ids stringlengths 36 36 | texts stringlengths 1 1.43k |
|---|---|
9b47da20-b551-4752-ba87-cb7252f771cf | Some epidemics of conjunctivitus have been reported from America, but in this country no authentic instance is recorded. Complaints have been received from some baths of inflamed and smarting eyes, but these have usually occurred where chlorination of the water has taken place and sufficient care had not be n observed in the dosage, and too much free chlorine was present in the water. It is the throat and ear affections which give the chief gravamen to the charge of dissemenating disease against swimming baths. Dr. Dan McKenzie in the Lancet stated that the prevalence of ear diseases during the bathing season is well-known to surgeons, but it occurs as frequently amongst open air bathers as it does amongst those using closed baths. Middle-ear disease occurs most frequently amongst those who have previously suffered from an affection of the ear, and also amongst tho-e who bathe infrequently. |
f507d7b9-cf12-441b-93ac-e59c0f211c76 | It is uncertain which of the two factors plays the chief part, namely whether infection takes place from organisms present in the water and derived from the naso-pharyngeal or other secretions of other bathers, or whether the action of bathing is to cause an infection of the patient's middle ear, owing to unhealthy conditions of his own naso-pharynx, and the passage of organisms up the eustachian tubes as the result of sniffing and of the changes in pressure incidental 43 l929 to immersion of the head in water. Most authorities believe that the latter factor plays the chief part and that the action of bathing is to cause an infection of the patient's middle ear owing to unhealthy conditions of his own naso-pharynx. Some doctors in Acton have told me that they have cases of sore throat in the summer which they attribute to bathing-. |
08e7e4e2-fc96-4586-b997-6a6952c71d00 | We have exceptional facilities for watching any ill effects in school children and I have not come across any authentic cases of sore throats or otitis media which could be attributed to the baths. These sore throats and discharging ears are caused by germs called streptococci and as these germs are found in polluted bath water, the possibility of transmission of these diseases by water must be admitted. The really extraordinary thing is that there are not more cases reported when one considers the vast number who use swimming baths as part of the curriculum, and are subject to medical supervision. In their case it would appear to be impossible that an outbreak of disease would not be traced to its source if a swimming bath was responsible for spreading infection on a large scale. It may be assumed that the danger of the spread of disease is a small one, and this risk might be avoided entirely by the use of chemicals. It has been found that a very high bacterial standard of purity may be obtained by the chlorination of the water. |
db2fa3a8-c640-4f4f-b3dc-03741ff2f3e9 | Chlorination has been applied for the sterilisation of water from a sewage polluted river at a public bathing beach with satisfactory results. In this country, Dr. Alexander of Poplar, recommended the use of electrolytic fluid, a mixture of hypochlorites which is added in such amount as to yield 0.5 parts cf chlorine per 1,000,000, the bath water not being filtered, but changed periodically, and this method was used in Poplar. A few baths are treated with copper sulphate. These methods are condemned in the Report of the Ministry of Health as they do not get over the difficulty of dirty water, and the procedure as it cloaks the inevitable appearance and masks the dour of deterioration enables the same water to be used for a longer period without refilling. This last objection would not apply very forceably here as the water is always changed every other day. Chlorination alone will not clarify the water, but it will probably destroy any germs which would cause diseases. |
37854663-307d-4e09-92da-e10480d31aab | With the increase in the popularity of swimming, the Committee may at some future date have to consider the question of filtration, but a great improvement can be effected if certain obvious rules and common sense regulations are strictly enforced. Small-pox. Two cases of Small-pox were notified and both were fata!. The patients were husband and wife and came to this country from 1929 44 Khartoum, on board s.s. Tuscania. They joined the ship at Port Said on March 23rd. The Tuscania left Bombay where severe Small-pox was prevalent on March 14th, and called at Suez, Port Said, Marseilles and Gibraltar. On March 17th, a seamen fell ill, and on March 18th another sailor became ill. These cases were not diagnosed as Small-pox until the steamer reached Marseilles on March 27th, where one of the seamen was landed, but died soon after in hospital. |
f693babc-05cb-428b-9995-81f7de40259f | Before the illness had been diagnosed as Small-pox about 450 passengers had disembarked and had left Marseilles. On receipt of the information that the illness was Small-pox the ship's surgeon vaccinated a large number of the passengers and crew on board the ship. When the ship arrived at Liverpool, the other sick seamen was diagnosed as suffering from Small-pox and the usual procedure adopted. Altogether 53 cases of Small-pox were reported from different places—47 primary (i.e. contracted on the ship) and 6 secondary. Ten primary cases and two secondary cases proved fatal. The Tuscania arrived in Liverpool on April 1st and four of the passengers (husband, wife and two children) came to Acton. We called at Ihe address which had been given in Liverpool, but were unable to see any of the passengers. On April 9th, I was asked by a doctor to see a women at the address named. |
0c2bdbfb-e9e9-4318-93b0-6b2173eeb299 | When we arrived there, the woman was dead. The woman was pregnant and aborted on April 8th, and on April 9th she died of Haemorrhagic Small-pox. There was a purpuric rash on the body which was the prodromal rash of Hæmorthagic Small-pox. The focal rash of Small-pox was only beginning to appear. In a room upstairs was the husband who had been ill since April 6th or 7th. The characteristic rash of Small-pox was appearing on the face and body. He was at once removed to the Metropolitan Asylums Board's Small-pox hospital where he died on April 16th of Confluent Small-pox. The two children appeared free of symptoms and were vaccinated. All the contacts were vaccinated or revaccinated, and no further cases occurred. Owing to the severity of the disease there was no objection on the part of the contacts to vaccination. |
