London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Barnet 1911
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barnet UDC]
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The following table shows the number and nature of the nuisances dealt with during the year:—
| nature of nuisance. | no. |
|---|---|
| Choked condition of drains | 8 |
| Defective drains | 5 |
| Dilapidated paving of yards | 5 |
| Absence of paving to yards | 12 |
| Accumulations of manure and other refuse | 17 |
| Fowls improperly kept | 4 |
| Offensive and defective gullies | 2 |
| Defective and obsolete water-closet cisterns | 18 |
| Insufficient water closet accommodation | 5 |
| Insufficient gully accommodation | 3 |
| Defective roofs of houses | 4 |
| Defective eaves and down-spouting | 29 |
| Defective and unventilated soil pipes | 2 |
| Nuisances caused by defective urinals | 1 |
| Overcrowded houses | 4 |
| Defective walls, ceilings, and floors | 21 |
| Insufficient ventilation of rooms | 1 |
| Nuisances caused by damp walls | 1 |
| Defective and obsolete water-closet basins | 17 |
| Defective sinks and sink waste pipes | 1 |
| Dilapidated outbuildings | 14 |
| Dirty houses | 2 |
| Absence of water supply to water-closet cisterns | 10 |
| Cesspools abolished | 1 |
| Total | 187 |
CARAVANS USED AS DWELLINGS.
The caravans which entered the district to attend Barnet
Fair were inspected as in previous years, in order to detect
any nuisances which might exist, and also with a view to
discovering any infectious disease.
One caravan was found to be in a dirty condition.
Verbal intimation was given to the occupier to have the van
cleansed, which was done. With this exception, the whole
of the vans were found to be in a cleanly state.
Temporary sanitary accommodation was enforced as in
the previous year, a number of earth closets being erected for
the use of the van dwellers. This accommodation was
supplemented by temporary public conveniences at High
Barnet Station and at the foot of the hill in the East Barnet
Valley area.
The fish-stall holders were a source of nuisance, and
repeated cautions had to be given against the filthy practice