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Ice Cream Sampling.
Forty-four samples of Ice Cream were obtained during the year.
No pathogenic organisms were isolated from the samples. Eight
of the samples proved to be unsatisfactory, and showed a degree of
contamination. This does not mean that the sampled ice cream was
unfit for consumption, but rather is an indication that all possible care
in the use of sterile equipment had not been taken. The receipt of such a
result brings about a very close check on the manufacturer's premises,
and further sampling until a satisfactory result is obtained.
Disinfection.
The Council undertakes, free of charge, the disinfection of rooms,
articles of clothing and bedding after cases of Tuberculosis and
occasionally, other Infectious Diseases. Many requests are received
from residents for the steam disinfection of bedding, etc., after cases of
illness other than infectious disease. The requests are met but a charge is
made for the service. During 1952, 92 applications were received and
accounts rendered for £56 0s. 0d.
During the year, 255 Library books were collected from homes
where infectious disease had occurred, disinfected and returned to the
Library of origin.
Drainage.
As will be seen from the Table of nuisances remedied, 208 instances
of choked drains were discovered during the year. A great many of
these chokages related to public sewers, i.e. drains receiving wastes of
two or more houses.
The Council accepts as a legal responsibility the clearance of public
sewers and the work is undertaken without any charge being made to
the owners or occupiers of the properties. Of the 208 cases discovered,
however, 115 related to private drainage, and in these cases, a charge is
made for the work undertaken. Accounts were rendered for £54 10s. Od.
for this work.
The repair of combined drains is also undertaken by the Council
in accordance with statute, the cost of works being recovered from the
owners of the properties concerned. In this connection, accounts were
rendered for £140 3s. Od.
Water Supply.
The water supply of the area has been satisfactory in quality and
quantity, the Metropolitan Water Board supplying all properties in the
area by main.
Bacteriological examination has been regular, 36 samples being
taken during the year. All proved to be satisfactory.
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