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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.
Drainage
As will be seen from the Table of nuisances remedied, 275 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 275 cases
discovered, however, 186 related to private drainage, and in these cases
a charge is made for the work undertaken. Accounts were rendered for
£128 15s. Od. for this work. The Smoke Testing of the house drains
of seven properties was undertaken at the request of owners desirous
of selling their properties and satisfying prospective purchasers that
the drainage was sound. A charge is made for this service and Accounts
were rendered for £14 14s. Od.
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. Requests are also 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 1957, 22 applications were received
and accounts rendered for £17 6s. Od.
During the year 129 Library books were collected from homes
where infectious disease had occurred, disinfected and returned to the
Library of origin.
Movable Dwellings
Sixteen families occupied movable dwellings under licence from
the Council during 1957.
Twenty-eight inspections of the sites of the caravans were made,
and in no instance was a Public Health nuisance discovered.
Mortuary
The administration of the Beckenham Mortuary is the responsibility
of the Public Health Department, the Mortuary Attendant
being a member of the Medical Officer's staff.
During 1957, 142 bodies were brought to the Mortuary, where
post-mortem examinations were conducted by a Home Office Pathologist.
Thirty-nine Inquests were held in the Town Hall.
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