"RATS!"

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 143, 6 March 1918, Page 6

"RATS!"

:—{, SWARMING IN THE CITY. "Again I wish .to know if the council has any power to deal with rats!" said Councillor W. Hildreth during question time at the City Council meeting last evening. A burst of laughter followed tho question. "This is a serious matter," continued Councillor Hildreth. "You must have read that •people are dying of plague like flies in China and India. Either we wero all fools when wo set to work to lull rats at the time of the plague scare, or we are living on a volcano now. There are premises in tho city that are 6imply swarming with rats. ; I understand that under the Public Health Act we can serve orders on ( the occupants of such' places to clear out the rats. Will the council take steps to see that the inspector issues the notices? Since 1 last raised tho question in the council, I have been stopped dozens of times by people who realise the danger I" The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) said he believed the Harbour Board had a, capable rat-catcher in its employ. It was a serious question and he would try and get into touch with the man and see what could bo done.

Councillor R. A. Wright said that it had been suggested that rate carried the plnguc. "Did not Councillor Hildroth know that our rats were examined some years ago and were pronounced distinctly healthy—every one- of them!" (Laughter.) Councillor J. Castle said that the council should clear the Tats out of its Zoo before it (started to deal with householders.

"Rats!" interjected a ribald councillor.