London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Bromley 1911

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bromley]

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22
A number of complaints were made in respect to nuisances from
cesspools on the Knoll Estate, Orpington. The contents of the
cesspools are emptied on the gardens, or on the vacant land, and the
residents cause no little annoyance to each other in this respect.
It is to be regretted that the Estate was not sewered before building
operations commenced.
With a system of main drainage this Estate would make a most
desirable residential neighbourhood, and have many advantages from
a Health point of view.
Insufficient Waterclosets and Ashpits. Flushing cisterns with
water laid on thereto have been provided to the W.C.'s at 7 houses,
and forty-five houses have been provided with moveable dustbins.
Dirty and Defective Dwellinghouses. Ninety-five houses have
been generally repaired, cleansed, and limewashed.
Overcrowding. Only four cases of overcrowding were discovered
during the year.
Common Lodging House. The Lodging House at Fordcroft,
Orpington, was frequently visited during the year, and no breach
of the Bye-laws was discovered.
Slaughter-Houses. There are eleven Slaughter-houses in the
District; these were frequently visited, and the Bye-laws were
generally observed.
I have also regularly attended the weekly Cattle Market at
Orpington, and observation was made upon "screwy" looking Cows
which were now and then sold in the Market.
These suspicious looking animals are sold at figures ranging
from ten shillings to £3, and invariably go to one farm, and are
probably slaughtered at isolated farms outside the District, where
no Bye-laws are in force.
Food Inspection. The butchers' shops, fish shops, hawkers'
carts, etc., were frequently inspected during the year.
I also inspected as far as possible, the strawberry and raspberry
tubs used for conveying the fruit to market.
No complaint was received from London Authorities alleging
that fruit was put into dirty tubs.
Dairies, Cowsheds, and Milkshops. There are 20 persons on
the register as cowkeepers and purveyors of milk and the premises
where trade is carried on are frequently inspected.