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Considerable attention has been given by this Department to
the eradication of rats, which nest in the banks of the streams, as it
is considered that such settlements might serve as a "reservoir" for
vermin which may then infest adjoining properties.
Close watch is kept on the streams for signs of pollution and
a total of 159 visits have been made to rivers and streams.
FLOODING.
The year was exceptional from the point of view of periods of
intense rainfall. The Engineer and Surveyor informs me that as
late as Easter, there was a fairly heavy fall of snow, and a rapid
thaw followed by rain caused flooding in gardens, in private
secondary accesses, in undrained footpaths and even in a number
of streets where the sewers were surcharged. The rain gauge
recorded 1.37 inches in 24 hours.
For the remainder of the year, rainfall exceeded half an inch
on the following dates:—
3rd June 0.75 ins. 10th June 0.74 ins.
11th June 0.56 ins. 27th June 1.40 ins.
20th July 0.51 ins. 12th August 1.02 ins.
22nd August 1.10 ins. 25th August 0.67 ins.
(between 2.0 and 2.35 p.m.)
28th August 0.67 ins. 20th September 0.86 ins.
5th September 3.5 ins.
(between 7.30 and 10.0 p.m.)
21st September 0.51 ins. 24th September 0.70 ins.
18th October 0.76 ins. 2nd November 1.39 ins.
In certain low lying districts flooding from surface water
occurred especially during the night of 5th September. Some of
this was contaminated by sewage and found its way into buildings,
flooding the sub-floor spaces.
In conjunction with the Engineer and Surveyor such emergency
measures as were possible were put in hand. Drains and sewers,
choked with silt or damaged, were freed and slaked lime was
distributed to those who had suffered from flooding, for use as a
disinfectant and de-odorant. It was found that householders
rapidly set about the work of clearing away debris and drying out
premises and furnishings.
In a few cases an objectionable smell developed which could
not be removed by the limited scattering of lime in the sub-floor
space. In eleven instances floor boards were lifted and the
sub-floor concrete treated with a mixture containing chloride of
lime, by the Engineer's staff, under the direction of the Public
Health Inspectors.