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10
Miscellaneous Matters.
Smoke Abatement. The problem of nuisance from the emission of
smoke is one constantly before the staff. During the year, 11 Notices
were served with resulting improvement. The proposed by-laws when
in operation, may give some assistance in administration, but the present
complicated procedure renders difficult any effective action except for
flagrant offences.
Offensive Trades (other than Slaughterhouses). The following are
the only instances in the Borough:—
Skin Dressers 2 premises
Soap Boilers 2 ,,
Fat Melters 2 ,,
Inspection is regularly carried out. The premises and the conduct
of the business are satisfactory, no Notices having to be served.
Rag and Bone dealers. Persons or firms known to carry on business
as above, are regularly inspected. In the case of two premises proceedings
were taken in respect of contraventions of the By-laws.
Offensive Matter conveyed through Streets. Observation is kept
to ensure that offensive matter is not conveyed through the streets,
either in unsuitable receptacles or during prohibited hours. In two
instances it was found necessary to institute legal proceedings in respect
of contravention of the By-laws.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919. The Inspectors, by
reason of their routine examination of premises, remedying of defective
drains and sealing off of disused drains, may be said to be carrying out
the spirit of the Act throughout the whole year. During " Rat
Week," however, further assistance is sought from the Borough
Engineer, and the following is the text of a report to the Council:—
" Extermination of Rats.
" During the week ended the 9th November, this Council,
acting in conjunction with other local authorities, in what is
known as National Rat Week, baited the sewers in the Borough
for the purpose of exterminating rats.
" From reports received it appears that considerable success
attended these efforts. We think it desirable, however, that the
work of exterminating rats in the sewers should not be confined
to this yearly effort but that it should be carried out at frequent
intervals, and we have therefore given instructions accordingly."