View report page

In connection with the importation and exportation of
animals, the Department has dealt with numerous enquiries,
licences, and notices of quarantine.
The Public Health (Meat) Regulations, 1924.— Careful alien
lion has been paid to the provisions of these Regulations and
I am pleased to report that no breach has been observed. In
several cases of doubt, advice has been sought and freely given.
The notice required when animals were to be slaughtered
was given in every case, thereby facilitating the examination
whilst killing was actually in progress.
When killing has taken place on Sunday, notice has usually
been received on the day preceding.
Rent (Restrictions) Acts. 1920 and 1923.— Under these Acts
live applications were received from occupiers of premises requesting
that inspections be made, as in their opinion the
owners had failed in their obligations. In each case, a complete
survey of the house, both internal and external was made, and
a notice prepared specifying the works to be executed in order
to make the premises in all respects reasonably fit for human
habitation.
The applications were submitted to the Committee, together
with a report as to the conditions existing, and in each case
the issuing of a certificate was authorised. In two cases the
certificates were subsequently issued as the work required to
be done had not been satisfactorily executed.
In one case where a Certificate had been issued to the
tenants the owner had the necessary work executed and then
applied for a Certificate that the premises were, at that time,
in a reasonable state of repair. After considering the report,
the Local Authority granted the Certificate.
I would point out that in all these cases it is most essential
that the inspections and reports are very carefully made and
prepared in order that clear evidence may be given should the
case be the subject of legal proceedings.
Water Supply.— The water supply was withdrawn from 15
houses during the year for the following reasons:—10 by
request, 20 owing to arrears of rates, and 15 for other reasons.
Employment Agencies.— In October 1925, the Public Health
Committee considered and agreed to the suggestion of the Watch
and Fire Brigade Committee, that I should undertake the
duties in connection with Female Domestic Servants Registries,
and I was, accordingly, appointed the Officer.
27