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27
Methods employed for ensuring that the belongings of tenants
are free from vermin before removal to Council Houses.
Before any re-housing to Council Dwellings is put into effect, the
house and the contents are thoroughly inspected and if found to be
dirty or verminous, precautionary measures as previously stated are
put into effect, particularly in the case of purification of bedding and
furniture. The removal and destruction of dirty badly infested
bedding is insisted upon.
It is essential that continued efforts should be made to advise
methods of bug-proofing new houses. Wooden picture rails should
be abolished and the skirting boards replaced by a skirting of cement
and woodwork should be reduced to a minimum.
All work for the disinfestation of verminous premises is carried
out by the trained officers of the Department.
National Rat Week—November 7th to 12th, 1938.
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 7th to the 12th.
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—9,472.
A second inspection was made when it was found that 7,383 or
77.9% of the baits laid down had been taken.