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64
RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION ACT, 1919.
Propaganda, before and during Rat Week, 1937, was
intensified. In addition to the usual procedure being followed,
such as displaying of large and small posters issued
by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the distribution
of official leaflets and pamphlets and the insertion of
special notices in the local press, an effort was made to
ensure that householders, in districts where bad rat infestations
were known to exist, were correctly informed of the
best methods of exterminating this pest. A Corporation
employee visited the houses in these districts, distributing
matter relative to the destruction of rats and mice, and.
when possible, personally inviting the householders to take
advantage of the facilities offered them during Rat Week.
The window space of a vacant shop, centrally situated,
w as used during Rat Week for an exhibition of stuffed rats,
rat poison products, and propaganda matter, and this
attracted a deal of attention.
As in the past the co-operation of the local chemists
was invited and favourable reports have since been received
(oncerning their sales of poison, etc.
The Borough Engineer arranged for baiting of the
sewers and other parts of the Council's property where
there was likelihood of harbourage for rats, and also displayed
posters on the refuse collection and various other
vehicles owned by the Local Authority.
Although the weather was unfavourable for the
greater part of the week, the response from the public was
much more gratifying than in previous years, and we may
note with satisfaction a record in the number of private
householders who applied for free poison. On the other
hand the tradesmen did not respond to the appeal made
during Rat Week, as one would expect, especially bavin"
regard to the damage done to stock by rats. In thisrespect
there is a definite lack of interest considering the
large number of trade premises in the Borough; while a
minority seriously endeavour to exterminate the pests the
majority appear to regard any effort made in this direct
as a waste of time,