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154
any kind. Also that the number of notifications of infectious
diseases 631 for 53 weeks is lower than in the four preceding
years, notwithstanding the rapidly increasing population.
Health of Reidhaven Road District.
2. Much has been made by the Medical Officer in his
report, of the alleged insanitary condition of the area covered
by Reidhaven Road and contiguous streets. The Committee
have given their serious consideration to this matter,
and having regard to the nature and terms of the Medical
Officer's Report thereon, considered the alleged evils and their
suggested remedies at a special meeting.
The Committee found that there were special reasons why
the health of the people living in this Area was not in such an
excellent condition as that of the rest of the Parish, and that,
for these reasons, this area was likely to remain less healthy
than the other parts of Plumstead.
Firstly, most of the ground upon which these houses is
built is low lying, and was originally marsh ground, and it
appears, from the Medical Officer's Report, that some
portion of it was used as a shoot for house and other
refuse, and this, naturally, has formed an unhealthy
foundation for the houses.
Secondly, a number of the houses are indifferently built
and so constructed as to allow insufficient air space
between the floor line and the ground, and, in some cases,
the floor line is beneath the level of the path, air space
being the more necessary in this district, having regard to
the nature of the ground just referred to.
Thirdly, the population of the District, compared with
the rest of Plumstead, is dense, and consists of a poorer
and, in some streets, lower class than the adjoining parts
of the Parish.