5cf60e57-520e-4005-a561-10facbbaeda1 | Some confusion has arisen in the minds of some people regarding the Small-pox which occurred on the Tuscania and the Small-pox which is now prevalent in London. The Small-pox which occurred amongst the passengers and crew of the Tuscania was what is called the Eastern or Asiatic type of the disease, and this still remains extremely virrulent in its character But its very virulence is a help to prevent its spread. 1929 45 The disease which is prevalent in the East End of London is of an extremely mild type, and its very mildness defeats all efforts to limit its spread. The four cases which occurred here in 1928, belonged to the mild category, but no cases of this type occurred in 1929. ISOLATION HOSPITAL. During the year 419 cases were admitted into the Hospital compared with 400 in 1928. |
0d313d41-de29-4750-8ff5-96ec79ba733c | On January 1st, 1929, there were 48 cases in the Hospital and on January 1st, 1930, 75. 390 were discharged and there were 5 deaths. The following is a list of the cases admitted :— Acton Wembley Kingsbury Total Scarlet Fever 203 102 9 314 Diphtheria 42 50 11 103 Measles — 2 — 2 245 154 20 419 Scarlet Fever. 314 cases of Scarlet Fever were admitted and there were two deaths. The circumstances in which one of the deaths occurred are referred to in another paragraph. One of the most important advances in the treatment of Scarlet Fever has been the introduction of the Scarlet Fever Antitoxin. The specific serum has now come into general use for the treatment of the toxaemia met with early in the disease, but some difference in the practice of administration exists. |
79da0b60-e144-4aa1-98f1-d843b34436ee | We have not used it in every case which was admitted into the Hospital last year, but only in those cases where temperature was fairly high, or the pulse abnormally rapid on admission, but we have regretted sometimes that it was not used in the mild cases. In several cases, the early use of the serum is of the utmost importance, and almost invariable, there is a dramatic drop in the temperature and the pulse rate within twenty-four hours. In the mild cases, in which the serum is not given, very frequently the temperature will not settle for many days, and it is these cases that one regrets the serum was not given early. There is a concensus of opinion that the best results from the serum are obtained when it is given early. One aspect which has not been settled is the effect of the serum upon the septic complications of the disease, and this aspect is important from the view point of administration. |
54e2b443-ac31-45f7-92d4-2c1fb0b8315c | Some medical superintendents claim that administration early in the disease decreases the chances of septic complications, 1929 46 and in some hospitals, the usual period of detention has been considerably reduced, but to any one who is well acquainted with the vagaries of Scarlet Fever convalescents the figures adduced do not carry much weight. One writer stated that he had released from isolation over 20 cases whose quarantine time from the onset of illness varied from 17 to 24 days. This is quite possible, but in the next 20 cases, although the conditions upon discharge may have appeared similar, he may have many of these latter devoloping complications or giving rise to "return" cases. We have reduced the usual period of quarantine from six weeks to five weeks, and so far the percentage of return cases does not seem to be higher than it was when the longer period was observed. Of the 314 cases admitted the average stay in the hospital was 39.33 days. |
1aebdc43-ff22-49d5-9af1-bdbc080f6d1d | Some of the cases were in for a very long period—the longest being in for 132 days, and another for 126 days. The majority of the cases were discharged within 5 weeks. I have excluded the outside cases in estimating the return" cases. 203 were admitted from Acton into the hospital during the year. Some of these were discharged in 1930, but as this report is written in May, any return cases from these would be included. 8 return cases occurred, and the dates were as follows :— Infecting case discharged from Hospital. Return case notified. |
40836e51-c7d2-4b86-bf6c-272053399bc5 | 19/4/29 6/6/29 15/6/29 28/6/29 29/10/29 14/11/29 30/10/29 20/12/29 26/11/29 1/12/29 4/12/29 16/12/29 28/12/29 4/1/30 25/2/30 17/4/30 Diphtheria 103 cases of Diphtheria were admitted and there were 3 deaths. The death-rate from Diphtheria was very low, and was due to the early administration of antitoxin, although, naturally, with such a low percentage mortality, there were many mild cases admitted, there was a considerable percentage of severe and very severe cases. In every instance where the disease was diagnosed, and antitoxin administered, early, the patient recovered. |
dc552b97-cebe-4b71-ac12-a95523f0bbbb | The importance of early administration of antiioxin in severe cases cannot be too strongly emphasized. Some doctors still wait for the result of a bacteriological examination before they notify a case. A bacteriological examination may be necessary in mild cases, but 1929 47 when the symptons and signs are obvious, the doctor should remember that early notification is necessary. BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS Positive. Negative. (a) For Diphtheria Total Examinations—901 83 818 Sent by Medical Practitioners 33 298 do. (re-examinations) 4 70 Sent from Isolation Hospital 32 252 do. (re-examinations) 2 3 Convalescents (1st Swabs) 1 17 do. (2nd Swab) 1 — do. (3rd Swab)' 1 — do. (4th Swab) 1 — Contacts 0 59 do. |
ad7680cb-fc7f-4015-a860-11f672b2cd01 | (2nd examinations) 0 19 Precautionary Swabs 0 15 School Sore Throats 6 64 do. (2nd Swab) 5 — do. (3rd Swab) 1 — School Contacts 0 21 (d) For Ringworm uphill. Positive. Negative. Total Examinations—3 3 0 (c) For Tubercle Positive. Negative. Total Examinations—218 ••• ... 28 ... 190 MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE. Infantile Mortality 85 deaths occurred in children under one year of age. This number corresponds to an infantile mortality of 83 per 1,000 births. The infantile mortality is higher than that of England and Wales and that of the 107 Great towns and of London. It is the highest infantile mortality which we have had in Acton since the termination of the War. |
