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DRAINAGE RECONSTRUCTION PLANS.—During the year 109 plans were submitted for drainage work to be executed
in existing buildings. In connection therewith 245 letters were despatched. No legal proceedings were taken on account
of failure to deposit plans or for carrying out work in contravention of the drainage bye-laws, but one case was reported
to the Committee, who directed the Town Clerk to send a cautionary letter. Plans were subsequently deposited, and
the work altered to conform with the Bye-laws.
RODENT CONTROL.—The number of complaints received of rats or mice was 350, 115 fewer than the number received
in 1946. The Borough Engineer and Surveyor was asked to carry out examinations of sewer connections in 257
instances, and a number of minor defects found were made good.
The Rat Extermination Service which was inaugurated in 1944, has fully justified its existence, and the old method
of dealing with each complaint individually has given place to the much more efficient method of dealing with houses
in the immediate neighbourhood at the same time, where conditions suggest that the rat infestation is not confined to a
particular house. The official "Block Scheme" approved by the Ministry of Food came to an end on 30th September,
and although it is not possible to furnish any estimate of the number of rats and mice killed, it is safe to say that the
poison baits taken indicate that the rat population in the areas dealt with was considerably reduced.
Charges for treatments at business premises are made in all cases; at private houses only where it is considered
reasonable to expect payment. The Public Health Committee authorised free treatment in 102 instances during the
year.