View report page

30
As in the previous years, the Council's sewers were effectively
treated for sewer rat during the months of March and
September.
The display of Ministry of Agriculture Rodent films at
the Health Exhibition attracted large audiences—systematic
rodent destruction being successfully demonstrated.
E(5)m Pest Control
Infestations by ants, wasps, bettles, silverfish, crickets, etc.,
though not statutory nuisances, are apt to cause occupiers
much discomfort and distress, and a disinfestation service is
available to the public in this regard. The charge incurred
includes the cost of materials used together with charge
apportionment of the operatives' time devoted to the service.
During the year, two dwellings were found to be infested
by pest larvae of obscure origin, causing much material damage
to wool, fur and textiles, the larvae being subsequently authoratively
identified as Anthrenus Verbasci Linnaeus or carpet
beetle. Successful disinfestation was effected by liberal dusting
with Paradichlorbenzene crystals which quickly immobilized
the larvae.
E (5)n Offensive Trades
In addition to the ordinary statutory offensive trades which
are specified in Section 107 Public Health Act, 1936, fish
frying was declared to be an offensive trade on 17th March,
1939 and bye-laws were made accordingly.
Within the Borough, there are no offensive trades other
than those of fish frying, and of these premises there are 14.
In the early part of the year, fried fish and chips were
retailed from 2 mobile vans operating generally in the Borough.
This contingency is not provided for by section 13 Food and
Drugs Act, 1938 and in the absence of the necessary statute,
control, commensurate with that of fish frying premises, was
difficult, but notwithstanding such defection, a high standard
of hygiene was achieved on the vehicles. The mobile retailing
of this food commodity however, was of short duration,
possibly due to economic reasons, and it is unfortunate that
the vendors did not accept the advice and views of sanitary
inspectors before embarking upon this new venture in food
trading.