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13
Of late years the bacterioscopic examination of water used for
dietetic purposes has been much employed. It is pointed out that it
must not be assumed that if these waters contain many microbes they
are necessarily unwholesome; or, at least, to be regarded with suspicion,
for there is no evidence whatever that ordinary river microbes cause
injury to health. The standard taken by the professor is that of 100
microbes per cubic centimetre as an indication of efficient filtration.
The microbe determination of the West Middlesex Company, after
filtration, is stated to have been 99.79, and that of the New River
Company 99.07.
The attention of householders should be directed to the periodical
cleansing of cisterns and to the providing of well-fitting covers to
exclude light and dirt.
The work of the Sanitary Department continues to expand with
the growth of the Parish and the increase in legislation dealing with
sanitary subjects. The numerous and important duties devolving upon
the Chief Inspector and the Divisional Inspectors have been carried out
with activity and success. I have to thank the various officers of
the Vestry for the necessary information which I have received from
them, as well as to acknowledge the assistance and support I have
derived from the Public Health Committee and its Chairman in
successfully carrying out the duties of the office.
I am,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
EDMUND GWYNN, M.D.,
Medical Officer of Health.