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Rats and Mice.—The infestation of premises by rats and mice
has continued to receive close attention. No major infestation of
premises was reported or found during the year, 762 complaints
were received as compared with 849 in the previous year.
The Department has continued to give every possible assistance
to owners and occupiers of rat-infested premises by tracing the
source from which rats have found their way into dwellings, usually
from defective or unsealed drains and sanitary fittings, by advising
on baiting and trapping methods, by keeping supplies of poison
and traps in the Department for sale to the public and by the
service of notices under the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919,
when rat-proofing measures are necessary to prevent re infestation
of premises.
In cases where it was necessary for the occupiers to have
assistance in ridding their houses of rats, for instance in factories
or food premises, the occupiers were referred to a firm of rat-catchers
with whom the Council has for many years had an arrangement.
The following is a summary of the measures taken during the
year to deal with rat infestation:—
(a) Number of premises from which complaints
of rat infestation were received 762
(b) Total number of premises in which evidence
of rats was found and appropriate action
taken 805
(c) Number of poison baits laid by the Public
Health Dept. 6,072
(d) Number of premises at which other methods
were adopted 29
(e) Number of premises cleared of rats 778
Aged and Infirm Persons Living Under Insanitary Conditions.
—Action was necessary during the year as regards one aged and
infirm person who was living alone in neglected conditions as a
result of her inability properly to care for herself or to receive care
and attention from other persons.
Common Lodging House.—There is now only one common
lodging house in the Borough, situated at 23 and 25, Well Street,
which provides accommodation for men only. There is accommodation
for 139 men.