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10
The outbreak of Scarlet Fever at Harefield which started in November, 1919,
continued on into 1921, but ceased in the first week of the year. The presence of the
Hospital at the Uxbridge Poor Law Institution accounts for the high numbers of
infectious diseases attributed to Hillingdon. Many of these cases came from Hayes,
Southall, etc., which are outside your area.
Cowley, with its 14 cases, was rather unfortunate as regards Scarlet Fever.
Most of the cases were very mild. There must have been one case so slight as to be
unnoticed by the parents, and in consequence attendance at school was continued
and thus infection was spread.
Refuse Dumping.
The dumping of refuse at Northolt continued throughout the year. I made
a large number of inspections and frequently reported on the state of affairs there.
The result of all this was that the Marylebone Council were strongly written to on
the subject, and in response, improved matters to a very slight degree ; but pressure
had to be continued on my adverse reports. The burning which I mentioned was likely
to take place, started during the hot summer and still continues. The Canal was
dredged and the material placed on the Dump, which improved matters slightly.
Flies were extraordinarily prolific and swarmed in the houses.
I am looking forward to the day when by-laws can defeat, from the first, those
people who desire to bring their loathsome refuse into your District.
At Cowley Peachey, the Canal Transport Company brought down huge quantities
of crude refuse and sweepings and dumped it on to Mr. Wingrove's land on the
canal bank. I made frequent reports on the nuisance arising there and after action
in the court, costs were paid and promises definitely mad • that the whole should
covered with soil directly* the barges were unloaded. These promises were not
fulfilled in the true sense of the word, but a month afterwards the material ceased to
arrive and the nuisance was abated. Soon after this the dump became harmless.
Housing Scheme.
Good progress was made at Harefield, Ickenham, Hillingdon and Northolt.
The houses built are well-designed and healthy dwellings.
I am indebted to your Surveyor for the exact figures for the number of houses
completed by the end of the year.
Houses erected and occupied, year ending December 31st, 1921:—
Northolt 10
Ickenham 18
Hillingdon 14
Harefield 27
Total 69