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district during the past ten years, and are modern and up-todate
office buildings. Seven inspections were made at offices
during the year but no conditions were found to exist which
called for action under the provisions of the Public Health Act,
1936. So far as is known, there are no offices in the district
where clerical workers are employed under conditions prejudicial
to health.
Smoke Abatement. During the year 62 observations were
made of factory chimneys for the purpose of prevention or detection
of " Smoke Nuisances." At three factories smoke was
found to be emitted in excessive quantities and at one factory
a nuisance from the emission of grit was discovered. Notices
to abate the nuisances were served in three instances and in
each case the necessary improvements were carried out to
prevent further nuisances. At one factory additional boiler
plant was installed. A bye-law regulating the emission of
smoke was adopted by the Council in 1930.
Burning of Trade Refuse. Numerous complaints have
been received during the past three years relating to the burning
of trade refuse in the yards and passages of adjoining shop
premises and in order to secure more effective control in this
matter the Council adopted a byelaw in December, 1938, prescribing
the times and days of the week that trade refuse may
be burned.
Rats and Mice Destruction. The Rats and Mice
Destruction Act, 1919, is administered by the Council, the
Surrey County Council having delegated their powers to the
local authority. The number of premises found to be ratinfested
was 51 and a total of 319 inspections were made
during the year.
The action taken during "Rat Week" followed the same
lines as in previous years. "Red Squill" rat biscuits are kept
in stock in the Department and are sold to ratepayers at cost
price.
Pollution of Watercourses. The number of inspections
made of watercourses and ditches was 97. Pollutions of the
Beverley Brook by sewage effluent and of the Pickle Brook by
trade effluent were investigated during the year. In both
instances the pollution occurred outside the boundaries of this
district and representations were made to the responsible
local authorities to secure improvements in the standard of
effluents discharged into these two watercourses. A number
of samples were taken from watercourses, and one submitted
for chemical analysis failed to comply with the suggested
standard recommended by the Royal Commission on Sewage
Disposal.
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