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10
Rat Destruction.
In accordance with the Direction made by the Ministry of
Food pursuant to the Infestation Order, 1943, an inspection of the
district was carried out to prepare a list of infestations and to
classify them into three categories (a) "Reservoir" type, (b)
" Major Primary " type and (c) " Minor Secondary " type.
It was found after a careful and detailed examination of all
places suspected of being infested, and after full inquiries together
with a thorough investigation of all complaints, there were no
" Reservoir " or " Major Primary " types of infestation and that
all the infestations discovered could be classified under the
" Minor Secondary " type,—"small infestations intermittent in
character and with little real permanence."
Steps were then taken to deal with all infestations in the area
by visiting infested land and premises, interviewing occupiers,
advising them of the most suitable methods of destruction and
supervising the efforts made. Many cases were referred to the
County Pests Officer to deal with under the Rats and Mice Destruction
Act, and I wish to acknowledge the cordial co-operation and
assistance given by Mr. Sharp and his Staff, as a result of which
all subsequent complaints received were promptly and efficiently
dealt with.
The survey was carried out well within the time fixed, and a
detailed report of the results was submitted to the Ministry as
requested by them.
Overcrowding.
At the end of the year there were 14 known cases of overcrowding,
judged according to the standard in the 5th schedule of
the Housing Act, 1936. One particularly bad case (6 persons
living in one room) was abated by requisitioning a house which
the owner, a large property owner, very kindly offered to me
during a conversation on other matters. This was accepted with
thanks, the house was requisitioned with the consent of the Ministry
of Health and after certain minor repairs were carried ,out by the
Rehousing Department the family were transferred there.
Most of the cases have become overcrowded by the children
in the house growing older and by increases in the family. Under
the Housing Act standard, (where two children under 10 count
as 1) a family may become overcrowded, even though the number
of persons remains the same, by reason of the children reaching
the age of 10. Five are old cases all caused by a large family
occupying a house too small, or with insufficient sleeping accommodation
.