[Report 1911] / Medical Officer of Health, Godalming Borough.

  • Godalming (England). Borough Council.
Date:
1911
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1911] / Medical Officer of Health, Godalming Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Housing, Nuisances, etc.—Twenty-three new dwelling houses have been erected in the Borough during 1911. Only one case of overcrowding was of sufficient importance to be reported to the Sanitary Committee. Overcrowding, which in past years has been the greatest evil which the Sanitary Authority has had to combat, has owing to increased accommodation and by dint of constant inspection, been reduced to a minimum. Systematic district inspections have been undertaken by the Sanitary Inspec- tor and myself from time to time. The house-to-house inspection of premises enjoined by the Housing and Town Planning Act has been vigorously carried out by the Sanitary Inspector, acting under my supervision. This form of inspection is practically the same—only in somewhat greater detail—as that which the Sanitary Authority has been volun- tarily undertaking for some years past. During the year the western portion of the Borough has undergone inspection in this way. As a result, in 102 cases minor alterations and repairs were ordered to be carried out. Statutory notices have been served on two owners of seven cottages. One prosecution under the Public Health Act came before the Guildford County Bench. It was undertaken by the Council with a view to abating a nuisance caused by the insanitary conditions of earth-closets still remaining on one property within the Borough. The Bench ordered a more regular attention to be paid by the owner to the premises in question. I had hoped that an order could have been made enjoining the replacement by modern water-closets of the obsolete earth- closets, as I consider their retention a possible danger to public health. It is the only property in the town unprovided with modern conveniences. The sanitary conditions of the Elementary Schools within the Borough are satisfactory. The Bell School and all the Infants Schools had to be closed for a short period in February and March owing to the outbreak of measles. The epidemic was attended with the least possible amount of dislocation in educational arrangements. The question of pig accommodation is engaging the serious consideration of the Sanitary Authority. The statistical returns published by the County Medical Officer of Health show that the town maintained its excellent health record during 1910, and I trust that the figures for 1911 will help to substantiate my conviction that Godaiming is one of the healthiest towns, not only of this county, but of the kingdom. Factory and Workshops Act, 1901.—rfhe factories, workshops, and workplaces have been duly inspected in accordance with the requirements of this Act, and the necessary schedules forwarded to the Secretary of State. I am, Lady and Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, GERALD F. BIRD, M.A., M.B., B.C. CANTAB., M.R.C.S. ENG., L.R.C.P. LOND., Medical Officer of Health. 8