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36
14. RODENT AND INSECT PEST CONTROL.
During the year under review„ the volume and character of the work
has been similar to that of previous years„ Householders still provide
harbourage for rodents in their gardens by hoarding old furniture.
perambulators and other rubbish. The Corporation have provided a service
for the removal of such articles - details given below„
The 54 vertical block control schemes yielded the usual proportion
of sewer and other defects. During the year 17 such defects were
responsible for rat infestations.
Rodent control in sewers is now carried out more economically by
treating more frequently known areas of persistent infeation in the
system,, The percentage method previously used has, by experience, been
preved to be unnecessary.
The pest control service provided on a contract basis to the
industrial and commercial interests in the town is appreciated and an
efficient and readily available control has been maintained. The
Authority’s service is held in esteem by the officers of the Ministry of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Pood. Colonial students and field officers
regularly spend part of their training in the Department. We on our
part readily acknowledge the co-operation of the officers of the Ministry,
particularly with regard to identification of unusual insects.
(The Borough Surveyor’s Department arrange for the free
collection of domestic rubbish, including perambulators,
etc., provided reasonable notice is given, and the
accumulation is not excessive„)