11761455-9320-4e49-9be6-e7c6d908d770 | When we come to examine the cause of death, we find that in 51 of the deaths, the death was due to a pre-natal cause such as premature births, inanitation, congential debility etc. Into all these deaths, enquiries are carefully made, and though the mothers state the premature birth was brought about by some accident, such as a fall in the house, or a fright or some other innocent or trivial cause, there is reason to believe that other 48 causes have been in operation. Formerly, extra domestic labour carried on into late pregnancy was supposed to have considerable influence in bringing: about a premature birth. It is quite conceivable that employment of married women in laundries, which involved prolonged periods on their feet and in an upright position would be conducive to premature birth, but such conditions are now rare and in very few instances were the mothers employed in laundries or in any other industrial employment. |
11045a99-ca35-475c-8ea8-0386f6569c72 | An examination of the distribution of deaths from prematurity and other pre-natal causes would suggest that extra domestic labour is not now an important factor. The relative incidence of deaths from pre-natal causes is Jower in the South West Ward than in the other Wards. We hear nowadays a good deal about birth-control and instruction in contraceptive methods, but there is another aspect of the question which is sometimes ignored. There is no doubt that the taking of abortifacients is a very frequent practice. It would not be desirable or wise to name the drugs which are being used, but from enquiries we have made, we know that it is a very prevalent practice. It is not known to what extent this practice is responsible for the high number of deaths from pre-natal causes, and I do not think it possible to make any estimation, because the necessary information would not be forthcoming. |
38394d49-25e3-4b1a-b330-029b6e942bf1 | It is only a small proportion of the women who will admit that they have resorted to this practice in order to procure the expulsion of the foetus. In a discussion which took place upon Birth Control at a recent Conference, it was suggested that the medical aspect of control was limited to the effects of different contraceptive methods upon the health of the mother. But no mention was made of the abortifacients when contraceptive methods were not practised, and the effects upon the health of the mother when these drugs were taken. It is possible that the use of abortifacients may have an influence upon the number of deaths from pre-natal causes, but it is difficult to suggest in what way the practice may be combated. There was a slight rise from deaths of the Respiratory system; this rise was probably due to the very severe weather experienced in the early part of the year. Pre-natal Clinic The Clinic is held once a fortnight in the School Clinic and Dr. Bell is in charge. |
109c5779-0ee6-4c23-9a3e-f66aa5284783 | 23 sessions were held with a total of 144 attendances. There is an agreement with the Acton General Hospital for the reception of complicated cases of pregnancy and during the year 2 patients were admitted under the scheme. 49 1929 Welfare Centres Towards the end of the year a new child welfare centre was opened at premises rented from the authorities of the Wesleyan mission in Steele Road. The appointment of another Health Visitor necessitated a re-arrangement of the districts, and a new centre was opened in Steele Road. It was found necessary to arrange for a weekly opening of the Centre in East Acton School. There are now six sessions held weekly, 2 each in Church Road and Palmerston Road and one each in East Acton School and Steele Road. In connection with the new appointment of a HealthVisitor the work is jointly school medical and infant welfare. |
56525027-63de-428b-95d4-fc13a353a54e | Miss Sorlie undertakes in addition to the visiting of infants under 5 years of age, certain school medical work in Rothschild Road and Beaumont Park Schools. Miss Woosnam, in addition to her school medical services, does the infant welfare work in the East Acton area and attends the Infant Welfare Centre in the East Acton School. This arrangement obviates overlapping in the visits . to the homes, and I hope will tend to efficiency. Day Nursery The Nursery was open on 231 occasions, and 4,134 wholeday and 94 half-day attendances were made. The Nursery is open on 5 days of the week, but last year it was suggested that a Saturday morning opening would prove a convenience to some of the mothers. The experiment was tried, and the Nursery was opened on a Saturday morning for 8 weeks. On 8 occasions 1 child attended. The reasons for the non-success of a Saturday morning opening is not far to seek. |
a0b7c800-7584-4033-b194-da68c13041ba | Most of the mothers are occupied in work which does not necessitate going away on the Saturday morning. In the laundries, for instance, the married woman seldom works on a Saturday morning, and even where the employment of the mother necessitates her leaving her home on a Saturday, there is frequently a school girl who looks after the baby. The trial, I think, proved that at the present time there is no real necessity for a Saturday morning opening of the Day Nursery. Conditions may change and our procedure may have to change with the altered conditions. 1929 50 TABLE 1. BIRTH-RATE, DEATH-RATE, AND ANALYSTS OF MORTALITY DURING THE YEAR 1929. |
045175a3-77b7-45ba-a776-79dbc44d9d78 | Rate per 1,000 Population Annual Death-rate per 1,000 Population Rate per 1,000 Births Percentage of Total Deaths All Causes Enteric Fever Small Pox Measles Scarlet Fever Whooping Cough Diphtheria Influenza Violence Diarrhoea and Enteritis (under 2 yrs.) Total deaths under 1 year Certified by Registered Medical Practitioners Inquest Cases Certified by Coroner after P.M. No Inquest Uncertified Causes of Death Live Births StillBirths England and Wales 16.3 0.68 13.4 0.01 0.00 0.08 0.02 0.15 0.08 0.74 0.55 8.1 74 91.5 6.1 l.5 0.9 107 County Boroughs and Great Towns, including London 16.6 0.69 13.7 0.01 0.00 0. |
61baf14d-9075-4cd6-9364-9736f876b091 | 12 0.02 0.19 0.09 0.76 0.50 10.9 79 91.8 5.8 1.9 0.5 156 Smaller Towns (1921 Adjusted Population, 20,000—50 000) 16.0 0.71 12.3 0.01 0.00 0.06 0.02 0.15 0.07 0.71 0.45 5.9 69 92.6 5.4 1.0 1.0 London 15.7 0.53 13.8 0.01 0.00 0.04 0.02 0.26 0.08 0.69 0.56 10.7 70 89.5 6.8 3.7 0.0 Acton 15.7 0.38 12. |
72ddd4d7-fe34-4caa-bbeb-4c182735a7f2 | 7 0.01 0.03 0.00 0.01 0.21 0.01 0.59 0.54 5.9 83 94.0 3.8 2.1 0.02 1929 51 TABLE 2. VITAL STATISTICS FOR THE WHOLE DISTRICT DURING 1929 AND PREVIOUS YEARS Year Population estimated to middle of each Year Births Total Deaths Registered in the District Transferable Deaths Nett Deaths belonging to the District Nett Under 1 year Of age At all Ages Number Rate Number Rate of Non-Residents Registered in the District of Residents Registered outside Dist. Number Rate per 1,000 Births Number Rate per 1,000 Inhabitants 1924 62,980 1158 18.4 488 7.7 8 235 65 56 715 11.2 1925 63,110 1047 16.5 446 6. |
