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The few remaining wells are examined from time to time, two at
least were cleansed and repaired during the year.
HOUSING AND TOWN PLANNING ACT.
Three representations were made under Sec. 17 of the Act, and
three houses were closed by your Authority. The Number of Cautionary
Notices and the Statutory Notices, under the Public Health Act, means
that you have been on the lenient side, owing to the abnormal conditions
prevailing at the present time. Building operations are at a standstill,
not a single new house has been erected, several have been transformed,
and so far there is ample accomodation for the needs of the people,
though at times I have noticed that owing to the male members being
absent at the front, two families have occupied one house, without
overcrowding.
SEWAGE DISPOSAL, DUSTBIN COLLECTION, SCAVENGING,
AND STREET WATERING.
All these are carried out much as in former years. The two
continuously wet seasons put rather a strain on the sewage disposal
arrangements, as much of the subsoil water got into the cesspools, owing
to the great height of the water in the laud, which was very manifest,
for a long period, in the Thames valley.
DAIRIES, MILKSHOPS, BAKERS', SLAUGHTER HOUSES,
AND FOOD DEPOTS.
These are all kept uuder observation, by occasional visits, both of
the Sanitary Inspector and myself. A small amount of fruit was
condemned during the year at the request of a shopkeeper.
GENERAL SUMMARY.
It is generally understood that all Annual Reports will be curtailed
as much as possible. The rates speak for themselves. A low Death
Rate an increased Birth Rate, a declining Infant Mortality Rate, are
facts beyond dispute.
I have to thank my colleagues, the Clerk and Sanitary Inspector,
also the Members of the Sanitary Committee, and Council for the help
they have always given in carrying out the duties entrusted to me,
hoping that the outlook may be brighter for everybody, when the time
comes again to place before you the next Annual Report.
I beg to remain,
Your obedient servant,
C. DWIGHT MORRIS,
Medical Officer of Health.
June 1st, 1916.