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water capacity of 17,000 gallons and a turnover rate of 1½ hours, and an, Open Air
pool 110' x 42', water capacity of 160,000 gallons and a turnover rate of 4 hours. The
filtration of all pools' water is through Pre-coat filters, and sterilization is carried out
by chlorine gas treatment on "breakpoint" principle. A system of pool water sampling
and testing is installed and all indications are automatically recorded on graphs. A
plenum heating system is installed and the whole establishment is operated electrically
utilising "off-peak" electricity.
The private baths suite consists of 12 private baths for both ladies and gentlemen
respectively together with the necessary waiting rooms, toilets, etc.
The grounds are landscaped and well laid out and provide some two acres of grass
and banked areas which are available for sunbathing, games, etc."
14. FERTILISERS AND FEEDING STUFFS ACT, 1926
Ten samples of fertilisers were taken during the year of which five were found to
be irregular. The Agricultural Analyst reported that, upon analysis, the percentage of
certain ingredients in samples of Blood Fish and Bone, Superphosphate, Hoof and Horn
and two samples of Growmore differed from those declared on the statutory statement
and were in excess of the limits of variation allowed. The respective retailers and manufacturers
were informed but, as it was considered that the differences were not to the
prejudice of the purchaser, no further action was necessary.
15. COMMON LODGING HOUSES
There are no common lodging houses in the Borough.
16. HAIRDRESSERS AND BARBERS
At the end of the year 167 hairdressers' premises were registered and in no case was
it necessary to take legal proceedings.
17. POISONOUS BEADS
A B.B.C. programme in the West of England on 25th May, 1972 sparked off a
widespread concern over a somewhat unusual health hazard. It was revealed that certain
necklaces made from local products in Africa, Asia and Central America often contained
a brightly coloured pea grown in these areas. The pea known as Abrus Precatorius or
Rosary pea is a small orange/red oval object with a black patch at one end where it joins
the pod. They have for a very long time been used in rosaries and because of their bright
colour and high gloss have been incorporated in many links of beads or other souvenir
objects sold to tourists.
The anxiety was created by the realisation that the peas contain a poisonous alkaloid
— abrin. However it has now become clear that undamaged peas could be swallowed
with little risk as the outer coat is so hard that the peas escape disintegration and the
toxin is not freed. Taken intravenously or subcutaneously the poison is much more
dangerous although this is an unlikely circumstance. A more predictable risk lies in the
pea pierced for stringing in necklaces or other beaded objects which if chewed or sucked
could release some of the abrin into the system. As children and indeed wearers of necklaces
are often prone to suck such objects it was considered advisable for items containing
the offending pea to be destroyed with the owners' approval.
Some 35 objects were examined by the Health Department many of them received
through the Police. The majority were necklaces consisting of a variety of naturally
colourful peas or beans but included a beaded table mat and a brooch. One consignment
of approximately 100 necklaces were examined and all proved safe.
A total of 16 necklaces consisted wholly or in part of the Abrus Precatorius as did
the table mat and the brooch and in addition we received a specimen branch of the climbing
plant with peas in pod.
The remainder of the specimens proved harmless and were returned to their owners.
The advice of Dr. Polhill of the Kew Herbarium in this matter was much appreciated.
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