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fection with a long incubation period and notification
greatly facilitates the early treatment of contacts and
should result in the condition being kept under control.
We have again to thank members of the Civil Defence
for their help in treatment of this condition.
Notification of tuberculosis was high. An increase
in available beds in Sanatoria and post-war private
houses should help in the fight against this disease.
Flying Bombs and Rockets during the year increased
the already acute shortage of houses in the
Borough. The Council have a very big problem to face
in rehousing families living in houses not fit for human
habitation or overcrowded as judged by the Housing
Act Standards.
Despite war damage in the Borough a good and
constant water supply was maintained by the Metropolitan
Water Board. I am informed by the Clerk of the
Board that: —
(a) No new source of public water supply has been
instituted in the Borough of Bexley during
1944;
(b) There have been no extensions of trunk mains;
(c) No changes in the general scheme of supply
to the Borough of Bexley took place during
the year. The supply has been satisfactory as
to quantity.
(d) The water supply to Bexley has been maintained
at a high level of bacterial purity.
Collection and Disposal of House Refuse. During
the latter end of the year great difficulty was experienced
in the collection and disposal of house refuse.
The labour shortage was very acute and in common with
other areas over the whole of the country the period
between the collections was longer and less regular.
This opportunity is taken of thanking the Council
and Officers of other departments for their helpful cooperation
during the year.
There is also special appreciation for help given by
members of the Health Department.
MARY LOVE, M.B., Ch.B., D.P.H.,
Acting Medical Officer of Health.
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