RATS ON SHIPS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 265, 7 November 1919, Page 9

RATS ON SHIPS.

■WORK FOR WATEHSIDERS.

"TAKE A DAY OFF." (By Telegraph.—Press Association ) WELLINGTON, Thursday. The Order-in-Council removing the compulsion on shipowners to xise the patent hawser rat-trap formed the subject of a deputation which waited on the Minister of Public Health to-day. Messrs. J. B. Bruce, J. Roberts, and J. C. Frew, representing the waterside workers' interest, formed the deputation. Dr. R. H. Makgill, of the Public t Health Department, was present.

The Minister said the method of killing rats on ships by fumigation was under consideration.

Mr. Roberts replied that to his mind it was impossible to kill all the rats on a ship .by fumigation. Sir Francis Bell: "You and I are at one in trying to prevent ships from being rat-infested. 1 am told rats will come ashore always by hawser and be caught in the trap. I don't believe that. I believe the effect of the disc and trap is to prevent rats from coming ashore to a large extent:" He added that he had communicated with the Australian authorities, with a view to finding out whether the fumigation system was satisfactory, and was also inquiring from agents in Glasgow as to the cost of the Clayton gas apparatus.

After further discussion Sir Francis Bell suggested that the watereiders, as interested persons, should personally endeavour to destroy rats.

"Take a day off occasionally," he said, "and catch some."

Mr. Roberts pointed out that this was not practicable. "However," he said, "we will have a rat day. We have Sir Francis Bell's authority for it."

Respecting the Worthington machine, Dr. Makgill eaid the Department had all along regarded it a s futile.

Sir Francis Bell said someone must have the final word in these matters, and while he was Minister the final word would come from him. The final word had not been spoken, because information was being sought. He hoped all would endeavour to discover a remedy.