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88
supply of rat poison, 53 tins and 23 packets of
treated biscuits and 8 bottles of Squill being issued
in this way.
The systematic measures for rat destruction for
one week every three months continued during the
year, and the following statistics illustrate the
measurable results :
Baits laid (in 300 manholes) 17,304
Baits missing15,866
Percentage of baits missing 92
Other methods of destruction carried out on an
experimental scale have been as follows :—
Rats killed
Breakback traps 227
Dustbin traps 236
Cage traps 42
In the absence of scientific methods applied on
a large scale, it may be doubted whether our present
efforts very materially affect the rat population.
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
during the year.
OFFENSIVE TRADES.
During the year, one offensive trade, that of a
Fur-skin Dresser, was carried on at 74, Florida
Street. 4 inspections were made at these premises,
and 1 sanitary notice was served. Poultry slaughtering,
an offensive trade also, is dealt with elsewhere
in this report.