WAR ON RATS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 October 1921, Page 5

WAR ON RATS.

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PLAGUE, ACTIVITY IN NEW PLYMOUTH. *OLEAN-UP” CAMPAIGN. Suggestions to hold a clean-up of thi borough, and to organise a campaigi against rats, in view of the existence ol bubonic plague is Australia, were modi by the District Health Officer (Dr. H. G Monk), Wanganui, in a letter read at last night’s meeting of the New Plymouth Borough. Council. Dr. Monk wrote: — “Owing to the existence of cases of plague in Australia, and the frequent interchange of boats and cargo between New Zealand and Australia, it has been decided -to request all boroughs to institute a special clean-up week on lmes similar to the clean-up week held some time ago. The great object is to prevent the accumulation of materials that may either afford food or refuge to the rat, by whom cases of plague are spread from place to place.” A report was received on this matter from Inspector Day, who wrote stating: “In view of the plague in Australia I. have had the tips cleaned up and a good quantity of rat poison laid, I suggest that without making a scare the townspeople be asked to lay poison on a set day. Several very efficient poisons are on the market which are not injurious to other animals.” In a further letter, Mr. Day stated that it was usual to have an annual clean-up of the town about this time of the year. In view of the fine wea* ther, and the possibility of a busy month in November, he suggested that; it be held on Tuesday, October 25. Hq stated that he had been looking into the question during the past week, and al* though the yards generally were in good' order there was need for a general clean-up, in view of the plague. The council decided to authorise the? inspector to organise a clean-up day on the date mentioned, and that measuree for the extermination of rats be conducted in conjunction' with the above.