c44af944-47d1-4b1e-9c80-5b9994383d64 | 8 18 241 80 76 669 10.6 1926 63,040 1098 17.4 422 6.7 15 250 60 55 657 10.4 1927 63,750 1026 16.1 445 6.9 21 280 62 60 704 11.04 1928 64,870 1003 15.4 479 7.4 29 244 55 55 694 10.7 1929 65,200 1026 15.7 540 8.3 21 307 85 83 826 12.7 1929 52 TABLE 3. AGES AT DEATH, AND WARD DISTRIBUTION OF DEATHS IN 1929, Causes of Death Age in Years Ward Distribution AllAges Under 1 year 1 and under 2 2 and under 5 5 and under 15 |
ff3bb07c-03ae-4961-8a43-e61db6f6db17 | 15 and under 25 25 and under 45 45 and under 65 65 and upwards North East North West South East South West Whooping Cough 14 5 5 3 1 - — — - 5 3 1 5 Scarlet Fever 1 — — — — - 1 — — — 1 - - Diphtheria 1 — — — 1 - — — — — 1 - - Small-Pox 2 — — — — - 2 — — — — 2 - Enteric Fever 1 - - 1 — — — - - 1 Cerebro Spinal Meningitis 5 — — 1 3 1 — — — 1 1 - 3 Amoebic Dysentery 1 — — — — - 1 — — — 1 - - Influenza 38 1 - 2 1 2 5 10 17 14 10 11 - Tuberculosis of the Respiratory |
f17fe8a2-2074-4aa7-b5fb-236660d55112 | System 52 — — — — 11 22 17 2 9 7 9 27 Other Tubercular Diseases 7 1 — — 4 - 1 1 — 1 — 2 4 Canver, Mailignant Disease 106 - — — 1 - 9 35 61 36 30 14 26 Rheumatic Fever 3 — — — — 2 1 — — 2 1 - - Heart Disease 71 — — — 1 1 7 26 36 23 15 17 16 Cerebral Hæmorrhage 31 — — — — — 3 6 22 10 8 5 1 Arterio-Seelerosis 40 — — — — — 1 8 31 8 9 13 10 Diabetes 8 — — — — — — 3 5 2 2 1 3 Bronchitis 94 7 2 2 1 |
b2e42173-ba76-4901-b5d3-337b67305da7 | 1 3 24 54 27 17 21 29 Pneumonia 56 9 4 5 1 2 8 16 11 13 7 9 27 Other respiratory Diseases 6 — 1 — — — 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 Diarrh£a 6 6 — — — — — — — 1 2 2 1 Ulcer of the Stomach and Duodenum 4 — — — — 1 — 3 — - - 3 1 Appendicitis 5 — — — — 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 - Alcoholism 1 — — — — — — — 1 — - 1 - Cirrhosis of the Liver 6 — — — — — — 5 1 1 2 - 3 Acute yellow Atrophy of Liver 1 — — — — 1 — — — — - 1 - |
6741bf58-0ec9-41aa-81e5-da178afa6c65 | Nephritis 19 — — — — — 3 7 9 4 1 9 5 Puerperal Sepsis 1 — — — — 1 — — — — - - 1 Other Diseases of Pregnancy & Parturition 2 - - - - 2 — — 1 - - 1 Prem. Birth, Cong. |
66a818be-fd7a-422b-95d7-2e3317500cbe | Malformation & Debilty 51 49 — 1 1 — — — — 15 13 9 14 Suicide 4 — — — — 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Other deaths from violence 31 2 — — 2 5 5 11 6 8 9 11 3 Other defined Diseases 158 5 - — 3 7 10 18 115 45 48 26 39 Total 826 85 12 14 20 37 89 194 375 230 193 171 232 53 1929 TABLE 4. INFANTILE MORTALITY 1929. Causes of Death Ages Wards Total 1 week 1—2 weeks 2—3 weeks 3-4 weeks 1-3 months 3—6 months 6—9 months 9—12 months North East North West South East South West Whooping Cough 5 |
7870bb6b-c1fc-4be0-812f-993ffd2b22c4 | 1 3 1 4 | Bronchitis 7 1 2 1 3 1 3 3 Pneumonia 9 1 1 7 1 1 7 Influenza 1 1 1 Diarrhœa 6 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 Congenital Debility 2 1 1 2 Congenital Malformation 2 1 1 2 Inanition 5 2 1 1 1 2 3 Marasmus 3 2 1 2 1 Premature Birth 31 15 5 1 4 6 10 9 4 8 Injury at Birth 2 2 1 1 Strangulation 1 1 1 Meningitis 1 1 1 Mastoiditis 1 1 1 Enlarged Thymus 1 1 1 Meleana |
176aff93-d799-4e92-a6bc-d5b6dfeff095 | Neonatorum 1 1 1 Congenital Syphilis 1 1 1 Tubercular Menigitis 1 1 1 Congenital Hydrocephalus 1 1 1 Overlaying 1 1 1 Intussusception 1 1 1 Septic Infection 1 1 1 Anencephalus 1 1 1 Total 85 22 9 1 8 16 7 9 13 23 16 18 28 1929 54 TABLE 5. CASES OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE NOTIFIED DURING THE YEAR 1929. Notifiable Disease Cases notified in whole District, At Ages—Years Ward Distribution. At all Ages Under 1 1 to 5 6 to 15 16 to 25 26 to 45 46 to 65 Over 65 N.E. N.W. S.E. S.W. |
e242d594-d36f-4ed0-84e5-3ddf3e221d32 | Small Pox 2 ... ... ... ... 2 ... ... ... ... ... 2 Scarlet Fever 235 ... 63 129 26 16 1 ... 70 28 42 94 Diphtheria 48 ... 4 26 5 3 ... ... 7 6 10 25 Typhoid 2 ... ... ... ... 2 ... ... ... ... 1 1 Paratyphoid B. |
9dfb2afd-1878-4ae1-937b-dc0059d9a48f | 5 ... 1 1 3 ... ... ... 1 ... ... 4 Pneumonia 44 ... 4 3 8 15 10 4 14 3 13 14 Puerperal Fever 2 ... ... ... ... 2 ... ... 2 ... ... ... Cerebro-Spinal Fever 6 ... 1 3 2 ... ... ... 1 2 ... 3 Poliomyelitis 1 1 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 ... ... Dysentery 1 l ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 ... ... ... Ophthalmia Neonatorum 7 7 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 ... 5 Puerperal Pyrexia 10 ... ... ... 5 5 ... ... 5 1 1 3 Erysipelas 18 ... ... ... 3 6 7 2 5 4 1 8 Tuberculosis (resp.) |
b277d7c2-fe6d-4054-9003-fd887d86cc2b | 73 ... ... 1 24 31 17 ... 22 7 8 36 Tuberculosis (other) 12 ... 5 3 1 1 2 ... 4 3 2 3 Totals 466 9 78 166 77 93 37 6 133 57 78 198 55 1929 TABLE 6. CASES REMOVED TO HOSPITAL N. East. N. West. S. East. S. West. Total. Scarlet Fever 57 20 39 86 202 Diphtheria 7 5 8 24 44 Typhoid — 1 1 — 2 Paratyphoid B. |
d513be32-8931-4f1b-a263-e5dd5d8f1af0 | 1 1 — 1 3 Pneumonia — 1 — 6 7 Puerperal Fever 1 — — — 1 Cerebro-Spinal Fever 1 2 — 3 6 Dysentery 1 — — — 1 Puerperal Pyrexia 2 1 — 1 4 Erysipelas — — — 5 5 70 31 48 126 275 TABLE 7. BIRTHS Male. Female. Total Births 543 483 Legitimate 517 456 Illegitimate 26 27 Ward Distribution of the Births notified in the District. North East. North West. South East. Smith I Vest. Total. 230 151 120 310 811 Outside Births notified. North East. North IVest. South East. South West. Total. 69 34 30 44 177 Births Registered but not previously notified. |
4246bcf8-aad7-416d-8d0e-c109f42ea5a6 | North East. North West. South East. South West. Total. 5 9 1 5 20 Still Births Inside 18. Outside 7. Notifications were received from— Doctors and Parents 691 Midwives 322 TABLE 8. INFANT WELFARE CENTRES, 1929. Health Visitors' Attendances 230 Number of Children who attended 1719 Number of attendences by Children 13910 Number of Children under 1 year of age 791 Number of Children over 1 year of age 921 Children who attended for first time 821 Children treated at Dental Clinic 155 56 Children treated at Ophthalmic Clinic 3 Mothers treated at Ophthalmic Clinic 2 Children treated for Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids 3 TABLE 9 ANTE-NATAL CLINIC. Number of attendances by Dr. |
267b14af-b447-45d5-9c2e-8c159da4ece7 | Bell 23 Number of Expectant Mothers who attended 88 Number of attendances made by Expectant Mothers 144 Mothers referred for Dental treatment at the Clinic 40 Mothers supplied with Dentures 9 Expectant Mothers to whom Dried Milk was supplied 16 Number of packets of Dried Milk supplied 179 TABLE 10 INQUESTS. Inquests—32. Struck by a motor vehicle 14 Accidental drowning 1 Suicide 3 Strangulation 1 Knocked down by a train 2 Overlaying 1 Accidental fall 2 Death from Anaesthetic 1 Fall from a bicycle 1 Septicaemia from cut on hand 1 Fall from a tower wagon 1 Fall on head 1 Yellow atrophy of liver 1 Struck by a brick 1 Cerebro-spinal meningitis 1 Coroner's Certificates after Post-Mortem without Inquest—17. |
