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a noise is a nuisance within the meaning of the Act, though there may be no doubt about the annoyance
to residents in the neighbourhood of the factory concerned. During the year complaints of nuisance due
to noise were received in regard to three factories. Day and night observations were made concerning
these complaints and in conjunction with the firms concerned measures were taken to reduce the noise as
far as was practicable.
Individual susceptibility to noise or vibration varies greatly and what may annoy one person will
not be noticed appreciably by another. The mechanics of noise and vibration transmission are difficult
subjects and theroetical solutions do not always prove practicable or effective. In many cases a lessening
only of the nuisance is the maximum result that can be anticipated. The siting of factories or the establishment
of industrial processes in or near houses is a potential source of noise nuisance and this should be
born in mind in town planning.
Rats and Mice Destruction, etc.—The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, which came into
operation on 30th March, 1950, repealed the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919. The responsibility
" to keep their area, as far as practicable, free from rats and mice " is placed on the Council and occupiers
of premises are required to give notice when they have knowledge that rats or mice are present in substantial
numbers. It is obligatory on the Council to recover the expenses reasonably incurred in taking
steps for the destruction of rats and mice on business premises but permissive as far as the cost of treating
private dwellings is concerned. The Council has decided to make no charge for the treatment of private
dwelling-houses unless there is failure on the part of the owner or occupier to co-operate in preventing
infestation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries may make to local authorities a grant equal to one
half of the expenditure incurred in the performance of their duties under the Act so far as such expenditure
has not been recovered.
No notification of the presence or rats or mice in substantial numbers has been received, but by the
visits of the Sanitary Inspectors and the Rodent Officer and complaints of " rats coming from next door,"
no gross infestation should escape attention. The Council employs a Rodent Officer who is responsible
for systematic inspection, planning of treatment, supervising the work of the rodent operatives and checking
results. A summary of the work done in recent years is shown below:—
1947 1948 1949 1950 1951
Complaints received 275 391 419 421 607
Block inspections 28 9 9 37 89
Individual inspections 2,089 2,026 2,862 2,574 3,150
Individual re-inspections 225 234 271 316 221
Other visits 338 408 408 402 438
Premises treated—
(a) By occupiers 100 111 71 25 19
(b) By Local Authority 836 806 848 882 743
Test baiting, and where necessary, treatment is carried out to sewers, watercourses, tips, etc. By
whatever means rats and mice gain access to premises their continued presence is due to conditions on the
premises which provided food and/or shelter. Unless occupiers take the necessary precautions to discourage
rats, progress towards eradication will be slow.
Exchange of Articles for Rags, etc.—Under the Public Health Act, 1936, it is an offence for any
person who collects or deals in rags, etc., to sell or deliver, whether gratuitously or not, any article whatsoever
to a child under the age of 14 years, in exchange for rags, etc. The Police notify the Council of any
such contraventions coming to their notice.
During the year seven dealers in rags were prosecuted and fines of 40/- imposed in each case.
Shops Act, 1950, Section 38.—During the year a Certificate of Exemption issued under section 10
of the Shops Act, 1934, in regard to the provision of sanitary conveniences and washing facilities was withdrawn
in the case of one shop, adequate arrangements having been made on the premises. 60 inspections
and re-inspections were made during the year.
Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act, 1951.—This Act came into operation on 1st November,
1951. It is designed to ensure that filling materials used in upholstery, etc., comply with prescribed
conditions of cleanliness. Premises using filling materials have to be registered and premises where rag
flock is manufactured or stored have to be licensed. It is an offence to sell articles containing unclean
materials. Certain records have to be kept on registered and licensed premises and authorised officers
of a local authority have powers to enter, inspect and take samples. Under this Act 5 premises in the
Borough have been registered and the Sanitary Inspectors made 27 visits of inspection.