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Rodent Control. The main feature of the year was the
repeal of the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, and the
coming into force of the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act.
The appointment of an additional operator, full-time, with the
existing operator who is engaged 25% on disinfection, etc., allowed
the additional powers conferred by the Act to be put into full
operation.
A 10% test of the Council sewers was made and 355 manholes
were baited. Only 3.7% complete takes and 3.4% partial
takes of bait were recorded as was to be expected in a comparatively
recently developed area. Two poisoning treatments of
the sewers were done during the year.
A Free Service is provided for householders and the additional
publicity has resulted in an increased number of complaints
of rodent infestation or movement being made. This increase
is common to other districts and is only to be expected. Most
business premises employ their own contractor but in some cases,
treatments were carried out by the Department and charged for
on an agreed scale.
Smoke Abatement. A number of complaints were received
relating to excessive smoke emitting from certain factory chimneys.
49 observations were made and action taken to reduce
the emission of smoke although no legal nuisances were found
to exist.
Inspections of Cinemas and other Licensed Premises. Periodical
inspection of the two cinemas in the district and other licensed
premises was made during the year. All the sanitary conveniences
at these premises were inspected and found to be generally well
maintained.
Shops Acts, 1912—1936. The following statement summarises
the inspections made, the infringements discovered and
other matters dealt with during the year.
No. of Inspections :—Day Visits 355
Evening Visits —
Infringements: —
1. Evening closing hours —
2. Half-day closing 2
3. Hours of employment for young persons
4. Seats not provided for females 1
5. Prescribed notices not correct or exhibited 30
6. Sanitary arrangements unsatisfactory
7. Reasonable temperature not maintained
40