View report page

162
chemical poisons, such as Barium Carbonate, Strychnia in the form
of Battle's vermin-killer, Arsenic and Phosphor paste.
That a register should be kept of rats destroyed, found sick and
dead, with other particulars. That precautions should be taken in
the handling of dead rats suspected to be affected by plague.
That dead rats should be collected and cremated by the officials
of the Public Health Department.
That there should be increased vigilance in the removal of refuse
for destruction from the neighbourhood of houses.
That there should be more frequent scavenging, and attention
given to the remedying of defective drains, so as to render as far as
possible houses rat-proof.
That food should be stored in a safe, and that the verminous
condition of rooms should receive much more attention than is
usually the case, for the destruction of bugs and fleas.
Dr. Reece brought to my notice the necessity of early recognition
of cases of Plague, and advised that a circular be sent to all medical
practitioners in the borough asking them to co-operate in the
movement, especially by prompt notification of suspicious cases.
That the Officers of the Local government Board would be
glad to assist when called upon.
I have brought the matter to the notice of the inspectors and
have circularised the wharfingers to provide me with information.
The Food Inspector is making inquiries on the river bank, and
the ward inspectors are visiting houses where rats are likely to be
found. I am also directing that more verminous bedding should be
disinfected, and I would advise that, where it is necessary to destroy
bedding, beds of chaff should be given in exchange. This would be
a comparatively inexpensive way of promoting cleanliness.
I do not advise at present any increase in the staff.
The following instructions have been given to the Sanitary
Inspectors:—