View report page

103
lation extending the public health expression "nuisance"
to cover such evils it is difficult to take any useful
action.
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,
138 tins of treated biscuits axid 31 bottles of Squill
being issued in this way.
In some portions of the district, more particularly
in the neighbourhood of railway arches and similar convenient.
breeding places, there is considerable nuisance
from rats. In the circumstances, a special anti-rat campaign
was organised by poster and circular, in addition
to the national campaign in November.
During "Rat Week" 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.
OFFENSIVE MATTER.
During the summer months, the inspectors keep
special observation to see that offensive matter is not
conveyed through the streets during hours prohibited
by the by-laws. Legal proceedings were not necessary
in any instance during the year.
OFFENSIVE TRADES.
During the year, one offensive trade, that of a
Fur-skin Dresser, was carried on at 74, Florida Street.
3 inspections were madcj at these premises. Poultry
slaughtering, an offensive trade also, is dealt with elsewhere
in this report.
RAG-FLOCK ACT, 1911.
Twenty-five formal samples of rag-flock were taken
during the year, and in 2 cases the amount of chlorine