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42
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.—During the
year the Eats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, con¬tinued
in operation, the District Inspectors being
responsible for its administration in their respective
districts.
Section I places the responsibility of ridding the pre¬mises
of the pest upon the occupier, but this is somewhat
difficult when dealing with tenement houses containing
in some cases three or more families.
During the year several complaints were received with
regard to rat infestation of premises. In each case an
inspection was made and advice and instructions given.
A supply of poison was given where necessary and in most
cases satisfactory results have been obtained.
National Rat Week was held in November, as in previous
years. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
again urged local authorities to take action, and arrangements
were made for the baiting of the sewers, through
the agency of the Borough Engineer and Surveyor's
Department.
Fifty-six lbs. of rat poison was laid in sewer manholes.
The Borough Engineer and Surveyor reported that 80
per cent, of the poison had been taken.
PREMISES AND OCCUPATIONS WHICH CAN BE
CONTROLLED BY BYE-LAWS AND
REGULATIONS.
The following premises and occupations have been kept
under constant inspection throughout the year, and action
taken where found to be necessary:—
Fried Fish Vendors.
Milk Vendors.
Ice Cream Vendors.
Slaughterhouses.
Full particulars and remarks regarding these premises
are to be found in another part of the report.