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57
Rat Repression.—The campaign against rats was continued throughout
the year; 31 specific complaints were investigated and steps taken to
destroy the vermin, and to remove the source from which they came.
In the week commencing 1st November a united attack was made
throughout the country.
Amongst other steps taken, hotels, restaurants, stores, &c., were circularised
asking for a special effort to be made and offering assistance.
The co-operation of the Highways Department was also invited, and
during the week 15,555 baits were laid in the Council's sewers and at the
various wharves used as dust shoots. All of the baits were taken, but
the actual number of dead rats seen was only 106. Probably the dead
bodies were carried away in the sewers, but in one instance the rats
escaped through a defective drain and died under the floor of a house
where they were subsequently found.
Smoke Prevention.
The following is a summary of the work done in connection with
smoke prevention:—
1920.
Complaints received ...
29
Observations taken
2,123
Notices issued—
Preliminary
87
Statutory ...
1
Summonses ...
There is still considerable difficulty in obtaining suitable fuel, and that
which has been supplied is frequently of low quality.
According to the Departmental Committee on Smoke and Noxious
Vapours Abatement, domestic chimneys contribute, at the least, 50 per
cent, of the total smoke nuisance, and at least 6 per cent, of the
bituminous coal burnt in domestic fireplaces escapes unconsumed into the
atmosphere as soot. The Committee state that for various reasons
domestic chimneys have hitherto been exempted from the legislation
which deals with the emission of black smoke from locomotives, manufactories
and trade processes and they add that in their final report
they will consider whether any legislation with regard to domestic
smoke should be recommended.
The damage to buildings caused by smoke is mainly due to the
sulphuric acids contained in the products of combustion, but it is pointed