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22
Further details as to the source of supply, and the process of
treatment are given in my Report for the Year, 1944.
In addition to the above analyses, samples of water have again
been taken monthly from different premises in the district by the
Sanitary Inspectors. These were submitted for Chemical" and
Bacteriological Analyses, and the results have confirmed the findings
of the Waterworks Company.
(ii) The Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.
During this year, we were somewhat handicapped in our investigations
in connection with the destruction of these vermin, by
reason of the fact that the Rat Catcher resigned his duties, and
thus threw an extra burden on the already depleted Sanitary
Inspector's staff. However, the two remaining Sanitary Inspectors
did their best, under the circumstances, to deal with as many ,
complaints as they could. At the latter part of the year we did
obtain the services of another Rat Catcher, and it is now hoped that
this work will proceed as satisfactorily as in the past. The new
Rat Catcher is being trained in the methods of pre-baiting, and
poison baiting, as recommended by the Infestation Branch of the
Ministry of Food.
Also, at the latter part of the year, the Borough Surveyor
commenced the works in connection with disinfestation of the sewers.
This was in consequence of an earlier test baiting, which
revealed varying densities of rat infestation in different parts of
the Borough. Unpoisoned bait is now placed in each foul sewer
manhole in a particular section of the Borough on each of four
consecutive days, and, on the fifth day, poison is added to the bait.
By the end of the year, the number of rats affected by the poisoning
were not known, but observations indicated some cases of
neither the bait nor poison being taken, whilst in other instances
there was slight evidence of amounts being removed, and, in other
cases of large quantities having been taken.
(iii) Infestation.
This work continues as before. There are still very few cases
of Lice infestation. When found, suitable cleansing of the person,
and disinfestation, or destruction of clothing and bedding has been
arranged. There has been a decided reduction in the number of
cases of Scabies brought to our notice.
(iv) Evacuation.
During the first half of the year arrangements were still being
made for the evacuation of expectant mothers, who wished to be
evacuated during the last month of pregnancy. After this period,
those arrangements terminated.