[Report 1910] / Medical Officer of Health, Bridport Borough.

  • Bridport (England). Borough Council.
Date:
1910
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1910] / Medical Officer of Health, Bridport Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    3/4
    In Regard to the Subject of Disinfection.—Including the cases of notifiable phthisis, there were ten instances where the disinfection of infected premises was carried out. For the disinfection of bedding, clothing, &c., I think it is very desirable that the necessary plant for exposing these to superheated steam should be substituted for the system now in use. I hope to submit to you mj^ views on this subject in the immediate future. Sanitary Inspections.—Seventy-eight of these were made during the year, besides inspections of vessels at West Bay, and twelve notices were served altogether. Housing o*f the Working Classes. — It cannot be maintained that the housing accommodation— n the past few years—has been sufficient. There are practically no uninhabited houses in the Borough, and for many who wished to reside in the town it has not been possible. On the other hand there have been instances of overcrowding. There is, in short, a pressing need for more houses, and I am glad to record that fifteen new ones are in course of erection at the instance of the Council, and with the approval of the Local Government Board. I hope this movement may prove to be the initial stage of a wider one in the future. It is only by improving the dwellings of the people and the conditions under which they live that we can hope to strike at the roots of such a problem as that of tuberculosis and consumption. In accordance with the instructions conveyed to me by the Local Government Board and embodied in the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1909, I am proposing to make an inspection, in conjuncion with the Inspector of Nuisances of such house and premises as may seem to us to need inspection. The first area we propose for inspection is East Street (from King Street to East Bridge, South side). King Street East and West sides). Folly Mill Lane and Church Street. The object aimed at by this survey will be to condemn all tenements that are clearly unfit for human habitation and to cause amend- ments to be made in the condition of those which can be made habitable, in accordance with the act. The Scavenging and Flushing of the district has been regularly carried out. Our system of drainage being a combined one, sewers of a wider capacity than would have otherwise sufficed have been necessary. As a result it is difficult by means of flushing by hj'drant to secure efficient scouring of the upper surfaces of the sewer in dry seasons. Effete matter is liable to be deposited in that part. This is probably the explanation of the effluvia which is noticeable in some quarters in close weather. The full bore flush provided by automatic tank action would more effectual!}’ scour the sewers, and I am pleased to hear their installation is being considered by the Council. The Slaughter-houses, Bakehouses, Dairies, and Cowsheds were severally inspected during the year. I found them to be well conducted—for the most part—and in good sanitary condition. In regard to a slaughter-house I received complaints on more than one occasion, and I visited the premises with the Sanitary Inspector. We found it was not being conducted in strict accordance with modern regulations, and a notice was served to abate the nuisance complained of. Pamphlets and leaflets containing instructions for ensuring a wholesome milk supply to the inhabitants of the Borough have been distributed to the owners of dairies and cowsheds, and to the householders and consumers of milk. The Water Supply.—There was no shortage during the year, and I received no complaints. The quarterly reports on samples sent for analysis were all satisfactory. The Port of Bridport.—Nine vessels arrived from foreign ports, and 62 coastwise. The latter were regularly inspected by the Inspector of Nuisances and the former by myself. ( Signed), WALTER E. MANBY, Medical Officer of Health.