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111
RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION ACT, 1919.
INFESTATION ORDER, 1943.
During the year 997 complaints were received of rat or mice
infestation. The Department had the assistance up to June of a
number of temporary ratcatchers, but the advent of the "flying
bomb" caused the withdrawal of this labour. Of these 997
complaints the presence of rodents was confirmed in 583 cases
and action was taken as under:—
194 dealt with by Sanitary Inspectors advising occupiers.
389 dealt with by Ratcatchers, by trapping and poisoning.
The above action resulted in the estimated destruction of
7,269 rats and mice and the number of infestations cleared was
344.
The number of visits made by the Sanitary Inspectors and
Ratcatchers to investigate complaints, advise and follow up was
3,723 to private houses and 1,260 to shops.
Sewers in the town were baited with good results, the total
number of rats destroyed therein being 2,274.
DECONTAMINATION OF CIVILIAN CLOTHING AFFECTED
WITH WAR GASES.
The Chief Sanitary Inspector is the appointed Officer.
Arrangements have been made with six large laundries to deal
with affected clothing should the necessity arise. Special plant
has been fitted at each of these laundries and the personnel Have
received training in methods of decontamination and personal
protection, by the staff of the department.
FOOD SUPPLY.
The supervision and inspection of the food supplies is carried
out by the 12 Sanitary Inspectors who are all qualified in food
inspection.