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58
One of the first difficulties met with was how to create
public interest in the subject. It is seldom that an individual
house or building is affected and so it is advisable to deal
with areas rather than with single buildings. Occupiers
of premises adjacent to those where rats have actually been
seen usually deny any responsibility, and appear reluctant
to take an active part in rat prevention work, even although
it is their duty to do so. However, when premises are
known to be troubled by rats, etc. notices are served not
only on the occupier of those premises but upon neighbouring
occupiers also. By this means some attempt at concerted
action is made possible.
During National Rat Week, November 4th—9th, 1935,
a special effort was made to arouse public interest in the
subject. Special posters were exhibited throughout the
town and handbills were distributed. A lantern lecture
was given at the Public Library which was fairly well
attended and the managers of the local theatres etc., cooperated
by showing slides drawing attention to the subject.
It is difficult to say what effect these special efforts
had. There were many applications for visits and advice
and there can be no doubt that public interest was aroused,
for the time being at any rate. It remains to discover
some method of maintaining the interest throughout the
year and not for one week only.
During 1935, 157 visits were made in connection with
rats and mice destruction.
An arrangement has been made by your Council
whereby residents may obtain the services of a skilled rat
catcher upon payment of reasonable fees. This fact is
not so well known as it should be, as there is a distinct
advantage in employing a rat catcher working under official
supervision.