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(3)
There was a marked improvement in the incidence of Diphtheria in comparison with
the previous year, four cases only having been notified, one of which, unfortunately, proved fatal
shortly after admission to hospital.
Scarlet Fever never reached an epidemic stage at any time during the year, and I am
pleased to report that no death occurred from this diseare.
The usual precautions of fumigating rooms, &c., with formalin and the stripping and
cleansing of rooms where necessary, have been taken after cases of infectious illness have occurred,
entailing a large amount of work.
In addition, premises occupied by persons suffering from Phthisis are also disinfected on
the removal or death of the patient.
Bedding and clothing are disinfected by steam.
Isolation Hospital.—Nineteen patients suffering from Scarlet Fever and three from
Diphtheria have been treated at the Hospital during the year from this district.
The Council have decided to erect a Porter's Lodge and discharging wards at the
Hospital.
An enquiry has been held by au Inspector of the Local Government Board with
reference to the raising of a loan for this purpose, but the sanction of the Board has not yet been
received.
Water Supply.—The district is supplied with water on the constant service system by
the Grand Junction district of the Metropolitan Water Board, and the supply has been well
maintained throughout the year.
The nuisance complained of in previous reports respecting the discharge of black smoke
from the chimneys of the waterworks has been considerably reduced, and it has not been found
necessary to serve any notice for the abatement of this particular nuisance during the past year.
Trade Premises.—The various trade premises which include slaughter-houses, bakehouses,
cowsheds, dairies and the soap works have been regularly visited and inspected by myself
and the Inspector during the year, and at a number of these premises it was found necessary to
require works of cleansing and other remedial measures to be carried out at once.
I would strongly urge upon cowkeepers and milksellers the importance of insisting on
scrupulous cleanliness on the part of their employees in dealing with the milk supply, as regards
not only themselves personally, but also the utensils used in the distribution of this important
part of the food supply.
Dwelling Houses.— A considerable number of houses have been inspected during the
year—a portion being house-to-house inspections—and a large number of sanitary improvements
have been effected.
One house has been closed as unfit for habitation and will probably be pulled down in
the near future. Three others previously closed by order of the Justices have been demolished,
and a small number of old houses have been pulled down to be replaced by modern buildings.
Three houses were fouud to be overcrowded and the nuisance was promptly abated on
the service of notices.
A further number of house drains have been entirely reconstructed and connected to the
public sewer during the year, and there are now 95 per cent. of the houses in the district so
connected.
It has not been found necessary to take any proceedings before the Magistrates during
the year.
Building operations have been brisk, and a large number of new houses have been
erected in various parts of the district.
Dust Removal and Scavenging.—This work has been satisfactorily carried out during
the year. There is a weekly collection of house refuse throughout the district which is performed
by the Council's own staff.