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This work involves a considerable amount of work as the Officers
have to act as enquiry agents in their endeavours to trace the history
of deceased persons and the possibility of surviving relatives.
In the absence of any legitimate claimant to valuables or money
found, the matter is referred to the Treasury Solicitor. In one case in
1953, a man who had lived in the most abject poverty and loneliness,
left scattered thoughout his dwelling, moneys amounting to several
hundred pounds which was eventually passed to the Treasury Solicitor.
Rat and Mouse Infestation.
The free service given for the extermination of rats and mice in
domestic properties has continued throughout the year and it has again
been necessary to exercise continual care to control the nuisance which
remains widespread.
Altogether, 642 complaints were received during the year.
Most of the complaints relate to very minor infestations of rats or
mice, and of the total number of cases investigated, only 32 related to
what may be called major infestations, i.e. infestations of large numbers
of rats or mice causing a nuisance.
Included in the figures given are complaints relating to business
premises and altogether 57 such premises were serviced and in these
cases, accounts were submitted for £107 8s. Od.
During the course of their work, the Rodent Operators paid 5,171
visits to 1,254 premises and there is no doubt that the service given is
one which is particularly welcomed by the residential population.
During 1953, the sewers of the Town have been baited and poisoned
on two occasions, and I am able to report that the infestation below
ground is still kept at a minimum.
My thanks are due to the members of the Public Health Staff who
have worked with me so loyally during the year under review.
G. A. WEBBER,
Chief Sanitary Inspector.
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