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26
SHOPS ACT.
Generally speaking, the provisions of the Shops Act have
been well observed throughout the district. There have been one
or two exceptions when warnings have had to be given. These
occurred during the winter months when restricted hours of
business are prescribed. I feel the time cannot be far distant
when the times of closing shops will become the same—winter
and summer. Few shops keep open after 6 p.m. during the summer,
although they are entitled to do so.

There is no doubt that the incidence of bed bug infestation
in council houses is far less now than in the pre-war years. I
think this may be due to the discovery of D.D.T. and Gammaxane
whereby second hand furniture etc., which was so often
the vehicle for introducing these vermin into houses, can now be
effectively and more easily disinfested.
RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION.
This important work has gone without interruption. As I
have reported previously a free service is given in the case of
private dwellings, charges being made in the case of business
premises. Sewers and council property have also received systematic
attention. Each year the soil sewers throughout the
district are test baited and any section showing evidence of 'takes'
are given special treatment. Under the Prevention of Damage
by Pests Act, 1949, the tenant is no longer under duty, except on
receipt of a notice of requirement to destroy rats or prevent reinfestation
but he is not deprived of the right to do so. He is
however, now put under duty to notify the local authority if it
is within his knowledge that rats or mice are living or resorting
to his premises in substantial numbers.
In destroying rats I feel all will agree that the most humane
methods possible should be adopted. In the course of recent
years there have been considerable advances in the methods and
materials used in rodent destruction. A new bait has recently
been approved for use by the Ministry and has proved very
successful. In some cases, also, it is a great time saver. With