
condition, and fine powder was allowed to escape into the surrounding
atmosphere, and it was then blown into neighbouring houses.
Immediate action was taken and after suitable repairs
had been carried out, the nuisance ceased.
In an endeavour to improve the standard of stoking in
the Borough, arrangements were made for courses in boiler house
practice in local Technical Institutes. These courses were commenced
during 1948, but attendance of stokers is not readily arranged.
11. SWIMMING BATES AND POOLS.
(a) Public. The Corporation Baths are situate in
Denmark Road and comprise two pools, one of which was in use
throughout the year, whilst the other is used for swimming in the
summer months and during the winter months is converted for use
as a Public Hall for concerts, dancing, etc.
(b) Private. There are no privately owned swimming
baths or pools open to the public, in the Borough.
12. ERADICATION OF BED BUGS.
During the year 35 premises were disinfested compared
with a figure of 56 for the year 1947. Only 3 Corporation
controlled houses were dealt with by the Department during the
year.
l3. COMPLAINTS.
For the first time since 1939 the number of recorded
complaints has shown a decrease, the figure for the year being
783 compared with 920 for l947. This lower figure would appear
to indicate that whilst much work has to be done to maintain the
older properties in the Borough in a habitable condition, a
certain amount of arrears of maintenance of the war years has now
been made good.

14. RODENT CONTROL.
There is now no need to stress the importance of
this branch of environmental hygiene. The elimination of the
rat population is an ever present duty which has a definite
sanitary significance.
It will be recalled that following upon representations
made by the Ministry of Food to all local authorities in 1947,
your Corporation adopted a modified scheme of rodent control,
which, whilst it provided for free service to private dwelling