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28
(b) Private.
The Kingfisher Pool.—This is an open-air pool in Epping
Forest. Details were given in the 1935 report.
The Managing Director kindly gives the following particulars:—
The chlorination and filtration plant has a turnover of eight
hours, with a possible speeding up to six hours. 0.2 parts per
million of free chlorine are aimed at for the deep end and 0.6 at
the shallow end.
The plant was kept in operation all day and night over the
week-ends, if found necessary, the pool being open for 170 days.
The approximate number of swimmers in 1936 was 47,600 and
the estimated maximum load was 630.
Bacteriological and chemical analyses were carried out on four
occasions, with results which were excellent.
(vii) Eradication of Bed Bugs.—As heretofore, all known infested
premises have received attention. In cases where the intervention
of the owner has been found necessary, architraves and
skirtings of infested rooms have been removed, followed by the use of
insecticide and/or a blow-lamp.
Insecticide solution has been distributed gratis to occupiers
where its use has been deemed advisable, in addition to which a
spray has been at their service.
It is to be regretted that after so much has been expended
both as regards material and labour, there is a yearly repetition in
quite 50 per cent, of infestation cases. This is particularly noted
in the older part of the town, and also where the term "jerry-built"
can be applied to existing buildings.
In the former instances, many of the flank walls of houses—
above plate level—are only of 4½in. brick structure, giving quite
an easy access for wild bird life to enter and breed between the
actual roof and ceiling of the top floor.
To what extent the use of the mortar-mill in "jerry-built"
houses, aided by lax definitions of mortar in the past, is responsible
for the early decay of such mortar, allowing free access to bug
infestation, is not difficult to conjecture.
Where roofs have necessarily to be stripped, it is not uncommon
to find a considerable amount of straw and litter used by birds for