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well in hand by obtaining the active co-operation of householders.
Charges made for assistance were purposely kept
at a minimum to encourage people to come forward and
give information regarding infestations and not to frighten
them with the possibility of heavy charges and penalties.
The problem now has become more difficult. The fact
that every other person keeps fowls or other live stock, the
presence of Anderson shelters in back gardens and other
war-time necessities has provided every encouragement to
the rat population to breed and thrive.
Towards the end of the year an additional man had, of
necessity, to be appointed to assist in rodent destruction.
Proceedings were instituted in one instance and a
conviction obtained.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The nuisance at a factory to which I referred last
year only recurred in very modified form. Energetic action
reduced the number of rats to a minimum, whilst the fly
and cricket menace was not in evidence. What trouble did
occur arose from smell, and complaints were very few.
I feel the Council will realise that the foregoing
represents only a brief summary and by no means the
whole of the activities of the Sanitary Department.
Civil Defence claims a great deal of time both during
and after office hours, but this has not been allowed to
interfere with essential Public Health duties.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors,
Your obedient Servant,
HENRY TUNBRIDGE,
Chief Sanitary Inspector.