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63
Smoke and Sulphur Dioxide measurements.
Four continuously operating instruments for daily measurements of
smoke and sulphur dioxide are sited at the rear of the old Municipal
Offices, High Street, New Maiden, "Alfriston", Berrylands Road, Surbiton,
Tiffin Girls School, Richmond Road, and the Guildhall, Kingston upon
Thames. Three of these are automatic instruments constructed by a member
of our own staff, which need reading only once a week. The results at
the Tiffin Girls School site since 1958 compared with average temperatures
are shown in FIG.l. It is pleasing to report that the measurements at
this site are undertaken by the pupils of the school and the assistance of
the head-mistress, staff and pupils is gratefully acknowledged.
Grit and Dust.
Two deposit gauges for the monthly measurement of grit and dust are
located at Canbury Gardens and Tiffin Girls School, Kingston upon Thames.
It can be seen from FIG.2. that a steady fall over several years in
the readings at the Canbury Gardens site was interrupted by a high deposit
in 1970 and a slightly lower one in 1971. The reason for these disappoint
ing fluctuations is not known. The Power Station is now operating on
lower loads than previously, so grit emissions from the chimneys should be
lower.
10. RODENT AND INSECT PEST CONTROL.
It is pleasing to be able to report a further reduction in the
number of premises found to be infested by rodents. The figure of .87%
of the premises in the borough where rats were found compares with a
national average for urban areas of 2.0%. This was the figure for the
borough during the first year of amalgamation.
In spite of the nuisance and damage caused by pigeons it has not
been possible adequately to persuade people not to feed the birds to excess
and it is disappointing to note the presence of large flocks of birds
both in Kingston and Surbiton despite the efforts of the department to
control them and this is of serious concern both to us and a proportion of
the general public.
Squirrels are also a nuisance in certain parts of the borough and the
department prepared an advisory leaflet on the subject similar to that pro
duced on wasps which proved to be very successful. Both leaflets are
available on request.
Fifteen complaints were received concerning foxes. Three animals
were caught where they had been concerned mainly in disturbance and the
death of children's pets. Four foxes were found dead in different parts
of the borough, having been killed by vehicles.