London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

View report page

Twickenham 1900

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Twickenham]

This page requires JavaScript

6
scheme, upon a piece of land situate in a growing portion of the district. Tenders
were invited for the erection of the houses and the construction of the necessary roads
and sewers. It was found however that by reason of the high quotation given by
builders for the various works and the market price of money, it was impossible to
erect the cottages at the proposed rental without making a loss. Representations were
made to the Local Government Board suggesting that the period of repayment actually
granted to Local Authorities for buildings under Part 3 of this Statute should be extended
to the full statutory period of 60 years. By reason of the reply, the Council
were compelled to let the matter remain in abeyance for future consideration. I may
point out that a considerable number of houses have been built, the majority of which
are small villa residences.
I made representations to the Council under Part 2 of this statute, as to two
houses being in such a condition as were in mv opinion unfit for human habitation. In
each of these instances the premises were closed and remain so at present.
Removal of House Refuse.
During the year there were comparatively few complaints received of the
weekly non-removal by the Contractor of the refuse. In one or two instances, parishioners
objected to the shoots which the Contractor was using, means were taken to
orevent any nuisance arising.
Sanitary Conveniences.
Those attached to the various licensed premises have been under close observation.
and disinfectants plentifully used. In those cases where a flushing apparatus
has been faulty, remedial steps have been taken.
Sewage Disposal.
The Council have purchased additional land after an Inquiry was held by the
Local Government Board for the further treatment of Sewage. Up to the present the
experimental bacteriological system which was adopted is from the expert analysis of
the effluent most satisfactory.
Vaccination Act 1898.
I have received only one notice of the postponement of Vaccination, the reason
assigned being the recent prevalence of infectious diseases in the house.
Inspection of the Parish.
Upwards of 1,000 houses have been inspected, followed in 600 cases by reinspections.
In only two instances was it necessary to have recourse to legal proceedings,
one by reason of the owner making default in whitewashing and cleansing to houses,
and the other because the owner permitted a new house to be occupied before the
drains were connected to the Council's sewer, and a sufficient supply of water for
drinking and domestic purposes provided. In both cases penalties were imposed by
the Justices.