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Mr. Bryan also states that the supply is constant throughout,
that no water is supplied through standpipes, and that the water in
the District is not plumbo-solvent.
(ii) The Infestation Order, 1943.
. In the month of June a "Direction" order was served upon
Local Authorities by the Ministry of Food to ascertain the prevalence
of rats and mice in the district, and, accompanying the "Direction,"
were notes designed for the assistance of Authorities to enable them
to locate and determine major infestations. Special demonstrations
were also given for the same purpose. On completing the survey,
we found only 1 major infestation, and, as this was on agricultural
premises, the eradication was left to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Following the "Direction." the Ministry of Food undertook
propaganda by Press advertisement, and posters placed on Air-raid
Wardens' Posts, drawing attention to the menace of rats and mice,
and inviting the public to report the presence of rats. On receipt of
these reports, the Eat Catcher and the Sanitary Inspectors carried
out inspections, and, in addition to setting traps and bait, etc.,
advised occupiers how best to get rid of these vermin.
In the month of November, a second "Direction" was received,
asking Local Authorities to proceed with the necessary action for
the remedying of all infestation by rats and mice on land, as defined
by Acticles 1 and 5 (l)a of the Order, within the area- of the Council,
and this was dealt with in the appropriate manner.
(iii) Air-raid Precautions.
The work throughout the year has consisted for the most part
in the training of "directed" personnel in First-aid and Anti-gas
measures, and also the Ambulance personnel in driving and procedure.
Revision, has also been given to those who have previously
been trained. Outdoor exercises and tactical table exercises have
been held periodically, and the training has been designed to make
the personnel as much as possible interchangeable in their duties.
During the year, the First-aid Parties were absorbed into the
Rescue Service, as the work of the two services is complementary.
Towards the end of the year, arrangements were being made to
train the Food Treatment Squads in Decontamination in general,
and the Decontamination Squads in Food Treatment.