[Report 1908] / Medical Officer of Health, Halstead R.D.C.

  • Halstead (Essex, England). Rural District Council.
Date:
1908
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1908] / Medical Officer of Health, Halstead R.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    HALSTEAD RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. REPORT OF THE Medical Officer of Health FOR THE FIRST DIVISION OF THE DISTRICT For the year ended 31st December, 1908. The District is undulating The subsoil is various, clay and gravel, the former predominating. The chief occupation of the people throughout the district is agriculture. At Earls Colne there is a Foundry employing about BOO men, and a Silk Factory emploving about 100 women and girls. Many of the houses in the district are old, and consist of lath and plaster, with thatched roofs, and not being provided with a damp proof cour,>e, are damp, and in some instances the site is naturally a damp one. Repairs are carried out as soon as possible where defects are found. All new houses are inspected before habitation certificates are granted to ensure a proper water supply, satisfactory drainage and sanitary arrange- ments ; but in the absence of building bye-laws no other restriction is placed upon owners intending to build. THE HOUSING OF THE WORKING CLASSES ACT, 1890. The following houses have been erected during the year : Colne Engaine : a new house with bakehouse adjoining, a suitable water supply on premises. Another new' house in the same parish, but the water is obtained from adjoining premises, belonging to the same owner and the pump draws the water laterally. Earls Colne : A new house, with a new well 12 feet deep on the premises containing a wholesome supply of water. Two new houses in the same parish have been erected, and a new well 12 feet deep sunk on the premises, but the water, upon analysis, was found to be of a suspicious nature. Arrangements have been made for the occupants to obtain water for domestic purposes from a tank, the water from which is derived from a deep well, and is satisfactory. The tank is within a reasonable distance. Three houses have been closed during the year at Pebmarsh as unfit for habitation, and several have been repaired in the District. Magisterial proceedings were taken in one case of over- crowding at Earls Colne and the nuisance was abated.