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45
ADMINISTRATIVE WORK.
number since 1902. The reasons for the cutting off of the supplies were reported by the
Inspectors of the Department to be—
Empty houses 87, an increase of 23.
Defective fittings 31.
Premises in course of demolition 13, an increase of 2.
Unpaid water rates 10, an increase of 2.
The restoration of the supply to occupied houses (41) was effected within 24 hours in
20 instances, the intervals in the other cases being as set out—
2 days, 5 houses. 4, 5 days, 1 each. 17, 21 days, 1 each.
3 days, 4 houses. 6, 7 days, 2 each. 1 month, 1.
Notices to restore the supply were required in 6 instances and summonses in 2, Closing
Orders being granted with respect to each.
It is hoped that the Water Board will ultimately abandon the practice of cutting off the
water in default of payment of the rates. It will be seen however from the above figures
that there was a slight increase in the number of such cases during the past year. It does
appear paradoxical that the Public Health Act should declare that a house without a water
supply is to be deemed to be unfit for habitation as a dwelling house, and yet that the Water
Authorities are at liberty to render an inhabited house unfit for such purpose, thereby rendering
the "owner" thereof liable to quasi-criminal proceedings for what is no more than a debt
which should be recovered by civil process. Usually the "owner" is not liable for the debt,
and yet he has no remedy, except to take possession of his house, if he can do so under his
covenants. Apart from these considerations, there is the danger to public and individual
health which attaches to the practice.
Mortuaries.—During the year 271 bodies were deposited at the Mortuary on Paddington
Green, and 10 at that in Kensal Road. Inquests were held touching 201 of the bodies
received at the former place, and 89 post-mortem examinations made. At Kensal Road
there were 6 post-mortem examinations and 10 inquests.
Although the mortuaries have been erected for many years, no By-laws under Section 88
of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, are at present in force for the due and proper
management of these establishments. During the past year a new series of Regulations have
been adopted by the Public Health Committee for the guidance of the attendant, and a set
of By-laws has been drafted and submitted to the Local Government Board for confirmation.*
Schools and School Attendance.—No changes have to be recorded as to the numbers
or administration of the schools within the Borough. The prevalence of measles and scarlet
fever has demanded much serious consideration and frequent consultations with the Medical
Officer (Education) of the County Council. Daily records are kept of the cases of infectious
disease of all kinds occurring among the scholars and in their homes. These have been
carefully and frequently scrutinised, and the information afforded by the lists supplemented
by frequent visits to the schools by the Medical Officer of Health and the Women Inspectors.
Closure of Departments or individual classes has been necessary in 13 instances, nearly
double the number in the preceding year (7). Such closure is not resorted to until a sufficient
number of cases occur in the department or class to justify a conclusion that the department
or class is really "infected." Efforts are made in the mean time to check the spread of the
disease by rigid exclusion of all children from infected homes. At the same time it must be
*The By-laws are given on page 77. The proviso to By-law No. 3 is an addition to the Model Series
prepared by the Board, which should prove to be of great utility.