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76
RATS AND MICE (DESTRUCTION) ACT, 1919.
During the year much advice was given to persons
needing it and a few informal notices were served on
persons whose premises were found to harbour rats.
Special attention is given to the storing of refuse
from restaurants and food premises, a covered receptacle
being required in every case to prevent the
access of rats. In connection with rebuilding operations
in the Borough special attention has been given
to the sealing of disused drains at the junction of
sewer and drain. Unless this is done systematically a
blind drain results which affords a nesting place for
breeding rats.
CUSTOMS AND INLAND REVENUE ACTS.
No applications for certificates for exemption
from Inhabited House Duty were received during the
year.
RENT AND MORTGAGE INTEREST
RESTRICTIONS ACTS, 1920 and 1923.
During the year one application for a certificate
as to the state of repair of a house was received, and
it was granted.
WATER SUPPLY TO NEW HOUSES.
During the year 53 new houses were certified as
having a proper and sufficient water supply.
SMOKE PREVENTION.
During the year 16 formal observations of smoke
shafts were made, 6 complaints were received as to
smoke nuisances. In 3 cases black smoke was observed
in such quantity as to be a nuisance, and 3 Notices
were served ; in one case proceedings were instituted,
defendants being fined £2 and costs £3 3s. The law
as it stands at present does not prohibit the emission
of black smoke from private dwelling-houses; manufacturing
premises, therefore, mainly come under
control.