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their results. The water supply remained 'bacteriologically satisfactory
and sufficient in quantity; there are no inhabited premises
known to be without any internal water supply.
5. HOUSING. The seriousness of the housing situation is
fully appreciated by the Council and they are only too well aware
of their limited possibilities towards its amelioration, but such
possibilities are governed by the difficulties of the situation in the
country generally. Overcrowding is a continually growing
circumstance locally and only 65 cases could be relieved during
the year. At the beginning of the year overcrowding in accordance
with the Housing Act standard numbered 197; by April the
figure had become 267, in July 340 and on the 31st December
383; by the 31st May, 1947, the figure had risen to 430. These
figures, of course, are undoubtedly much less than is the true
situation, the figures being only those definitely confirmed
(generally on complaint) by the Public Health Department and
consideration of the applications for housing on the grounds of
insufficiency would reveal very many more families in need of
extra accommodation. Further, the Housing Act standards are
low and minimum standards and do not take into account the
difficulties and inconveniences which occur when a house planned
and intended for only one family is now accommodating two,
three or more family units. With regard to disrepair and its
remedy, the shortage of both materials and manpower necessitate
continual adjustment as to practicability and the slogan "First
things first" is not always a very satisfactory answer to the
families dwelling in constantly trying surroundings.
6. FACTORIES ACT, 1937. Mr. R. M. Turner, Chief
Sanitary Inspector, has contributed the following:—
The industries in the Borough continue to be very similar in
character to those which prevailed prior to the War, there being
no heavy industries. The principal industries are light engineering,
manufacture of electrical radio equipment, motor manufacture
and repairs, glassworks, printing works, manufacture of
carburettors, manufacture of fibre board, manufacture of food
products, laundries, etc. The majority of the factories are
mechanical factories and therefore largely come under the surveillance
of His Majesty's Inspector of Factories, with the exception
of the provisions of the Act relating to sanitary conveniences. No
great difficulties are experienced with factory proprietors who
are usually found to be very co-operative in meeting the requirements
of the Act and Regulations. The usual difficulties
experienced are related to delays similar to those experienced in
connection with house repairs due to labour and material shortages
found in connection with building work.
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