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(b) Notices
The number of notices served during the year totalled 3,734
of which 848 were statutory notices. The number of notices complied
within the same period was 3,145.
Complaints made to the Department with regard to sanitary
circumstances, disrepair, infestations, obstructed drains, etc.,
totalled 2,874.
(c) Rodent Control
The number of complaints received in respect of rat and mice
infestations totalled 229, and 291 premises were inspected in
detail. Of these one was found to have a major infestation of
rats, and 127 minor infestations were discovered. There were
also 45 major infestations of mice. In all cases appropriate
action was taken, but it was not found to be necessary in any
case to serve formal notice on owners or occupiers under the
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1951.
The Rodent Operative made 3,643 visits, and it is estimated
that 1,383 rats were destroyed. This, of course, is in addition
to the treatment of the main sewers carried out by personnel
of the Sewage Works.
(d) Disinfection and Disinfestatlon
It was found necessary or desirable to disinfect rooms and
their contents at 347 premises. In addition, 562 library books
and 6 gramophone records were disinfected. Steam disinfection
of bedding was carried out on 133 days of the year. It was
also found necessary to present certificates to the Health
Committee in respect of the filthy condition of 8 premises.
These were cleansed by the occupiers after service of formal
notices, and 2 certificates were presented to the Committee in
respect of articles in premises being in such a filthy and
verminous condition as to render their destruction necessary.
Removal of these articles and their subsequent destruction was
effected by the Department.
There continued to be a steady call on the services of the
Department in respect of disinfestation of premises for vermin,
but it is pleasing to record that such infestations still show
a marked decrease over the pre-war period. Insecticides having
a D.D.T. base are mostly in use and disinfestation was carried
out at 142 premises.
(e) Drainage
Complaints of choked or defective drains were received in
respect of 689 premises, and in practically all cases removal
of obstructions was carried out by the Council's Drain Cleaner.
Examinations and tests by smoke, colour or water were carried