f32de777-2296-4a46-9c2c-e6f787170eed | Heart Disease 5 Bronchitis 1 Cerebral Haemorrhage 4 Enlarged Thymus 1 Pneumonia 3 Septic infection of Phthisis 2 Umbilical Stump 1 FACTORIES, WORKSHOPS AND WORKPLACES. 1.—Inspection of Factories, Workshops and Workplaces including Inspections made by Sanitary Inspectors. Premises. Number of (1) Inspections. Written Notices, (2) (3) Factories 107 19 (including Factory Laundries) Workshops 315 26 (Including Workshop Laundries). 1929 57 Workplaces 23 4 (Other than Outworkers' Premises). Total 445 49 2.—Defects found in Factories, Workshops and Workplaces. (1) (2) (3) Particulars. Found. Remedied. |
a45af318-3827-4a87-9ae0-1bfa5c83cb7e | Nuisances under the Public Health Acts Want of Cleanliness 19 19 Want of Ventilation Nil Nil Overcrowding Nil Nil Want of drainage of Floors 1 1 Other Nuisances 14 14 Sanitary Accommodation :— Insufficient 4 4 Unsuitable or defective 23 23 Not separate for sexes — — Offences under the Factory and Workshop Acts:— Illegal Occupation of underground Bakehouses Nil Nil Other Offences Nil Nil Total 61 61 3.—Outwork in unwholesome premises, Section 108 Nil HOUSING Number of Houses erected during the year:— (a) Total (including number given separately under (b) 501 (1) With State assistance under the Housing Acts :— (i) By the Local Authority Nil (ii) By other bodies or persons 124 1.—Unfit Dwelling Houses. Inspection. . |
e8522d56-4423-488c-8b79-106f95398cff | (l) Total number of dwelling houses inspected for housing defects (under Public Health or Housing Acts) 1007 (2) Number of dwelling houses which are inspected and recorded under the Housing (inspection of District) Regulations 1910, or the Housing Consolidated Regulations, 1925 688 (3) Number of dwelling houses found to be in a state so dangerous or injurious as to be unfit for human habitation Nil 1929 58 (4) Number of dwelling- houses (exclusive of those referred to under the preceding- Sub-Head) found not to be in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation 984 2.—Remedy of Defects without Service of formal Notices. Number of defective dwelling-houses rendered fit in consequence of informal action by the Loca1 Authority or their Officers 539 3.—Action under Statutory Powers. A.—Proceedings under Section 3 of the Housing Act, 1925. |
1fd5a56a-02d3-46c4-b7d0-bd468709dea1 | (1) Number of dwelling houses in respect of which notices were served requiring repair 225 (2) Number of dwelling houses which were rendered, fit after the service of formal, notices,:— (a) by owners 225 (b) by locg.1 authority in default of owners, Nil (3) Number of dwelling houses in respect, of which Closing Orders became operative in pursuance of declarations by owners of intention to close Nil B.—Proceedings under Public Health Acts (1) Number of dwelling houses in respect of which notices were served requiring defects to be remedied 220 (2) Number of dwelling bouses in which defects were remedied after service of formal notices:— (a) by owners 220 (b) by local authority in default of owners Nil C.—Proceedings under Sections 11, 14 and 15 of the Housing Act, 1925. |
1ef79717-48ec-4208-8b49-8884b42c5484 | (1) Number of representations made with a view to making of Closing Orders Nil (2) Number of dwelling houses in respect of which Closing Orders were made Nil (3) Number of dwelling houses in respect of which Closing Orders were determined, the dwellinghouses having been rendered fit Nil (4) Number of dwelling houses in respect of which Demolition Orders were made Nil (5) Number of dwelling- houses demolished in pursuance of Demolition Orders Nil 1929 59 STAFF TO WHOSE SALARY CONTRIBUTION IS MADE UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACTS OR BY EXCHEQUER GRANTS. D. J. Thomas, m.r.c.s., l r.c.p., d.p.h., Medical Officerof Health (Medical Superintendent of the Isolation Hospital and School Medical Officer). M. W. Kinch. Member of the Royal Sanitary Institute, holds Meat and Smoke Certificates ; Chief Sanitary Inspector (Inspector uncier Diseases of Animals Acts and the Rag- Flock Act1. |
b882976c-e784-49a9-a53a-e69a9b06bb55 | J. J. Jenkins. Cert. Sanitary Institute; holds Meat and Smoke Certificates, Sanitary Inspector. (Inspector under Fabrics Mis-description Act). E. W. Brooks. Cert. Sanitary Institute. Sanitary Inspector. J. J. Matthews, Cert. Sanitary Institute ; holds Meat Certificate, Sanitary Inspector. Miss A. Cooksey. Certificate Sanitary Institute. Health Visitor. Miss J. Welsh. Certificate Sanitary Institute, c.m.b., Health Visitor. MissB. G. Sorlie, s.r.n. Certificate Sanitary Institute, c.m.b., H.V. Diploma, Health Visitor. Miss A. Woosnam. s.r.n. c.m.b., Health Visitor. Mrs. Light. Clerk. I have again to thank all the members of the Public Health Department for ungrudging assistance during the year. |
34c26922-06b2-4a54-9141-c039a843c404 | I am, Your Obedient Servant, D. J. THOMAS. |
14213d60-752e-4966-972f-9adb43d62c0c | ACT 33 193O Borough of Acton ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Medical Officer of Health TOGETHER WITH THE Report on the Medical Inspection of Schools FOR THE YEAR 1930 1930 ANNUAL REPORT of the Medical Officer of Health FOR THE YEAR 1930. Public Health Department, Municipal Offices, Acton, W.3. To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the Borough of Acton. Mrs. Barnes and Gentlemen, I herewith submit the Annual Report required by the Ministry of Health, together with the Annual Report upon the School Medical Services. 'The estimated population is that of the Registrar General for the middle of the year 1929. The reason for adopting this figure is given later in the report. The. birth-rate is higher than in 1929. This may be due to many causes. Probably the higher birth-rate is partly due to an under-estimate of the population. |
c1412691-3b32-4875-81aa-6ad3c4f06da7 | A comparatively high rate is also partly due to the erection of new houses in the North East and South West Wards and the consequent immigration of a large number of newlv-married couples. The death-rate is considerably lower than that of 1929, and with the exception of 1926, is the lowest on record for the district. The infantile mortality is also lower and is the lowest infantile mortality rate on record for the district. There was an increase in the number of deaths from Diphtheria, but the incidence of the other infectious diseases was low. The following is a summary of the vital and other statistics for the year 1930 :— Area of Borough 2,305 acres. |
