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(c) Rat Extermination.—Special attention during the year has
been directed to the work of repression, and in October a
survey of the whole of the borough was commenced in
connection with the Ministry of Pood's (Infestation
Division) Private Dwellings (Special Scheme) for which
the Council's staff of rodent operators numbering three,
was increased by one. In addition, under the supervision
of the Sewage Works Manager, treatment of the sewers was
carried out.
From the data so far obtained from the survey the
number of premises found to be infested would appear to be
considerably below that obtaining in neighbouring
districts.
Many of the infestations found continue to arise from
defective drainage, which in the majority of cases could be
attributed to war damage.
In accordance with the policy laid down by the council,
no charge is made to the occupiers of private dwellings for
work carried out by the operators. This practice, together
with the continuous, active and progressive policy which
the Council has always pursued in regard to rodent control
work, is amply justified by the favourable results obtained.
During the year 34,691 visits were made by the rodent
operators and 3,064 rats destroyed.
(d) Legal Proceedings.—The following statement indicates the
legal proceedings undertaken during the year:—
Public Health Act 1936.—Cases withdrawn
(nuisance abated) 4
Food and Druqs Act 1938.—(Sample taken in
1945) 1
(e) Drainage.—During the year some 685 complaints were
received of "choked" drains. In all but a few instances
removal of the obstruction was expeditiously carried out
by the Council's drain cleaner. The exceptions were dealt
with either by the owners or by the Council in default of
the owners.