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34
National Rat Week November 1st to 6th, 1937.
In conformity with the request of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries, the Local Authority co-operated in the measures
for the extermination of rats in the Borough during National Rat
Week which was held from November 1st to the 6th.
Prior to the commencement of Rat Week, the attention of all
householders was called to the provisions of the Rats and Mice
(Destruction) Act by the publication of posters throughout the
Borough setting out the provisions of the Act and the duties of
householders to keep their premises free from rats and mice.
Special workmen were employed during Rat Week in baiting
the sewers and rubbish dumps throughout the Borough. The
work done was as follows:—
No. of special rat baits laid down—10,274.
A second inspection was made when it was found that 8,072
or 78.6% of the baits laid down had been taken.
The baits consisted of Red Squill either in the form of Red
Squill Biscuit or bread soaked with the poison.
Many of the sewers and manholes throughout the Borough
revealed the presence of rats and certain defective conditions were
reported for attention and repair.
Five complaints of nuisance caused by rats were received from
householders during Rat Week.
The Public Health Department does not confine its attention
to the extermination of rats during one week in the year, repressive
measures being put into operation for the destruction of rats and
mice throughout the whole of the year.