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30
Investigations show that back-yard poultry keepers
are responsible for the presence of rats in at least 90% of
the infested promises. The encouragement givon by the
Ministry of Pood to this forn of food production has added
considerably to the difficulties of rodent control, for it
is usually found that although the rats obtain food and
water where the poultry arc kept, they make their homes in
nearby gardens where no poultry are kept. This fact has
an unfortunate result in many cases, as the responsibility
for rat destruction falls upon the occupier of the premises
where the rodents are harbouring, and so it often happens
that an innocent party has to bear at least part of any
expense incurrod.
The Corporation undertakes the work of clearing infested
premises on behalf of occupiers and a charge, based on
time and materials, is made for the service. Although the
service has been self-supporting over a number of years it is
increasingly being felt that where tho cost is small, say not
exceeding 5/-, the service should be free to ratepayers.
The Ministry of Pood scheme of reimbursement of costs
incurred, however, does not at present permit free service.
The Corporation also undertakes large scale rat control
work for periods up to twelve months on business or other
premises in the town.
During 1944 a further course of sewer baiting was
carried out with good results. It was possible to do this
important work once only during the year, but the results
proved satisfactory. Similar baiting and gassing was
carried out on the refuse tips and part of the banks of the
Hogsmill River.
7. OTHER DUTIES.
The special war-time assistance of one kind or another
afforded to various government departments was continued.
Those included the certification of applications for permits
to purchase timber and other building materials, and the
issue of Certificates of Essentiality in respect of applications
for building work liconces.