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5
I have made frequent analyses during the year and have found it chemically a good
water. With the exception of the one Bacteriological Analysis made early in the year,
and which I reported upon in my last annual report, no further Bacteriological Analysis
has been made
Many of the existing wells have been examined during the year, some being found
of good quality, others have been condemued, and if after they are cleaned out again and
the analysis proves bad the main is usually laid on without delay.
FOOD SUPPLIES.
Frequent visits are made to various purveyors of food. In May, owing to several
families showing signs of metalic poisoning, investigation very soon proved it to proceed
from tinned peaches. As there was no guide as to the date of canning I suggested that
the Local Government Board should be approached with a view of getting some sort of
legislation passed to more effectually deal with this most important matter, as it was
generally felt most desirable that the date of canning all such tinned stuffs should be
stamped on the tin. The answer of the Local Government Board was not encouraging,
at the same time country districts are apparently the happy dumping ground of stale
tinned goods it is impossible to sell in the more important towns. No meat was
condemned during the year, but a quantity of sprats were found unsaleable and unfit for
human consumption, and buried.
MEDICAL INSPECTION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.
This, as far as can be ascertained, is being favourably received. This part is
entirely under the control of the County Medical Officer, although we are frequently in
touch with reference to infectious disease contacts, which happily are not many. Should
au epidemic threaten to arise the County Medical Officer is immediately informed of the
fact, and by the weekly returns sent to him.
REGULATIONS re TUBERCULOSIS.
As the chief Medical Officer to the Local Government Board has only just issued
his Memorandum with regard to the steps a sanitary authority can take in order to control
and suppress Tuberculosis (Consumption) you have so far agreed to a voluntary notification,
but there are many important steps that yott can, and should take, to stamp out the White
Plague. When it becomes generally known that one ninth of the total death rate of the
County of Middlesex is caused by some form or other of Tuberculosis, and that a preventable
disease, we ought not to be behind the times in such au excellent cause.
GENERAL REMARKS.
The presence of Autumn Diarrhæa, with its fatal tendency amongst very young
children, is largely governed by climatic conditions, difficult of control, and during the
last year has accounted for our increased infantile death rate, more than double of 1907,
in which year it was practically absent. While the Birth Rate shows a slight increase
the Death Rate has also gone up from last year, which includes some 15 persons dying
from 65 years and upwards.
I have to thank my colleagues, particularly Mr. Stewart, the Surveyor and Sanitary
Inspector, for the very able manner he has carried out his work, and I attach a report
from him showing the summary of work he has carried out with great tact and judgement,
which his report shows.