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The overall picture continues to show improvement and few
qualms need be felt regarding local distribution with a record
showing 52 samples (73%) in grade 1, 15 samples (21%) in
grade 2 and only 4 samples (6%) in grade 3.
Factories and Workplaces. The number of inspections
made to premises registered under the Factories Act, 1937, was
102. Defects relating to sanitary conveniences, ventilation and
other sanitary matters were dealt with at 11 premises. The
table on page 52 gives details of action taken during the year.
Water Courses. Regular inspections were made of the
water courses in the district, particularly of the River Wan die,
and Beverley and Pyl Brooks for the purpose of detecting pollutions.
Two instances of pollution were discovered during the
year and appropriate action was taken.
Mosquitoes. A number of complaints were received from
residents and spraying of water courses and ditches was
carried out particularly in the vicinity of the Council's recreation
grounds and open spaces during the breeding season.
A large area of Morden Hall Park remained flooded during
the Spring and early Summer resulting in considerable breeding.
Difficulty is experienced in monthly spraying with D.D.T.
or phenol larvicides as the area is leased by the National Trust
for grazing and the area of flooding varies with the weather.
The most satisfactory method of control would be the raising of
the level of the Park and thus obviating the flooding, particularly
as there is some evidence that industrial users downstream are
damming back the river and thus contributing to the problem.
Rodent Control. 297 complaints of infestation were
received during the year and as a result of the inspections of
910 premises, 227 of them were found to be infested. The
control method recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture
was followed in every case and as a result of 3,640 secondary
visits 227 premises were freed from infestation.
A 10% test baiting of the Council's sewers was made and
228 manholes were included. The " take " was higher than last
year at 2.6% complete and 7.5% partial takes, but still low as
is to be expected in a comparatively recently developed area.
Two sewer treatments were carried out during the year. In the
second treatment part of Abbey Ward was treated, at the
request of the Ministry's London office, with bread mash and
arsenic, but with a complete absence of takes although previous
treatments with Zinc Phosphide had been successful.
A free service is provided for householders and has resulted
in a ready notification of infestations, which have been taken
early and quickly cleared. Most business premises employ their
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