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long, however, as the community is not being prejudiced I favour
leaving the aged alone when they want to be left alone. It is a pity
that some arrangements of a flexible nature could not be secured
whereby old people, possibly largely feeble but not ill, could be
given an annual 'holiday' in some convalescent home to enable those
looking after them to enjoy a rest from their labours. The danger
of such an arrangement is its patent liability to abuse.
Home Safety.
The past year, despite the continued activities of the Home
Safety Committee, does reveal little greater awareness among the
general public of the problem of accidents in the home. Statistics
collated during the year show that the number of accidents—including
fatalities—has not diminished and it would seem that without
national guidance or action at Ministerial level the problem cannot
be realistically tackled locally.
The interest of the public is usually aroused only when some
tragedy 'hits the headlines' and the dangers that we live with are
made apparent.
As stated earlier, propaganda in the form of posters, lectures
and a wide distribution of the Home Safety brochure has continued
and it is probably true to say that the phrase 'Safety in the Home'
means more to certain of the residents of Hornchurch than it did
twelve months ago.
The Committee is generously subsidised by a grant of £100
made by the Urban District Council.
SECTION C.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA.
Water Supplies—General.
The South Essex Waterworks Company have kindly supplied
the following particulars concerning the main supply for the
district
The water supply of the whole of your area has been
satisfactory in quality and quantity. Bacteriological and
chemical examinations are made of the raw water, of the
water in its various stages of treatment and of the water
going into supply. A total of over 3,900 chemical, bacteriological
and biological examinations have been made and all
water going into supply was wholesome. In addition,
analyses have also been made of samples obtained from consumers'
taps in the various parts of the Company's district,
including that of your Council, and all proved to be satisfactory.
The water supplied is not plumbo-solvent. No