View report page

44
WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT.
Under such arrangement 105 copies of certificates were received during the year.* The
numbers of such certificates relating to scarlet fever and diphtheria are given in the Table, but
it has not been possible to distinguish between scholars and non-scholars as has been for
local cases.
From inquiries addressed to the head teachers, it has been ascertained that at the Board
Schools, 8,438 places are provided, and at the Voluntary Schools 14,560, the total average
attendances, being 7,457 and 10,763 respectively. The case rates at the two classes of schools
last year are set out below:-
Case rates per 1,000 children attending.
Scarlet Fever. Diphtheria.
P.A. P.N.A. P.A. P.N.A.
Board Schools 10.0 5.6 7.6 5.2
Voluntary Schools 6.7 2.8 3.3 3.0
There was no need for closing any school or part of a school during the past year.
Bacteriological Examinations.-Sixty-five specimens were received from medical practitioners
during the year, being almost exactly half the number (129) received in 1901, and three
fewer than in 1900. Of the specimens received, 36 were for the diagnosis of diphtheria, and
29 of enteric fever. The results are tabulated below :-
Diphtheria. Enteric Fever.
Suspicion confirmed 15 13
„ negatived 21 16
Up to the end of the year the tests were limited to the two diseases mentioned, but it
would be advantageous to commence the diagnosis of tuberculosis bv the examination of
the sputum.
Offensive Refuse.-This includes (a) trade refuse; (b) manure; and (c) household refuse.
Trade Refuse.-No infringements of the Bye-laws relating to carrying of offensive refuse
through the streets were reported last year. One complaint was received through the County
Council as to the manner of removal of fish offal. Fresh arrangements were at once made and
no further complaint has been received.
At present anyone whose business involves the production of refuse can require the
Council to remove the refuse on payment bv him of such charge as may be either mutually
agreed upon or fixed by Petty Sessional Court. (Public Health (London) Act, 1891, Sec. 33.)
In 1900 a Conference was held at Spring Gardens on the question of the collection of offensive
trade and other refuse, when the following resolution was adopted:-
"That, in the opinion of the Conference, the Sanitary Authority should be empowered to
employ a sufficient number of scavengers for collecting and removing trade
refuse of an offensive or noxious nature at a charge to be fixed by the
Local Authority, or, in the event of dispute, by a police magistrate."
The result of such a change in legislation would be not only to vest the refuse in the local
authority but to enable them to take possession of it and charge the producer with the cost
of collection. Some of the refuse has a commercial value, but it appears probable that the
* The 105 duplicate notices related to the following diseases:-
From Kensington. From Willesden.
Small-pox lcase 8 cases
Diphtheria 4 cases 29 „
Scarlet fever 18 „ 35 „
Enteric fever 4 „ 4 „
Chicken-pox - „ 2 „
27 „ 78 „