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fear is not the exclusive possession of women and children,
for men, who have been regarded as 'strong' have been known
to re-act with equal speed to the presence of one rat.
It is routine practice in all investigations of rodent
infestation to check up on possible drainage or sewer defects.
Frequently, the cause of the infestation is found to be the
misplacement of the cap which should seal the 'rodding arm'
of intercepting traps on the drainage system, thus allowing
rodents to pass from the sewer into the house drain, or
vice versa.
It was the recurring infestations by rats around a
block of new flats which first revealed the existence of
defects in the drainage system® Further investigations showed
these defects to be serious in extent.
The borough is completely free of any major infestation
by rodents. With the day-by-day system of visiting and
inspection it is virtually impossible for a minor infestation
to develop and to assume serious proportions. In fact,
many of the visits made have as their object confirmation
of the absence of rodents, In this way, business houses
have at their disposal an organisation which ensures, so far
as it is possible to do so, freedom from any large scale
infestations.
Much good work of a research character has been carried
out by Central Departments into the habits of the rodent
population, and more especially with regard to the use of
sewers and drains by rodents. One of the first of such investigations
was carried out in Kingston some years ago jointly
with this Corporation. The Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries is continuing this valuable work and their officers
are always ready to consult with, and to advise local
authorities. In pursuance of the programme for sewer treatment,
the work was continued throughout 1950. Approximately 400
sewer manholes were baited with good results. There can be
little doubt that in an old borough such as Kingston, many
old disused drains remain underground. These conduits afford
ready means of transit for rats where the pipes have not been
properly sealed off, and the open ends of the pipes are
frequently found to be connected with rat runs on the ground
surface.
Any defects which may be found in sewers or manholes
during the course of the work are reported to the Borough
Surveyor for attention.