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7
ten years discouraged owners from incurring expenditure on repairs.
In some cases the cost of proper reconditioning is now more than the
houses are worth for investment purposes.
There is obvious need for a complete revision of the financial
arrangements relating to rents and repairs in respect of dwellings of
low rateable value.
EXHUMATIONS
Three exhumations were carried out within the borough during the
year, and all were attended by a Sanitary Inspector. The exhumations
were carried out in the early hours of the morning and were conducted
with due solemnity, every consideration being paid to matters of
hygiene and decency.
FOOD
The supervision of premises where food is handled and distributed
has continued to receive a considerable amount of attention. It
can be stated that there has been a steady improvement in the standard
of cleanliness and the conduct of these establishments.
There are still a considerable number of employees in the food
trade who are not sufficiently aware of the potential danger of illness and
possible death which may follow the consumption of food which has
been contaminated. Closer control of conditions in food premises will
be possible when the proposed byelaws of the Ministry of Food are
brought into operation. It is satisfactory to state, however, that only
one case of suspected food poisoning, involving only one person, was
reported during the year. Investigations made failed to reveal the
source of infection.
Statistics show that the greatest risk of contamination exists in the
larger canteens and kitchens of industrial concerns and institutions.
The main danger of contamination occurs where food is handled, mixed
and heated and allowed to cool slowly, and then not consumed for many
hours. If food cannot be consumed immediately after preparation it
should be rapidly cooled, and stored in a cool position.
Ice Cream
Ice cream is manufactured at two premises in the area. Conditions
have been found to be generally satisfactory, and regular samples
are taken for bacteriological examination and chemical analysis. In
addition, frequent sampling is carried out of ice cream from distribution
points in shops, etc.
FACTORIES
The table No. 21 in the statistical section gives details of visits
made to factories in the area. It is perhaps not generally realised that