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45
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.
During the year 129 complaints were received with reference to nuisances caused by
premises being infested by rats. Steps were taken by the service of notices on owners or
occupiers, by the testing of drains, and other necessary measures to abate the nuisance.
Rat Week.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries issued a Circular stating that this year's
" Rat Week" would commence on Monday, 2nd November, and urging upon all local authorities
responsible for the execution and enforcement of the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act,
1919, the desirability of making a special effort during that week to secure concerted action
with a view to the destruction of rats and mice.
As in previous years, printed circulars on the subject and recipes for suitable poisons
were sent to the occupiers of premises peculiarly liable, owing to the nature of the business
carried on therein, to infestation by rats, and chemists' shops and stores were requested to
stock, exhibit or advertise suitable rat poisons, traps, etc.
Refuse Collection and Disposal.
A.—A weekly collection is made in all parts of the Borough with the exception of
Wards 2 and 6, in which a collection is made twice weekty during the summer
months, and daily collections before 10 a.m. in prescribed main streets. Additional
collections are also given to flats, eating houses, etc.
The use of Pagefield lorries and containers, first introduced in 1925, has very much
facilitated this work.
B.—The methods of refuse disposal are :—
(a) By combustion in the Destructor.
(b) Removal to the country by rail.