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different, for houses specially erected to accommodate the
displaced families. The object in laying down the different
standard for new houses is, of course, to provide for the natural
increase of the family.
Owing to the extensive development which has taken place
in the urban district considerable difficulty has been experienced
by the Council in obtaining land which would be suitable for the
erection of houses for the abatement of overcrowding. After
considerable negotiations the Council has been successful in
acquiring a site three acres in extent situated at the junction of
Church Hill Road and Avondale Avenue, and it is anticipated
that it will be possible to rehouse all overcrowded families in the
near future.
Epidemic Disease.
It is very important that in all epidemics the district sanitary
authority should be in a position to deal with them at the
outset. Without compulsory notification this is not always
possible, and in the case of Measles widespread infection may
occur before effective measures can be taken to stop or limit the
spread of the disease. I have had several conferences on the
subject with the Senior Medical Officers of the Ministry and I
am glad to say that this year they have permitted us to impose
compulsory notifications in cases under 5 years of age. A serious
and widespread epidemic of this disease appeared at the end of
the year and I again found it necessary to go to the Ministry to
press for compulsory notification at all ages. It had previously
been pointed out that in children over 5 years of age the necessary
notification could be made through the schools but as this
particular epidemic was raging during the school holidays no
notifications from this source could be made. I am glad to say
that this aspect of the case received very sympathetic consideration
from the Ministry and I hope that next year Measles will
be made compulsorily notifiable at all ages. In this connection
it is hoped to obtain the co-operation of the District Nursing
Association and that the services of a nurse will be available in
any future epidemic, her whole time being placed at our disposal
for the whole duration of the epidemic.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant.
Ǽ. ROSE.