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76 ADMINISTRATIVE WORK.
The results of the examinations were "positive" (i.e., the suspected micro-organism was
demonstrated) in 129 instances, equal to 19-6 per cent, of the specimens examined. The
proportions of "positive" results obtained in previous years were 322 per cent, in 1911, and 245
in 1910. The proportion of "positive" results was smaller in the case of each of the three
principal diseases. (See below.)
Proportion (per cent.) of "Positive" Results.
Diphtheria. Enteric Fever. Tuberculosis.
1912 17.7 47.0 28.4
1911 28.5 25.0 31.3
Two hundred and forty-six swabs were taken by the Medical Officer of Health at the Town
Hall, 212 from school children (15.0 percent, "positive") and 34 from milk carriers and their
families (11.7 "positive"). The following comparison is of some interest:—
Of 284 swabs sent to the Town Hall, 20.4 per cent, were "positive" and 5.9 per cent. "suspicious."
Of 246 swabs taken at the Town Hall, 14 6 per cent, were "positive" and 23.l per cent. "suspicious."
Hair specimens were taken at the Town Hall from 53 children last year for microscopical
examination, the examinations being made by the Medical Officer of Health. In 1911 hair
specimens were taken from 39 children. In one child sent to the Children's Hospital by the
Medical Officer of Health, the " large spore " variety of microsporon was identified, a rare form
in this country.
Offensive Refuse.— Trade Refuse.— Much of the refuse produced by fishmongers, greengrocers,
and others is removed by the Borough Council, and the extension of such removal to all
forms of trade refuse is to be desired. Two complaints were received during the year with
reference to refuse in fishmongers' shops, none relating to refuse in the course of removal.
Mamire.—The customary notices requiring the removal of manure on three fixed
days in each week were posted throughout the Borough during the month of May. Only
2 complaints with reference to accumulations of manure were received last year, as compared
with 11 during the preceding year. One complaint was received of rotten green-stuff deposited
in a manure receptacle.
House Refuse.—One collection from each house each week remains the rule in the Borough,
but the Medical Officer of Health is authorised to arrange for more frequent removals when he
deems it necesary. (Resolution of the Works Committee of October 27th, 1908.) Acting under
that authority, a second collection was made each week from 59 premises last year (93 in 1911).
Moreover, the Council arranges for two collections in each week being made from boarding
houses and flat properties during the summer months. Last year a similar arrangement was
sanctioned for the whole of the Clarendon Street Area.
The complaints relating to irregularity or infrequency of removal of house refuse which came
to the Department last year numbered 112 (144 in 1911), of which 38 had been addressed to the
Department direct, the remainder being forwarded by the Borough Surveyor.
Trade Nuisatices.—In addition to the two relating to fishmongers' shops which have been
mentioned above, one other complaint relating to feathers escaping from a bedding factory was
received.
Drainage Work.—The number of house drains relaid during the year decreases annually,
having fallen from 605 in 1908 to 554, 287, 227, and 223 in each successive year. The patent
process for making defective drains watertight was used on 98 drains last year, as compared
with 50 in the preceding. At 66 houses the drains when tested in the course of preliminary
inspections were found to be watertight. In 1911 the number so tested (with a like result)
was 64 ; in 1910, 70 ; and in 1909, 97.
An important Report on "Intercepting Traps" was issued during the autumn by the
Departmental Committee appointed by the President of the Local Government Board in