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19
Sanitary Inspector's Report for the year ending, 1898.
A brief review of the sanitary work accomplished in the Acton
district during the past year, indubitably demonstrates that genuine
progress has been the undeviating rule, which, in the aggregate, amounts
to an important sum; and it is interesting to note the ameliorative
influence that keeps pace with improved sanitation, as is evidenced by
the gradual reduction of intensity in zymotic diseases. Much however
remains to be done. "War to the knife" has yet to be declared against
damp, dirt, and overcrowding; as this trio of health destructors might
fairly be accredited with a large proportion of the tuberculous and
kindred diseases which swell our annual death-roll. The Sanitary
Inspector, were he an Hercules, would fail to clear his districts of the
Augean evils, as long as the public maintain a position of carelessness
or apathy. Happily there are signs in our social horizon of an early
awakening; when public opinion is aroused, a solution of the difficult
problem how the evils of damp, dirty, and overcrowded dwellings may
be dealt with, and abolished, will doubtless be discovered.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
Visits to ensure continued isolation 644
Beds, Bedding, &c., disinfected by steam 82
Rooms, &c., disinfected by fumigation (improved method) 123
Disinfectants supplied (exclusive of supplies from the office) bots. 452
HOUSE INSPECTIONS.
Number of dwellings inspected 214
Found more or less insanitary 188
(Inspections as a rule followed complaints only)
House drains and Sanitary fittings tested 93
Ditto retested 24
(These do not enclude the water testing of reconstructed drains)
House drains taken up and reconstructed 77
Ditto partially reconstructed 41
Visits to ascertain whether notices were being complied with,
and to inspect work in progress 542
Soil pipes provided with ventilation 34
Intercepting traps and air inlets fixed 31