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93
SMOKE NUISANCE.
During the year, 4 formal observations of smoke
shafts were made, and 2 notices were served in respect
of nuisances.
The Public Health (Smoke Abatement) Act, 1926,
which came into force on the 1st July, 1927, made
some slight alterations in the law with regard to smoke
nuisances, and provided for the making of by - laws
which, when framed and in operation, may lead to some
improvement in this matter. The real difficulty, however,
is the continued use of untreated coal for domestic
and industrial uses alike.
RATS AND MICE (DESTRUCTION) ACT, 1919.
No formal notices were served under the Act during
the year. A number of complaints as to rat infestation
have been investigated and dealt with and occupiers
of premises have been advised in the matter. Poor
occupiers have been assisted by the supply of rat poison,
146 tins of treated biscuits and 86 bottles of Squill
being issued in this way. The investigation of rat
complaints has in many cases led to the discovery and
repair of defective drains. During the early part of
November the Clayton Disinfecting apparatus, jointly
owned by the Works and the Public Health Committees,
was brought into use, and the sewers in certain streets
were thoroughly cleared of rats.
STORAGE AND COLLECTION OF
HOUSE REFUSE.
Steps have been taken during the past year or two
to secure the substitution of proper covered dustbins
in place of the open dustpails which were formerly in
common use in the Borough. I regret that in some of