View report page

- 19 -
1,046 articles belonging to 16 persons were collected , laundered and
returned.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act. 1949
During the year, 271 complaints of infestation by rats or mice were
received and in most cases of rat infestation smoke tests of the drainage of the
premises affected were carried out by the rodent operatives under the supervision
of the Public Health Inspectors. Six notices under section 4 (1) of the Act were
served.
Systematic baiting and poisoning was carried out by the Rodent
Operatives, with satisfactory results.
In accordance with the suggestion of the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food, all sewers under the control of the Council were baited twice
during the year.
National Assistance Act, 1948
Under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, as amended
by the National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951, provision is made whereby a
court of summary jurisdiction may make an order for the removal of ill, infirm or
incapacitated persons who are not receiving proper care and attention.
During the year under review it was found necessary in one instance
to use the powers of the Act:-
This case was in respect of a woman aged 77 years, who
was infirm , physically incapacitated, being completely
incontinent, and who was in need of hospital treatment.
She refused to enter hospital voluntarily and, in her own
interests , there was no alternative but to apply for a removal
order which was granted by the Magistrate.
During the year 42 other cases of aged persons in need of care and
attention were brought to the notice of the Department. It was possible in a
number of these to provide necessary care for these old people in their own homes.
In other cases the old people were persuaded to enter a hospital or a home.