RAT NUISANCE IN CHRISTCHURCH

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25552, 21 July 1948, Page 6

RAT NUISANCE IN CHRISTCHURCH

NEED FOR CONTINUED PRECAUTIONS A warning against any slackening by occupiers of Christchurch properties in their precautions against rats was given yesterday by the chief city inspector (Mr J. W. Huggins). “Many people slacken up in their rat precautions because they have not actually encountered any rats.” said Mr Huggins. “Some people are careless in leaving the lids off rubbish bins, thus feeding the rats. That defeats any effort at poisoning. We always emphasise the necessity for rat-proofing buildings. The rat population could be kept well under control if everyone remained continuously ‘rat-conscious,’ kept food away from rats, laid poisons, set traps, and rat-proofed buildings. “The city is still feeling the benefits of a rat campaign some time ago, in which the Chamber of Commerce and the old E.P.S. fire-watching section co-operated with the Citv C ouncil. Judging by the sale of rat poisons, the rat menace this year is no greater than formerly, if as great. “The onus of dealing with the rat nuisance is on the occupier of each premises. This is laid down in the Health Act. and the City Council would be within its rights in taking action against any occupier whose premises are infested. Instead, however, the council endeavours to educate the public in its responsibilities, and is willing at any time to send an officer to give advice both as to the extermination of rats, and as to the prevention of their ingress, into buildings. The war on rats must be everlasting, not intermittent.” Mr Huggins added that a complaint, made through t b e correspondence col- ¥ m . n s '‘The Press.” about rat infestations in the Kilmore street-Park terrace area, was being dealt with.