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Apart from the financial saving above indicated, I am satisfied that the
re-allocation of duties as outlined has proved of considerable benefit to the
Council and the Public Health Service generally. The work of disinfection
and disinfestation has been carried out with greater economy and more
efficiently than previously, and a greater measure of control has been
exercised over the collection and destruction of food condemned by the
Sanitary Inspectors, so that there is now no possible loophole through which
such food may again reach the consumer. A nucleus of labour has been made
available to supervise proper maintenance of stores, poisoned baits, etc.,
and as a result there has been an overall improvement in the condition of
equipment, ensuring longer life and further economy.
Recommendations.
I recommend that the present arrangements continue, and that the third
post of rodent operative/handyman be included in the Council's permanent
establishment.
The Town Council at their meeting on 29th April, 1954, agreed to my
recommendation.
Work carried out during 1954.
551 Complaints relating to infestation by rats and mice were investigated
by the Health Department Staff; 544 private houses and 70 business
premises were dealt with. The total number of visits, in connection with
these investigations and subsequent disinfestation work, amounted to 4,435.
Sewer Treatment.
The Council's Sewers were baited in June and December 1954. Each
treatment was of four to five weeks duration, involving some 1,265 manholes,
each of which was baited on three successive days. The percentage "takes"
were : June 65.5 per cent., December 44.3 per cent.
Statistics.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949.
Complaints received and investigated 551
Premises not treated (not genuine infestation) 12