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25
the improvements in plant which have taken place during the
past few years coupled possibly with improvement in the quality
of fuel.
SHOPS ACTS.
The Defence Regulation whereby the closing hours of
certain shops are earlier during the winter months, remained in
force. All shopkeepers were circularised regarding this but
visits and warnings had to be made in a few cases to see that
these Regulations were being observed. All the Shops Acts
from 1912 to 1938 and certain others enactments relating to
shops were consolidated into one Act which came into operation
on 1st October, 1950. The passing of this Act will help to
prepare the way for the introduction, in due course, of amending
legislation in the light of the Gowers report on the closing hours
of shops.

RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION.
It is now obligatory for the occupier of land (which includes
houses, buildings, etc.) to give the Local Authority notice, in
writing, if it comes to his knowledge that rats or mice are living
on or resorting to the land in substantial numbers. I am doubtful
if many of the general public are aware of this and those
who are will probably have no idea what the term 'substantial
numbers' means. In this district, however, there is little need
to worry. For a number of years we have tried to induce
householders to inform us immediately when rats are seen,
however small in number, and this has borne fruit. The fact
also, that a free service is given for the destruction of rats in
private dwellings encourages occupiers to let us know, without
delay, when trouble arises. Charges are made in the cases of
business premises and a system has been adopted whereby, in
return for a yearly payment, periodical visits are made to these
places so that they may be kept free from the pest. If trouble