85b499b7-4be0-47c4-b069-71d09b080408 | Population (estimated 1930) 65,200 Population (Census 1921) 61,299 Number of inhabited houses (Census 1921) 11,820 Number of inhabited houses (end of 1930) according to Rati- Books 15,427 1930 4 Number of families or separate occupiers (Census 1921) 14,941 Rateable Value (1st October, 1930) £684,522 Net produce of a penny rate (year ending 31st March, 1930) " £2,812. 13s. 5d. |
18eb8576-8c97-4626-b8d4-e15a6ce0bb86 | Total number of births registered 1,103 Legitimate 1,036 Illegitimate 69 Birth-rate per 1,000 inhabitants 16.9 Number of deaths 693 Death-rate per 1,000 inhabitants 10.6 Number of women dying in, or in consequence of, childbirth— from sepsis 2 from other causes 2 Maternal mortality per 1,000 births 3.6 Deaths of infants under 1 year of age— Legitimate 47 Illegitimate 9 Infantile mortality per 1,000 births 50 Death-rate per 1,000 Total Deaths Population. Measles 9 .13 Whooping Cough 2 .03 Diphtheria 9 .13 Scarlet Fever 1* .02 Influenza 4 .06 Tuberculosis of Lungs 57 .87 Tuberculosis (other forms) 9 .13 Tuberculosis (all forms) 63 1.0 POPULATION. |
5adffcc5-8760-4e37-a5b3-3fbaddb211aa | The Registrar General estimated the population at the end of June 1929, to be 65,200, and this figure has been accepted as the basis of the population. The figure for 1930 will not be available before the end of June. The Ministry of Health in a memoranudm states that the Registrar General, in computing his estimate of population for mid-year 1930, intends to take into account the populations as ascertained by the 1931 Census; the 1930 estimate will therefore not be available, before the end of June. From a statement made in the House of Commons it appears as if the estimate is not likely to be ready before the 3rd or 4th week in July. In the Ministry's memorandum, it is suggested that the Registrar General's 1929 estimate of population might be used, and a .statement to that effect included in the report. |
23933380-2dc5-4b02-95af-97798089765e | If, however, the Medical Officer of Health possesses reliable evidence 1930 5 of increase or decrease of population between mid-1929 and mid1930 of sufficient magnitude to affect materially the calculation of rates, it will„ of course, be open to him to make use of an alternative population figure in the report. I have stated in previous reports my view that the Registrar' General's; estimated population in recent years has been too low, but as this is only a personal opinion, and the evidence upon which it is based may not be considered sufficiently reliable by others, it is better to accept the 1929 population and base our rates upon that figure. All the rates have therefore been calculated upon the estimated population of 65,200. SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE DISTRICT. The phy.sical features and general character of the district were described in the Survey Report of 1925. |
d4a8ba67-e175-496b-bf0c-0c833f31b959 | At that time it was intended that the report of 1930 should also be a Survey one, but as far as the general character of the district is concerned, this can be more profitably discussed when the results of the Census are published. AMBULANCE FACILITIES. The ambulance facilities are similar to those described in last year's report. A motor ambulance is provided for the removal of infectious cases to the hospital. There are two ambulances provided for accident and noninfectious cases. These are housed in a garage at the fire station and are available at all hours. A new ambulance was purchased by, the Council in 1928, but the old one is still kept for emergencies. Last year the ambulance was called out to 655 street accident's, and on 412 occasions to private cases. Fees amounting to £84. 18s. Od. were paid for the use of the ambulance for private cases. HOSPITAL PROVISION. |
aec639c0-90b4-4275-b289-bb2a26e03600 | General.—The only General Hospital in the district is the Acton Hospital, Gunnersbury Lane, which has an accommodation of 62 beds. During the year 1.304 in-patients were admitted; this is an increase of 118 on the previous year. Of these 396 were in for only 1 day and 100 for 2 or 3 days. The Education Committee has an agreement with the Hospital for payment for the removal of tonsils and adenoids and the patients are kept in the Hospital for at least 1 night. 7099 out-patients were treated during the year, an increase of 728, and the out-patient attendances were 286,241, an increase of 421 as compared with 1929. 1930 6 The Hospital supplies a great need in the district, is greatly appreciated and most of the beds are continuously occupied. |
97034fce-a64c-4af4-b2e3-718e26400b5d | Last year the average number of beds in daily occupation was 53.9, and from this figure it can be assumed that vacant beds are a rarity. Fever.—Acton Council Fever Hospital—88 beds. Small-Pox.—Acton was one of the constituent bodies which formed the Middlesex Joint Small-Pox Board. Under the Provisional Orders Confirmation Act of 1929, the Joint Board was disolved from the 1st April, 1929, and the duties of the Board transferred to the Middlesex County Council. Tuberculosis.—The Tuberculosis scheme is administered by the Middlesex County Council, which has sanatoria at Clare Hall and Harefield. Child Welfare Consultation Centres.— (a)—Church Road. (b)—Palmerston Road. Every Monday and Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. (c)—East Acton. Every Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. (d)—Steele Road. Every Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. |
7f889fef-1deb-4678-8826-bc1224116fcc | Ante-Natal Consultation Centre.—School Clinic every 2nd and 4th Wednesday. Day Nursery.—1G9 Bollo Bridge Road. School Clinic.—45 Avenue Road. (The above are provided and maintained by the Borough Council). Tuberculosis Dispensary.—School Clinic on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. and Thursdays at 10.30 p.m. Treatment Centres for Venereal Diseases.—Various Hospitals in London. (The two latter are provided by the Middlesex County Council). SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA. These have been noted in previous reports. All the inhabited houses are supplied from the mains of the Metropolitan Water Board. A few industrial works and the Public Baths obtain their water supply from deep wells. By arrangement with the London County Council the sewerage is discharged into the London Sewers. Storm water i.s filtered and emptied into the Thames. |
