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37
or may not be repeated. In exceptionally bad cases of infestation,
fumigation with certain proprietary compounds has been
used prior to spraying, but the former method has been found on
the whole to be most effective.
Fumigation with hydrogen-cyanide gas has not been
employed.
In the case of badly infested Council houses, where it has
been necessary to remove the woodwork, skirting-boards,
picture-rails and architraves, these have not been replaced, the
walls being made good with plaster and the skirting boards
replaced by plinths of " Keen's Cement."
(b) Fumigation of furniture of tenants prior to removal to
Council houses has not been carried out.
(c) The work of disinfestation is carried out by the Local
Authority. Insecticides are supplied free to persons making
application for same and every assistance is given to residents
troubled with these pests. In the giving of advice the special
point is stressed that, whatever action is taken by the Local
Authority in the way of disinfestation, the final factor in the
fight is the " careful housewife."
4. Schools.
The general hygiene and sanitation of the schools throughout
the area is very good and is dealt with in my Report on the
School Medical Service on page 62, as also is any action necessary
in relation to the health of the scholars and for preventing the
spread of infectious disease.
It was not found necessary to close any school, either
elementary or private, with a view to preventing the spread of
infectious disease.