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lem and several houses have been treated by outside contractors.
HCN is known to have been used in one or two cases with
entirely satisfactory results.
The advent of the new D.D.T. preparation should prove
extremely useful in dealing with problems of this nature.
RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION.
This work has gone on without interruption. I am sorry
to say that Mr. Scott resigned his position in December after
being with this council for eight years. He was the first operative
to be employed and did excellent work whilst here. He left
to take up an appointment as Rodent Officer at Great Yarmouth.
In my last Annual Report I made fairly full reference to
the administration of this work, but I feel that the Council's
policy of making only small charges to occupiers of dwelling
houses has again been fully justified. I am certain that nearly
all cases of infestation become known quickly by reason of the
fact that occupiers of houses are not deterred from reporting
them by the thought that it will mean heavy costs and possibly
official action. I cannot emphasise the fact enough, and I hope
anyone reading this report will gain and spread the knowledge
that we are out to assist and not harrass householders in getting
rid of rats. This does not mean, of course, that householders
should do nothing. Active co-operation is essential and most
assistance in this respect can be made by carrying out the suggestions
of the Rodent Officer on rat prevention measures so
far as possible, to avoid re-infestation.
One large operation was undertaken. This was in the Lower
Marsh Lane area where the Kingston Corporation tips, small
holdings, etc., are situated. A survey of this area revealed major
infestation. I called for the co-operation of the Rodent Officer
of the Surrey County Council and the Sanitary Inspectors of
Kingston and Surbiton to deal with this. A week's combined
drive was made with excellent results. Representatives of the
Infestation Branch of the Ministry of Pood attended whilst
this was being done.