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79
At the disinfecting oven 3782 articles were disinfected. The
Sanitary Officer, Inspector Lear, reports that he has been able to
secure the removal of 271 of the infected sick to the Asylums,
and that speaking generally, he has experienced little difficulty in
inducing these persons to the removal.
Inspector Alexander reports that 1210 premises were carefully
inspected, and in 1075, nuisances dangerous to health were found,
and consequently notices served requiring their abatement.
His report further gives an account in detail of the various
works that have been done to abate the nuisances ; and it may be
gathered that much has been accomplished in the year to render
the dwellings more suitable for health. Some of the alterations
were structural, for instance to remove damp, 246 roofs were repaired.
Some alterations were needed to carry away sewage products and for
that purpose 425 drains were repaired or replaced. Cesspools have
mostly been abolished, but occasionally they are yet found ; but
only 9 were discovered in the year. A great deal of attention has
been given for some years past to securing the inhabitants better
closet accommodation ; improved structures and more cleanliness by
increased water supply--445 closets were cleansed and repaired,
and water supply restored, or newly laid on in 594 closets.
Moreover additional care has been bestowed, in endeavouring
to prevent sewage gases penetrating the basement rooms and
sleeping chambers, therefore in 306 premises, waste pipes had to be
securely trapped, or their continuous connection with the drain cut
off. Rain pipes have also been disconnected from drains in 421
premises.
Much work was done also in paving yards to keep the earth
under, and by the side of the dwellings dry and sweeter; the
dryness is indispensable for freshness, to enable air to circulate
through the surface earth, and disinfect by oxidation any organic
products that might accummulate, and become poisonous.
A small group of houses, the name of which is well-known to
the Sanitary Authorities of the Parish; that is Reform Place, have
been closed as unfit for habitation, and demolished. These old
dwellings your Medical Officer had on several occasions brought