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

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Wimbledon 1909

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wimbledon]

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Refuse Collection.—Some few years ago your Surveyor,
Sanitary Inspector, and myself reported in favour of a daily
collection of house refuse in the Borough, and, as an experiment,
this was carried out in a certain portion of the district,
it being stipulated that the occupier should bring the dust
receptacle to the forecourt. In spite of much opposition which
was manifest for a time, the experiment may be pronounced an
unqualified success, not only from a sanitary point of view,
but also from the standpoint of economic administration.
I would suggest that, in view of these facts, further portions
of the district should now be included in the daily collection
scheme.
Full details of the causes of death and their distribution
throughout the wards will be found in the appendix tables for
the year, whilst the results of the inspections carried out under
the Factory and Workshops Act are given in the Home Office
Table. The work in connection with the abatement of nuisances,
etc., will be reported upon at length by your Sanitary
Inspector, Mr. Johnson.
In conclusion, I would state that the vital and other
statistics show the district to be in a good sanitary condition,
and the recording of this fact in my last report affords me
great pleasure.
For the last twelve years of my service as Medical Officer
of Health to your Authority, I have had the able assistance
and loyal co-operation of Mr. Johnson in the important work
of the Department, and looking back upon that period it may
be truly said that he has always, without exception, carried
out his duties with marked intelligence, tact, zeal and integrity,
and in such a way as to reflect credit not only upon himself
and the Department, but also upon the Local Sanitary
Authority. At all times and upon every occasion I could rely
upon the advice given being acted upon and wishes expressed
carried out, and the harmony with which he has united with
me in the performance of our independent and yet interdependent
duties are too well-known and appreciated by you
to need emphasizing.
Yours faithfully,
E. POCKLINGTON.
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