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101
mises a suitable galvanised iron dust bin, 18 inches deep and 16
inches in diameter. These sizes may appear small, but when the
bins are full they are quite heavy enough for a man to lift from
the ground and throw the contents into the van. There is a
further advantage of a small bin ; it can be made of good material
and cost the same to produce as a large cheap bin. Further, a
large bin encourages some folks to place refuse into it that should
be burned. The Council contract to be supplied with a quantity
of bins (not less than 250) made to a carefully prepared specification,
and these are sold to owners of property at cost price and
in most cases are appreciated.
PETROLEUM AND EXPLOSIVES ACTS.
Licences are issued annually in respect of premises where
petroleum is stored for sale and where upwards of 60 gallons are
kept for private purposes. In every case the premises are inspected
and the provisions of the Act insisted upon. Very few
infringements are discovered. Licence holders are informed of
the requirements when they apply and invariably comply with
them. There are some 29 licensed premises for petroleum and 50
for the storage of explosives, which comprise mixed fireworks.
RAT EXTERMINATION.
The passing of the Rats and Mice Act, 1919, imposes a
duty upon the local authority to see that the provisions are carried
out. As far back as 1917 the Council entered into a contract with
a professional firm of rat-catchers to carry out the work of rat
destruction in certain rat-infected areas in the Borough. During
the last twelve months' contract this firm destroyed 2,584 rats.
The contract was renewed for a further year. In addition, the
Council have men who are adept rat catchers, and they devote
considerable time to the work. Rat traps and poisons are sold to
persons desiring such, and advice is always given to any enquirer.
The Chief Inspector is the Rat Officer for the Borough.
CINEMAS AND MUSIC HALLS.
The premises licensed for music, dancing and cinema performances
have been regularly inspected and special attention
given to overcrowding and to the prevention of standing in