RATS!

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3232, 31 May 1911, Page 2

RATS!

THE PEST IN GISBORNE.

SANITARY INSPECTOR’S REPORT.

REGULATIONSi OF HEALTH

DEPARTMENT

Under-the rather ambiguous heading of “Rats” the Borough Sanitary Inspector submitted a report .to the meeting of the Council last night, having been instructed to do so by the Health De *Tn inspection of the wharf sheds disclosed the fact that'’the rodent is very plentiful and no means is being taken to destroy them. , Beneath the wharves where the drains enter the river they were also fairly plentiful. This-portion ■of the wharf extends from opposite the Turanganui Hotel to the Ivaiti bridge. Also along the Jbank of the Taruheru river on tliei north side from the Whataupoko bridge to the Roebuck Road bridge they can be seen at intervals among the debris. From inquiries made at the various stores I was informed they were not so bad as every means were being taken to destroy them. In most places cats are kept as well as traps and poison is being laid. “I also inspected several places on the Kaiti and found that east of the breakwater in the vicinty of the Cook Memorial they were plentiful. Formerly this place was a rubbish tip, and is an ideal breeding ground. The rats feed principally on the refuse from the freezing works’ drain. At the. block of buildings known, as the Dominion Hotel they are plentiful. Other boarding houses report they are fairly free from the pest, an odd one being met with non and again. I am of opinion that if some means were taken to destroy them at the places mentioned this would reach the seat of the nuisance.

The Public Health Department 'forwarded the following gazetted regulations for the purpose of preventing or checking the spread of infectious diseases in which it is provided that, where necessary, the District, Health officer may take the full proceedings himself, where lie is satisfied that immediate action is .required. The destruction of rats by poisoning or trapping or such other means as the District Health Officer may direct. The removal or abolition of the nests, burrows and habitual haunts of rats.

The making of any -house or building on such premises so far as practicable proof against the ingress of rats. The removal of any inoffensive or offensive refuse, rubbsh, material or article on any such premises which is or affords, or is in the opinion of the District Health' Officer, likely to afford a harborage for rats. The protection from access of rats so far as practicable of any article which is, or is likely, to be, food for rats. The owners and occupiers of premises are empowered and required to comply with such requisition. _ . " In the event of failure to comply with such requisition the owner and occupier are liable to a fine not exceeding 10s for everyday after the time specified in the requisition during which such failure continues; .but in no case sliqll the fine exceed £oo. In the event of any house or building as aforesaid-being used for the manufacture, or preparation., or storage, of any food intended for use for human consumption the istrict Health Officer may prohibit the use of such house or building forMiny such purpose during the time specified in and until such requisition has been complied with. If there be evidence that rat plague exists on any premises the District Health Officer may prohibit the use of any house or building thereon during the time specified in and until such requisition has been complied with. Tlis local authority shall forthwith -cause a careful inspection by an. authorised' person or persons to. be made within its district or within such part as is directed by the Minister in order that the provisions above set forth may be effectually exercised. The communication was read by the Council.

When the Inspector’s report came up for consideration Cr. Collins said that it would be wise, if the report and schedule were referred to the Sanitary Committee. They should use every means to prevent the plague. If the plague ever got into this town, with the sanitary arrangements as they were, the cemetery would not be sufficient to hold the number of people that would be taken there. There were two or three cases of plague near their door, and!, if. they had the infection among the rats here the result would be appalling. He thought that tlie whole matter should be referred to the sanitary committee, who would go into the schedule and the recommendations of the Department-. It was decided to refer tlie matter to tlie Sanitary Committee. !