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22
tions, between the hours of noon and seven o'clock in the
evening.
Various noise complaints were investigated and dealt
with informally. Some of the plant used by public works
contractors is very noisy and is often in use for several
days at the same place in a road to the annoyance of surrounding
residents, but statutory undertakers are exempt
from the operation of the Act. From enquiries made it
would seem that there is as yet no really satisfactory way
of quietening that worst of offenders, the pneumatic drill.
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 160 and
these, together with cases discovered by members of the
staff, involved the inspection of 958 premises. Rat infestations
were found at 188 premises and mice infestations at
32 premises. 205 treatments were undertaken by the department,
a further 20 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.
Rag. Flock and Other Filling Materials Act, 1961
Two premises were registered under this Act at the
beginning of the year and three inspections were made. Very
little filling material was used at either of them.
Disinfestation
No infestation of bed bugs came to the department's
knowledge during the year but disinfestations for the eradication
of other pests were carried out as follows:—