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Continued attention has been given to Consumption, which again
shows a decrease in the number of deaths. Special methods for
dealing with the disease are engaging universal attention, and the
machinery for more effectually dealing with the disease is being
gradually improved, Schemes for increased notification, the provision
of sanatoria in which patients may stay for a few weeks, for training
purposes, and the establishment of tuberculosis dispensaries, will,
I hope, be considered at an early date.
In connection with Epidemic Diarrhoea, there are two new lines of
action which appear worthy of consideration, viz., notification of cases
during the summer months and the provision of specially prepared
milk for infants suffering from this complaint.
The inspection of workshops and workplaces occupies a large part
of the time of those Inspectors who are 111 the northern half of the
City. Details of the defects found are set out in special tables, and
particulars are also given relative to houses in which work is carried
on by out-workers. There are a large number of these home-workers
in Westminster, hence considerable interest was taken in regard to
legislation which was proposed in connection therewith. A report on
the subject is appended.
Special reports are also included dealing with the proposed legislation
for the prevention of smoke, and on the sanitary condition
of St. John's Ward. This latter has been receiving the careful
consideration of the Council and of several of its Committees. In view
of the possibility of many of the houses in this Ward being demolished,
it has been the policy of the Council to endeavour, by constant
inspection, to keep the premises in as good a sanitary condition as
possible. This has required the whole time of one inspector and half
the time of another for several years. The improvements which have
been effected are evident in the greater cleanliness of the houses, but
the effect on the health of the inmates as shown by mortality rates is
only now beginning to appear. Thus the average death-rate of the
Ward for the years 1901-7, after deducting deaths from common
lodging-houses, was 20.6 per 1,000; in 1908 it had fallen to about 17.
In No. 5 Area the number of deaths was 44, being the lowest number
recorded in any year. During 1901-3 the average annual number was
80; then there was a fall, the average of 1904-7 being 60.
During 1908, notices to abate insanitary conditions in Nos. 3 and
5 Areas were served in 190 instances (187 in the previous year),
of which 81 related to premises in Chadwick Street. Police Court
proceedings were necessary to enforce abatement in one instance,
and in six instances for failure to maintain sanitary fittings in a
proper condition.