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periodic cycle of this disease. There are hopes that successful
immunisation against this disease may become available. There
were more cases of Sonne Dysentery, a mild type of dysentery,
which, although not usually a serious condition, has a definite
nuisance value. It has been fairly widespread during recent years,
due partly to its high infectivity, but it is a disease which it should
be possible to control by strict observance of personal hygiene.
Considerable attention is paid to all aspects of food hygiene,
such as meat inspection at the slaughterhouse, control of milk
supplies and ice cream, inspection of food shops and food preparing
premises, as well as careful attention to restaurants, cafes, canteens,
etc., and the results can be taken to be reflected in the fact that
although there were a few cases of food poisoning notified, they
were all single cases, and no outbreak associated with any premises
occurred. Here, of course, as much depends on the methods and
personal hygiene of staff as on the standard of premises and
equipment.
I referred last year to the increased interest being taken in
regard to noise nuisance. In November there came into operation
the Noise Abatement Act, 1960, but it is too early yet to assess the
value of this legislation.
Progress continues to be made in regard to Smoke Control
Areas, one being already in operation and another large area due
to become effective in the near future. Preparation for these
Areas takes much effort, time and expense, but plans are laid for
steady progress towards making the Borough smokeless in the
foreseeable future. Apart from the Smoke Control Area provisions
of the Clean Air Act, there are important aspects dealing with
atmospheric pollution from industrial and other sources, and unfortunately
there have been a few instances of concern in this
direction which have required action.
During the year, analyses of deposit gauges and lead peroxide
instruments for measurement of atmospheric pollution were continued
on the old basis, but consideration was given to the future
installation of different equipment to provide even more useful
information.
Considerable effort has been put into work under the Housing
Acts, but the work under the Rent Act has shown a progressive
decline since its inauguration in 1957.
On looking at the vital statistics for the year we find that the
population has increased slightly, and although the number of
houses has also increased, there is still a need for more.
In general, the vital statistics present a satisfactory picture,
with the Death Rate down, Still-birth Rate down, and no woman