0de10c35-6fd1-41b8-a275-e6fa483f0e20 | All the inhabited houses are provided with water closets and are drained into the main sewerage system. The house refuse is collected by the Council and burnt in the Destructor. Last year 19,734 tons of house refuse were collected and burnt. 7 1930 PROFESSIONAL NURSING IN THE HOME. General.—There are two district nurses employed by the Acton Hospital, one of which is primarily engaged in district nursing. There are also nursing associations which provide nurses for different classes of cases. Midwives.—The Supervising Authority under the Midwives Act is the Middlesex County Council and from the County Council I understand that there are 15 certified midwives practising in the Borough. LEGISLATION IN FORCE. The following local acts„ special local orders, general adoptive acts and byelaws relating to Public Health are in force in the district. Adopted Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act, 1889. |
acc1213a-4426-499b-b9ae-46c538a1896a | 1889 Public Health (Amendment) Act, 1890. 1890 Infectious Diseases Prevention Act, 1890. 1899 Notification of Births Act, 1907. 1907 Public Health Act, 1907 (Clause 50) 1921 Public Health Act, 1925 (Parts 2, 3, 4 & 5) 192G The Acton Improvement Act, 1904. — New Streets and Buildings 1925 Removal of House Refuse. 1899 Common Lodging Houses. 1898 Slaughter Houses 1924 Nuisances, etc., 1924 Offensive Trades. 1903 Tents, Vans and Sheds. 1906 Removal of Offensive or Noxiou.s Matters. 1908 Houses Let in Lodgings. 1925 Cleansing of Cisterns. 1912 Employment of Children. 1920 Fouling of Footpaths by Dogs. 1929 Smoke Abatement. 1930 HOUSING. |
36f0f09f-a43e-4c12-9e9e-6fbedc19d16c | In view of the provisions of the Housing Act, 1930, and the contemplated erection of houses and flats by the Council I have deemed it advisable to present a report to the Committee upon certain houses, which, in my opinion, are beyond repair and require demolition. It has been emphasised in Annual Reports that the district is a comparatively new one, and that there are no areas which can be declared clearance areas, but a full description is given of what is probably the oldest part of Acton, or at any rate, the oldest part which contains any considerable aggregation of houses. 1930 The Housing Act, 1930, consists of five parts, containing 65 Sections and 6 Schedules. The Act amends all the Housing Acts which preceded it, and though it does not repeal the preceding Acts, it repeals some of the most important Sections of the Act of 1925. |
6f07eb62-93f2-403b-a776-993138abc797 | The Housing Act of 1925 was really a consolidating Act, and this Act had repealed most of the purely Housing Acts which had preceded it. Before 1925, the principal Housing Act was the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, and the 1925 Act repealed the whole of the 1890 Act with the exception of Section 74, and this Section was only an amendment of the Settled Land Act, 1882, dealing with the sale &c. of land and buildings. The Act of 1925 also repealed the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1894, the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1900, the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1903, parts of other Housing and Housing and Town Planning Acts. |
8074fae6-f9f9-417e-812b-5715bc09b5ef | As far as Public Health Departments are concerned, the Act seeks to improve housing conditions by processes suitable for three different kinds of unsatisfactory property—slum.s requiring clearance; areas which are bad, but remediable by treatment less drastic than demolition; and insanitary houses requiring individual treatment. These are termed respectively, (1) Clearance Areas, (2) Improvement Areas and (3) Individual unfit houses. The new law dealing with the last differ.s from the old merely in certain details, but for clearance areas, there are very drastic changes, and the improvement areas are entirely new features in legislation. Clearance Areas. A clearance area is defined in Section 1 of the Act and the definition is substantially the same as that of an unhealthy area under the. old laws. We shall return to this definition after considering the method by which a clearance area can be dealt with. The methods of dealing with a clearance area have been greatly simplified. |
b9f40d24-6039-4828-85f5-6a59a8f8741c | In future, there will be no schemes for the condemnation of an area, and its reconstruction, but the local authority will declare an area to be a Clearance Area, that is an area to be cleared of all buildings. The area is to be cleared by requiring the owners to demolish the buildings, or by the local authority purchasing the area and then arranging for the demolition of the dwellings thereon. The first method of requiring the owners to demolish is new, and is designed to enable the local authority to secure the removal of a bad slum without being obliged to incur the heavy capital expense of purchase and clearance. If the Authority proceeds by this method, they will make a Clearance Order which then has to be confirmed by the Minister of Health. |
f43d4222-0446-440f-a28c-7c852f994de3 | Where a local authority, upon consideration of an official representation or other information in their possession are satisfied that an area is an 9 19 30 unhealthy area, the authority shall cau.se that area to be defined, and shall pass a resolution declaring the area so defined to be a Clearance Area. There is really no absolute necessity for a report from one of the officers of the Council, though in practice, such an official report will always be required, because of the necessity for defining unfitness of a house for human habitation. After a local Authority have declared any area to be a Clearance Area, they order the demolition of the buildings in the area by the owners. If the owners do not demolish the houses, the local authority may enter, secure the demolition, and charge the cost to the owners. In this event, the. land remains in the owners' possession, subject to the right of the authority to impose conditions as to the re-use of the site to prevent a recurrence of the nuisance. |
0492b484-b6ea-4aaa-aa9f-7cdbc39bb827 | If nothing is done with the site for a period of 18 months, the local authority may by resolution purchase it and use as they will or sell or lease it upon conditions. This clause was probably inserted to prevent undue holding of the land. That is the fir.st method of dealing with a clearance area. The second method is by the purchase of the land by the local authority and the authority then proceeds to demolish the buildings. The local authority may buy the. area, either by agreement or compulsorily. When the local authority have bought the land, the houses on the area must be demolished, but they are empowered to dispose of the site as cleared, or they may appropriate the cleared area for some purpose for which they have statutory powers. In a few cases it may be necessary to rehouse on the land or part of it. |
