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pletcd during the year. The results were somewhat disappointing.
Although, no doubt, it had the effect of reducing grit emission,
periods of black smoke still remained a problem. Developments
at this factory, however, give me every reason to hope that lasting
improvement will soon materialise.
SHOPS ACT.
The whole of these Acts are administered by my Department
and there appears to have been no instances of intentional
evasion. In one or two instances hairdressers premises were
found Jo be closing on days other than those laid down in the
order made by the Council some years ago and remaining open
on both of the alternative days when they should have been
closed. On attention, however, being drawn to the matter, in
each case it was quickly rectified.

The methods adopted, which appear to have been very
successful, have been to fumigate with D.D.T. generators followed
by spraying with D.D.T. liquid combined with dusting
(especially behind picture rails and mouldings) with D.D.T. or
Gammexane powder.
RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION.
The year has been an important one in regard to action taken
for the purpose of destroying rats and mice. At the beginning
of the year a scheme of the Ministry of Food was adopted by
the Council and commencing on the 1st April a comprehensive
survey was made throughout the Borough to discover anv
premises that were rat infested. In other words instead of
waiting for complaints or requests for assistance, the whole
district was taken section by section, the occupiers of dwelling
houses being circularised to find out where infestations existed
and to deal with them. This was done free of charge for occupiers
of private dwelling houses, but owners of business premises
were required to pay for services rendered.
As the operations do not end until 31st March, 1948, a full
statement will be made in my next annual report and I do not,
therefore, propose to enlarge upon the matter at the moment.