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Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.
The Council continues to employ a full-time Rodent Operative
under the Scheme inaugurated by the Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries. Whilst there was no evidenceof major
infestations in the town, the Rodent Operative paid many calls
to deal with 120 minor infestations at private and business
premises in the town.
The initial treatment of sewers was carried out during the
year, and thereafter the first maintenance treatment. Prior to
the initial treatment all sewer manhole covers were loosened
and greased, and where necessary sludge deposits were removed
from benching and floors of the manholes.
The total number of manholes in Part 1 of the initial treatment
was 798, and of this number 429 showed complete or partial
takes. Part 2 of the initial treatment, which was undertaken four
weeks after the commencement of Part 1, consisted of the
re-treatment of all manholes which had shown takes. Of the 429
manholes re-treated in Part 2 only 145 showed takes. Generally
there was ample evidence of the effectiveness of the treatment
in the number of dead rats which were found at the Sewage
Disposal Works.
The first maintenance treatment was carried out in February,
1949, and of 499 manholes treated 15 per cent, showed complete
or partial takes.
Secton D.—HOUSING STATISTICS FOR THE
YEAR, 1918.
1. Number of Houses Erected during the Year.
(1) By the L.A. (permanent) traditional (including
flats) 206
(2) By the L.C.C. (permanent) traditional 337
(3) Cost of works re-buildings by local builders 143
(4) Cost of works re-buildings by Council 11
(5) By private enterprise 5
707
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