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A few noise complaints were investigated and dealt
with informally, among these figured pumping equipment
used by public works contractors to statutory undertakers,
who are exempt from the operation of the Act, but cooperation
in securing a reduction in the noise was usually
forthcoming.
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, in only one instance was
there any suspicion of a sewer being involved and a section
at a "dead end" was treated.
Complaints received of infestations numbered 224 and
these, together with cases discovered by members of the
staff, involved the inspection of 709 premises. Rat infestations
were found at 206 premises and mice infestations at
58 premises, 222 treatments were undertaken by the department,
a further 49 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 two inspections were made. Very
little filling material was used at either of them.
Disinfection and Disinfestation
It was not found necessary to carry out disinfection
after the occurrence of infectious disease.
Two infestations of bed bugs came to the department's
knowledge during the year at a private and Council house
and both were dealt with by contact insecticide. Disinfestations
for the eradication of other pests were carried out as
follows:—
Wasps 14
Cockroaches 1
Ants 1