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gravel soil. This year an outbreak of Measles occurred, and 2 deaths are
recorded from this disease. In July, it was so prevalent that the schools had
to be closed for a month. King's Cottages, which I have frequently brought
to your notice, continued up to June to be in a disgraceful condition, and I
sent a certificate to your Council saying "I considered them a disgrace to a
civilized community." Since then the drainage has been somewhat improved,
as two receiving holes have been excavated, into which liquid sewage is
received, but the so-called earth closets are still very unsatisfactory, although
they are emptied more regularly, and I very much doubt whether so much
liquid sewage mixing with the surface water will not before long impregnate
the well water. In consequence of many cases of Diphtheria having occurred
last year, I made a thorough inspection of the premises in the neighbourhood
of which these cases occurred, and found a quantity of refuse lying about in
all directions. I requested your Inspector to have the whole removed, which
was done forthwith, and I am pleased to report that I have not received a
single notification of the disease throughout the year. This disease so far
as we know at present is due in many instances to damp and filthy
surroundings, and I am glad to have got rid of the latter.
Ickenham.—In this little parish with 406 inhabitants, only one death
occurred, and that in a person over 65 years of age, from Heart Disease.