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

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Shoreditch 1895

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]

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34
COW HOUSES.
These number fourteen, and were found on inspection to be generally satisfactory.
There were a few matters which necessitated the attention of your sanitary officers.
In two cases, the dung receptacles required to be properly covered, and in one case
extensive works in connection with the drains had to be carried out.
FOOD AND DRUGS ACT.
This year 190 samples of food and drugs were taken for analysis, under the Act,
by the Vestry's Inspector, Mr. Quelch. The following table shows the number of
samples yearly taken during the past six years.

TABLE XXVI.

Year.1890.1891.1892.1893.1894.1895.
No. of Samples10595102119103190

The number of samples this year shows a considerable increase on the numbers
taken in previous years, but it is still below what it ought to be; not less than 250
samples should be taken for analysis in the parish every year. The addition to the
Vestry's staff of sanitary inspectors may enable this to be effected.
The samples submitted to the analyst included 90 of milk, 52 of butter, 12 of
coffee, and six samples each of cheese, Demerara sugar, syrup of senna, paregoric, gin
and whisky. In 23 instances, proceedings were taken, which resulted in convictions
being obtained in 21., viz.:—in nine for selling adulterated milk, seven for butter,
four for coffee, and one for whisky. The fines inflicted amounted to £93 12s. 6d. and
the costs allowed came to £11 5s. Od. With one exception all the samples of spirits
were found to contain more water than is sanctioned by the Act, but as tablets
stating that all spirits sold were diluted were exhibited on the premises in every case
except one, legal proceedings were only taken in that one case.
The details of the work will be found in the Reports of Dr. Stevenson, the public
analyst for the Parish (see page 61).
CUSTOMS AND INLAND REVENUE ACT.
Under the above Act, 19 applications were made for certificates as to the sanitary
fitness of dwellings, in order to obtain exemption from payment of inhabited house
duty. In nine instances certificates were granted.