View report page

42
importance of concerted efforts for the extermination of rats,
publicity to the campaign was given in the local press, while
special circulars were addressed to all likely to be affected, the
occupiers of infested premises being also asked to notify same to
the Public Health Department. In order to discover the efficiency
of different raticides, various preparations were employed in
different wards of the district. As a result, it was found that
liquid preparations entailed considerable trouble in preparation,
baits being not infrequently improperly laid, and that for all
practical purposes paste raticidcs were the more effective.
During the period 63 premises were treated with 848 baits,
737 of which were consumed. The occupiers of 24 premises
reported total clearance of rats, 26 an improvement, whilst in 13
instances there was no change.
(I) GENERAL HOUSING CONDITIONS IN THE
AREA.
It is with regret that I am unable to report any appreciable
improvement in the housing shortage. During the year no
houses were erected for letting purposes. A beginning was made
by the Authority during the year upon 59 houses, to be erected
on Eastbury Estate by direct labour. These may shortly be
ready for tenancy, and will, I hope, be immediately followed by
many more.
(II) OVERCROWDING.

Representing a population of 788.