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importance of the subject is so often neglected or made the
subject of jokes that I have thought some special mention
might be made. The Corporation has a rodent officer and two
operatives constantly employed throughout the district in an
endeavour to keep the rat and mice population at a minimum
and I have tried to show that they have to exercise quite a
degree of skill and much tact in carrying out their duties.
MISCELLANEOUS.
It became necessary to arrange for the burials of two
bodies during the year. This is a new duty placed upon Local
Authorities under the National Assistance Act, 1948 in cases
where any person has died or been found dead and where it
appears that no suitable arrangements for the disposal of the
body have been made. Where possible the expenses may be
recovered from the estate of the deceased person. The provision
of the National Insurance Act, 1946, which enables the Minister
of National Insurance to make payments to certain authorities
out of the National Insurance fund in respect of the cost of
burial of certain persons is also made to apply to all Authorities.
It was unnecessary to take more than minimum precautions
to prevent undue cricket infestation in the Corporation refuse
tip at the Norbiton Potteries or at the depot and piggeries in
California Road. This may have been due in part to the dull
weather experienced during the summer but I am led to think
that the measures taken in previous years, which were on a
fairly extensive scale, greatly contributed to the comparative
freedom of these pests.
Movements of tenants from and to council houses were
again fairly frequent. In all cases (numbering forty-eight) the
houses, on becoming vacant are carefully inspected for any signs
of bed bug infestation and, in those cases where evidence is
discovered, appropriate steps are taken. In addition five occupied
houses were inspected at the request of the Housing
Manager. Modern methods of treatment are far more simple
and effective than those of a few years ago and cases of infestation
are less frequently met with now than previously.
A special report was made to the Council during the year
on the operation of the Housing Act, 1949. Among other
things this Act makes provision for Exchequer contributions to