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Shops Acts.
It was not found necessary to take action during the year
under the provisons of the Shops Acts.
Smoke Abatement.
During the period under review complaints were received
as to the emission of smoke and grit from a chimney stack of a
factory in the town. Investigations proved that the alleged
nuisance was caused by the emission of grit rather than smoke.
Glass slides, coated with clear varnish, were set up in various
roads in the vicinity of the factory in order to gauge the fall of
grit, and subsequently a report was submitted to the Public
Health Committee.
The problem was a complex one, and the Council decided to
ask for the co-operation of the Ministry of Fuel and Power. This
was readily granted, and a meeting was arranged between a
sub-committee of the Council, the proprietor of the factory, and
an engineer from the Ministry. Arising out of this conference
the factory proprietor agreed to investigate the possibilities of
grit arrestors, or, if these were not practicable, to consider the
use of a different grade of fuel.
Swimming Baths and Pools.
Summaries of the daily chlorine and akalinity readings are
forwarded weekly to the Health Department by the Pool Superintendent.
Samples of the water at the Pool were taken during
the year, and these are reported on under the heading "Bacteriological
Examinations."
Eradication of Bed Bugs.
(1) The following table gives information on the action taken
for the eradication of bed bugs:
Council Properties Other Houses
Infested —. Disinfested —. Infested 4. Disinfested 4.
(2) Methods. Spraying with an insecticide is the general
rule, following the removal of architraves, skirtings and
picture rails. Papered rooms are stripped.
(3) Inspectional Methods. In certain cases before any
tenant moves into a Council house, the prospective tenant's house
and belongings are thoroughly inspected by a Sanitary Inspector,
as is also the Council house into which the family is to move.
(4) Disinfestation. Fumigation with Hydrogen Cyanide
is always carried out by a contractor; other disinfestations are
carried out by the local authority.
Schools.
The sanitary condition and water supply of Schools has been
satisfactory during the year. All cases of notifiable infectious
disease amongst school children are notified to the head teachers,
as are also contacts. It was not necessary during the year to
close any schools on account of infectious disease.
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