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7
In May a large heap of London sweepings was deposited on land close to
Ernest Road, Horton Road, in all about 360 Tons, and reached to within six feet
of a row of Cottages. I reported this matter to your Council and stated that I
thought it would be a source of danger in the future and should be removed. I
regret your Council did not view the matter in the same light.
Complaint was made in October of another enormous heap of this same refuse
which had been deposited on land near the Varnish Works, but as this was in an
isolated position, and had been covered by earth, I did not consider it a nuisance
injurious to health.
In March an epidemic of Measles occurred, and it was considered advisable to
close the schools for a time.
Cowley.—This small parish, like Northolt, has I am sorry to say a very high
death rate 21.1, but this is due to general causes and not to any specified disease,
and only two cases of infectious disease were notified during the year, viz. :— from
Erysipelas. I am of opinion that the condition of this parish will be much improved
by the new system of drainage which will shortly be brought about.
West Drayton.—The death rate of this parish is not excessive, but is 2 per 1000
higher than last year. Nothing to call for notice in this report occurred during the
year.
Ruislip.—In my last annual report I commented on the high death rate of
this parish 18 2. I am pleased to state on this occasion it is only 13.7.
In February an epidemic of Measles occurred at Northwood, and the schools
were closed for a period of three weeks.
In September a case of Enteric Fever was notified, and this was followed by
three others in October, and one in December. I made a careful inquiry in order to
ascertain the cause if possible, and came to the conclusion that the four first cases
might have arisen from water in an unclean cistern, and the one in December to
water in a pond which I certified to be of bad quality.
In December four cases of Diphtheria were notified from Northwood, and gave
rise to alarm in that portion of the parish. I recently made a special report to
your Council on these cases in which I stated I was unable to trace the cause or
sequence of the cases, at the same time the general condition of this part of the
parish is favourable to this disease, as the soil is of clay which holds a considerable
amount of moisture, and drainage is sadly wanted; this is a growing district, prettily