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24.
SANITARY INSPECTION OP THE AREA
During the twelve month period under review 1,012 complaints were
received and are summarised in Appendix "A". In addition it is
estimated that some 1,800 members of the public, including builders,
trade representatives, etc., were interviewed on health matters.
The number of complaints from the public may be directly related
to the time spent on the district by the Inspectors since it is a fact
that many people, particularly younger tenants, are quite unaware until
they are visited by the Inspector that they have any legal right to ask
the landlord to carry out essential repairs to the property.
During 1963 the Department was fortunate in being fully staffed
and it is evident from the reports on the various activities that we
were able to widen public health control. 10,672 visits were made and
are summarised in Appendix "B".
Most of the improvements effected following these visits were
carried out willingly on the advice of the Inspectorate. Only rarely
did matters have to be reported to the Council for authorisation of
statutory action.
Rodent and Pest Control
208 complaints of rat and mice infestations were received and
1,126 visits were made in carrying out treatment at 655 premises.
In addition, poisoned baits were placed in the sewers in the known areas
of infestation.
6 complaints were made of nuisance from pigeons which resulted in
considerable work. A trap was made and proved successful in some
instances, although there were difficulties such as bird loving ladies
surreptitiously releasing the pigeons and luring them away from the trap
by attractive but "unofficial" meals.
Eventually the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food authorised
the use of narcotics. Grain is soaked in Alpha-Chloralose and is put
out under careful supervision for the birds in the early morning. The
treatment is quite painless and humane as the birds just fall into a
sleep which lasts a few hours. The R.S.P.C.A. come along to see fair
play. Birds who are "under the influence" are picked up and any that
are identifiable are allowed to wake up and are then taken to a local
pigeon club whose members return them to their owners. 32 pigeons
were caught in all.
32 wasp nests were destroyed and many other insect infestations
were eradicated.