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39
The District Sanitary Inspectors have been authorised to act
as the responsible officers for carrying out the purposes of the Act.
During the year 217 Shops Act inspections were made and
37 notices were served and complied with.
One exemption certificate was granted in respect of a lock-up
shop where sanitary arrangements were absent but found to be
otherwise conveniently available.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.
The Sanitary Inspectors are the rat officers appointed by the
Council under the Act, and complaints as to infestation with rats
brought to their notice are investigated, and advice and assistance
given where necessary.
The number of complaints of rat and mice infestation received
during the year was 52, as compared with 66 the previous year. On
six occasions drains were exposed to trace rats. In addition, poison
baits were laid down, and 11 Notices served. It is found in this
borough that the best local measure of rat control is the replacement
of old and defective drainage systems by those of modern type. This
work of replacement is continually in progress, and the necessary
supervision forms an important part of the duties of the Inspectors.
Defective airbricks are a very frequent cause of rat infestation
of individual houses by stray rats, especially in the breeding season.
Householders should pay particular attention to the condition of all
air-gratings.
A supply of the Ministry of Agriculture's Leaflets is kept in the
Public Health Department for distribution to those seeking advice
as to measures to be taken to destroy rats.
RAG FLOCK ACTS, 1911 and 1928.
There are no premises in the Borough on which rag flock is
manufactured, used or sold.