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23
PUBLIC HEALTH.
Rats.
It was not until the early part of the year that it was possible to start
the treatment of the soil and surface water sewers of the district.
The number of " takes " (i.e. bait removed by rats) showed, however,
that the sewers are practically free of vermin and in consequence treatment
over the entire area was not carried out. Test baiting to the satisfaction
of the Rodent Division of the Ministry concerned was completed, and
periodical baiting in various districts will be undertaken from time to time.
The regular treatment of watercourses, refuse tips and sites known
to be likely breeding areas was continued throughout the year, and 734
complaints of rats were investigated and dealt with. Most of these were
from premises where poultry or ducks are kept, some from factories and
business premises. No major infestation was found and the complaints
received give no indication of any one part of the district being more
especially affected.
Factories Act, 1947.
The local authority has a duty to see to the cleanliness, crowding,
temperature, and ventilation and drainage of floors of certain factories.
There are 114 of these in this district, to which 88 visits of inspection were
made. There are 422 factories in which the local authority has to see
that there are sufficient and suitable sanitary conveniences properly
maintained. To these factories, 104 visits were paid. In 14 instances,
defects were found. In six cases these were want of cleanliness of the
premises. The other eight related to the sanitary conveniences, which
were insufficient in one case, unsuitable and defective in six and not
separate for the sexes in one. Written notices were served in 14 instances ;
in 13 the unsatisfactory state had been remedied by the end of the year.
Notice had been received of 124 outworkers in the district. 84
of these were engaged in the making of wearing apparel, 16 of artificial
flowers.
FOOD.
Inspection and Supervision.
During the year 2,341 visits were made to food shops, cafes and other
establishments concerned with the preparation, retailing or distribution of
food.
Many of them were at the request of traders to inspect food considered
by them to be unfit for human consumption. As a result large quantities
were collected and disposed of by the Cleansing Department or the
Salvage Division of the Ministry of Food. The procedure of disposal
varies with the quantity and nature of the commodity involved, but
whenever possible, such food is used for animal feeding.
The inspections made of food shops and other establishments at
which food is prepared or stored showed many to be in need of renovation.
Difficulties in obtaining the necessary building licences have prevented
many of these premises being satisfactorily dealt with. Applications
submitted, even if supported by this department, and in spite of work
being required to bring the premises to a standard necessary to comply
with the Food & Drugs Act, have unfortunately been considerably delayed.
The position now, however, is improving.