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Company have an up-to-date chemical and bacteriological laboratory
in charge of which is a qualified chemist. During the year 1,654
examinations were made, 98.6 per cent. being B. coli free in 100 ml.
Samples are also sent periodically to independent analysts in
London for their examination and the following report is characteristic
of such examinations:—
'This sample is clear and bright in appearance, neutral in
reaction and free from iron and other metals. The water is
hard in character but not to an excessive degree, and it contains
no excess of salinity or mineral constituents in solution. It
is of very satisfactory organic quality and of the highest
standard of bacterial purity.
“These results are consistent with a pure and wholesome
water suitable for public supply purposes."
Twelve samples were also taken by us and submitted for examination.
The reports were in every case satisfactory.
Diphtheria Prophylaxis
For the fifth year in succession we have been fortunate in
that no cases of Diphtheria have been notified, but the statement
should not in the slightest degree be taken as lessening the need
for continuing the policy of advertising the real protection given by
immunisation. There is a distinct fear that the very absence of this
disease may itself breed a slackening of the immunisation rate with
disastrous results. I would like to pay a tribute to the unceasing
propaganda of the Health Visitors, which has gone far in producing
the present position.
No apology is needed for repeating the previous paragraph
from the last Annual Report as it stands, for there can be very
few aspects of preventive medicine which have paid so handsome
a dividend in so short a time as has immunisation. There are,
however, faint signs that the immunisation rate is not being fully
maintained: slight though these signs may be, they constitute
nevertheless a real warning.
Scabies
No cases of Scabies were notified, and as I commented last
year, Scabies has now become once again an uncommon disease in
this district.
Infectious Diseases
During 1952 there was one case of Poliomyelitis notified.
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