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39
If it is necessary to close shops, why not make all shops close at one
time. During the year much time was spent by your Inspectors in the
evenings, in looking for delinquents. The little trader, who conducts his own
business, is most affected by the Act. Especially is this so on Sunday, as in
many instances it is the only opportunity they get of doing extra business.
However, a part-time Inspector has now been appointed to carry out this
work, under my supervision.
Proceedings were instituted against five persons for contraventions:—
1 Stall-holder fined 5/- and costs.
1 ,, discharged on payment of costs.
1 Shopkeeper fined 10/- and costs.
1 „ „ 20/- ,,
1 „ „ 10/-.
RAT AND MICE DESTRUCTION ORDER.
The rat nuisance has received much attention. In some instances where
rats have made their appearance, on investigation, we have found this due to
defects in the drainage, which we have had at once made good.
From my own observation, I find that using Red Squill bait preparation
has destroyed a large number of rats, and where there are animals, it is fairly
safe, where other poisons are very dangerous to use.
To keep these pests down, it is necessary to follow up the operation, for
if only a few are left, it is not long before the premises become again infested.
The Middlesex County Council are still doing a great amount of good at
the Council's Sewage Farm and buildings. During the year they have
destroyed large numbers.
CANAL BOATS.
There were 19 registered boats inspected during the year, and only two
contraventions, i.e., one defective cabin top and one boat not properly marked.
This latter defect was due to the boat going out of dock before the painting
was finished. These defects have since been remedied.
The registered boats chiefly using the Lea Canal are those from Ware and
Hertford. I rarely come upon a boat from other districts.