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All baiting carried out by the Council's operatives is in
accordance with the procedure recommended by the
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The number of baits laid varies according to the size
of the premises and the extent of infestation.
The baiting of private houses was carried out without
charge to the occupier.
At the completion of the special scheme it was found unnecessary
to retain the services of three operatives, and
the number of operatives was reduced to two.
Sewers.—The baiting of the Council's sewers is undertaken
bi-annually by the Borough Engineer and Surveyor's
department as a routine measure of control. Additional
baiting of sewers is carried out at the request of the Public
Health Department where it is considered desirable. The
preparation of the baits is undertaken by the Public Health
Department.
Prosecutions.—Legal proceedings were instituted in one
instance during the year for failure to take reasonable
steps to keep premises free from rats. A fine of 40s. was
imposed.
Individual Infestations (excluding premises dealt with under
the special scheme).
Number of private houses baited free of charge 207
Number of business premises baited 38
Special Scheme.
Number of private houses baited 262
(60 per cent. of the cost to be borne by the
Ministry.)
Number of business premises baited 91
Total number of premises baited 598
Statutory Action under the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act,
1919.
Number of Statutory Notices served 17
Number of prosecutions 1