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19
The increase in the number of poultry keepers has had
to be carefully watched and in many cases advice has been
given regarding the rat proofing of runs, both before and
after construction.
Anderson and public air raid shelters, pig and rabbit
keeping, houses left empty, demolished houses and allotments
have all contributed their own problems.
For some years the interest of the public in this work
has been carefully fostered and the success which has
attended our efforts has been greatly due to this. It is
obvious that without the co-operation of the public the
Rat Officer's work would be rendered ineffective. Consequently
one of his main objects in each individual case is
always to encourage householders over as wide an area as
possible to combine in taking active steps in the destruction
of these rodents. This necessarily takes up much time,
but I am convinced it is time well spent.
The charges made for his services when he carries out
work of actual destruction are kept as low as possible.
This encourages the public to make use of his services,
while high charges would tend to have the opposite effect.
Our policy is to lead rather than force and I am sure
it is the better.