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22
Pollution of the atmosphere by smoke from dieselengined
vehicles continued unabated, from observation in
this district it seemed that a high proportion of such vehicles
emitted smoke at some time. Instances where continuous
emissions were observed, were brought to the attention of
vehicle operators. In many cases co-operation was forthcoming
and steps taken to improve the position, but why
was it necessary to wait for someone to protest before
taking action? It is felt that the quality of the routine
maintenance may be at least partly to blame. Fortunately
there are signs that the public are beginning to register
objection to this nuisance.
Noise Abatement
The Noise Abatement Act, 1960 came into operation
on the 27th November, 1960. It provides that noise or
vibration which is a nuisance shall be a statutory nuisance
for the purposes of the Public Health Act, 1936 and restricts
the operation on highways etc. of loudspeakers.
The use of loudspeakers by vendors of certain foodstuffs,
for example, ice cream, is permitted, subject to conditions,
between the hours of noon and seven o'clock in
the evening. The Clerk to the Council took three successful
prosecutions against ice cream vendors for contravening
the Act's requirements.
Rodent Control
The control of rat and mice infestations in accordance
with the methods advocated by the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food was continued. The Council's refuse
tip was kept under regular observation and any sign of
rat activity dealt with immediately. It was not considered
necessary to test bait the public sewers.
Complaints received of infestations numbered 150 and
these, together with cases discovered by members of the
staff, involved the inspection of 899 premises. Rat infestations
were found at 202 premises and mice infestations at
30 premises. 216 treatments were undertaken by the department,
a further 16 being carried out by the occupiers.
For treatments carried out by this department on behalf
of occupiers, a standard charge of five shillings was made
in the case of private dwellings and the full cost of treatment
was recovered in the case of business premises. In
certain cases of hardship the standard charge was waived.
Where the occupiers elected to carry out the treatment
themselves, advice and supervision was given to ensure that
the treatment was effective.