CRUSADE AGAINST RATS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1125, 12 May 1911, Page 3

CRUSADE AGAINST RATS.

HEMAKKS BY MAYOR OF AUCKLAND. (By Telegraph—Special Correspondent.) Auckland, May 11. "I am deeply impressed with the necessity tor systematic and thorough action to get rid of unsatisfactory sannary conditions in the city," said tno Mayor (.Mr. C. J. l'arr)', speaking to a "Herald" representative. "I have had almost daily conversations, with Dr.' Makgili, District Health Otticer, and the dry Council's sanitary stall", as to the best means of clearing the rats out of the sewers. Dr. Makgili reports, however, that until the new sewers arc laid down, and the drainago scheme is brought into operation, we can only imperfectly deal with the matter. This means, 1 suppose, that it will be a couple of. years yet before perfect drainage can be secured for Queen Street, and til? bw-lying areas. I thiiik, however, that in the meantime we must do everything that is passible- to drive" the rats out of .these sewers. Dr. Makgili and his assistant (Dr. Monk), together with the city Sanitary Inspector (Mr. Haynes), are now consulting as to the best means for dealing immediately 'with the sewer rats, lam satisfied that the infected rats' all come from the waterfront, and I think the Harbour Board, while doing a good deal in exterminating these pests, might do still' more in this direction. These rats get their f:od largely from' the grain ships that come in, and the throwing of waste food, etc.. from the vessels into the harbour, and I would suuEPst that the new Harbour Board consider the advisability of framing regulations to prevent the dumping of food and waste into the water near the wharves. Moreover, the wharves, in my I opinion, should be made ratproof."