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14
Offensive Trades.
Complaints from individuals and from public associations have been received at times in
reference to a factory where bone-boiling, fat-melting and other similar trades are carried on.
It has been difficult to convince those who complain of offensive odours that when a trade of this
character is established and carried on in accordance with the provisions of the statute, it
cannot be removed or closed until further legislation is enacted.
Three applications were received for the establishment of the trade of fish-fryer, but
were not granted.
The following premises where offensive trades have been established were kept under .
frequent supervision:—
Fish fryers 27
Fat melters 2
Rag and bone dealers 4
The number of visits paid by the Inspectors to these premises was 55.
Keeping of Animals.
With the exception of certain piggeries, no particular difficulty has arisen in connection
with the keeping of animals. It will be remembered that, during the preceding year^ a case
taken before the magistrates was dismissed as they apparently were of opinion that the animals
were not being kept in such a state as to be a nuisance*
This opinion has not been shared by those persons who reside in the neighbourhood,
and complaints have continued to be received. Beyond keeping all piggeries under frequent
supervision, statutory action has not been taken during the year.
Swimming Baths.
There are now open-air swimming baths in the Borough at Twickenham, Teddington
and Hampton. During the season the total attendances at the baths were 177,132.
Bed Bugs.
(1) Houses were found to be infested by bugs as follbws:—
(a) Council houses 1
(b) Other houses 11
Disinfestation was carried out in the following cases:—
(a) Council houses 1
(b) Other houses 11
(2) The methods employed were by extensive and repeated spraying with insecticide
solution. Arrangements were made with the owners to remove skirting boards and architraves
before spraying was undertaken, where such action was considered necessary, and to repair
defects in plaster subsequently.
As a rule, spraying repeated two or three times at intervals has proved satisfactory.
It is not contended that it is as effective as cyanide or other similar gaseous insecticide, but it is
at any rate free from danger to the persons occupying neighbouring rooms or houses and can
be carried out without removing the occupants from the house or adjoining houses.
(3) No application was received from the Housing Department during the year for action
in disinfecting the belongings of persons before their removal to Council houses.
(4) The work of disinfestation has been carried out by an employee of the Corporation
under the direct supervision of the Sanitary Inspectors.
(5) No special measures of education of tenants have been taken.
Schools.
Twickenham was formerly a Part 3 Local Education Authority, but when the enlargement
of the Borough took place the powers as an Education Authority were ceded to the Middlesex
County Council.
It was recognised, however, that the duties of the School Medical Service were an essential
part of the health services of the Borough, and an agreement was entered into between the
Corporation and the Middlesex County 'Council whereby the Medical Officer of Health of the
Borough became responsible for the school medical service within the Borough. The duties
are therefore carried out by the Medical and nursing stall of the Corporation, not only in connection
with the children in the elementary schools, but also the pupils in the secondary schools and
technical college in the enlarged Borough. Included in these are the Twickenham County School
for Girls, the Thames Valley County School for girls and boys, the Hampton Grammar School
and the Twickenham Technical College. There are also twenty-six elementary schools
comprising 41 separate departments, while the total number of pupils in attendance at all the
schools amounts to nearly 11,000.