778b7fe8-1dbf-43c6-8817-e45699372531 | There is one condition which must be observed before the local authority can proceed with a Clearance area, and that is that they are prepared to rehouse those who will be displaced by the demolition of the houses. The authority must satisfy themselves that suitable accommodation is available for the persons of the working classes who will be displaced by the clearance of the area. The authority can provide, or secure the provision of such accommodation in advance of the displacements which will from time to time become necessary as the demolition of buildings in the area, or in different parts thereof, proceeds. A Clearance area is defined in Section 1 of the Act, and the definition is substantially the same as that of an unhealthy area under the old law. |
0d1c4685-49d7-4a35-9b62-62a958e815e7 | A Clearance area is one in which all the buildings require to be demolished either (a) because they are unfit for human habitation on account of disrepair or sanitary defects, or (b) because they are dangerous or injurious to the health of the inhabitants of the area by reason of their structure, or the narrownes.s or bad arrangement of the streets. Properties which do not fall under either of these categories cannot be included in a clearance area. The Act does not 1930 10 indicate what should be the normal size of a clearance area, and no doubt such a definition would, by reason of the great variety of circumstances in different places, be impractical. Section 62 though gives an indication of the nature of the sanitary defects. The expression " sanitary defects " includes lack of airspace or ventilation, darkness, dampness, absence of adequate and readily accessible water supply, or sanitary accommodation or of other conveniences, and inadequate paving or drainage of courts, yards and passages. |
837ac216-2faf-4d76-a1a8-23f9c87968d5 | This definition is not so wide as that which was specified in the Ministry of Health's Manual on Housing. It is obvious that the houses must by reason of their structural condition or by their insanitary condition or by their insanitary surroundings be unfit for human habitation or dangerous or injurious to health. It would be scarcely reasonable that a house could be condemned as unfit for habitation merely because the paving of a passage was unsatisfactory. The general condition must be bad, although the specific grounds for condemning may vary in different areas. There is another provision in the Act that in determining whether a house is fit for human habitation, regard is to be had to the extent, to which by reason of disrepair or sanitary defects the house falls short of the provisions of any byelaws in operation in the district or of the general standard of housing accommodation for the working classes in the district. |
f0a683a9-ef6e-4449-a39c-108c08adcaa1 | These matters have been submitted by the Town Clerk to the Hou.sing Committee, but I deemed it expedient to bring them before the Health Committee because some misunderstanding exists about the powers of the Council and the class of property to which the Clearance area and Improvement areas of the Act will apply. It will be seen that the powers in the Act are very extensive, but as I have explained in previous Annual Reports, there are no slum areas in the district. We have no areas which correspond to those contemplated in the sections which have now been quoted. The vast majority of the houses in the district have been built or re-erected since the Council have put in operation the Byelaws for stree.ts and new buildings. With a few exceptions the houses front wide streets. There are no courts, alleys„ cul-de-sacs, back-to-back houses, (with the exception of those now reported on) cellar dwellings and houses of the description which usually make up a slum or clearance area. |
51fad3f6-3fbb-41f9-a076-89686b9aa487 | In some of the areas which were built before the operation of the building bye-laws, there are a few houses which are beyond repair and must be closed. They will be dealt with under individual houses. It may be. well, though, to deal with the older areas, as some people are under the impression that all the houses in these areas are unfit for human habitation, whereas a few houses only are incapable of being made suitable and reasonably satisfactory. 1930 11 The most extensive area is that which is known as the Steyne. The Steyne includes Steyne Road, Rack Street, Billington Place, Nelson Place, Rectory Road, Narrow Street, and East Row. The area is well known to most of the members of the Council and lies in a hollow to the west of Horn Lane and extends to the old Council offices and Police Station at the bottom of Acton Hill. It is roughly triangular in shape, the apex of the triangle pointing westwards. |
71282e64-30db-4f50-8a01-b8c676257db8 | It is bounded on the East by Horn Lane, on the North by Messrs. Carter Paterson's Depot and the Co-operative Factory, and on the South by the Fire Station and the High Street. Most of the houses in this area are old, but some have been re-erected comparatively recently. In some of the houses there has been found a piece of lead bearing the date 1528. The oldest houses are probably the eastern part of Steyne Road and the houses in East Row. Steyne Road runs from the Duke of York Public House in Horn Lane to the bottom of Acton Hill between the old Council offices and the Police Station. All the houses do not front the roadway; two have been erected behind some other houses; or perhaps it would be more correct to state that two houses were erected in the front garden of other houses, which formerly in all probability had a fairly long front garden. |
c87b6133-6e5d-46f6-a71a-58e1f89a692a | On the north side there are 25 houses together with the block of houses known as the Almshouses. Some of the smaller houses in this road were demolished some years ago, and the most westerly house on the north side at the present time is the detached house formerly known as the Rising Sun, but now called 14, Steyne Road. There used to be other houses on the land west of the Ri.sing Sun, extending to what is now Lexden Road, but these were demolished over a quarter of a century ago. There are no houses now between No. 14 Steyne Road, and 2f> Steyne Road. Formerly there were 5 houses on this part of the road, but they have also been demolished. Between Nos. 28 and 42 Ste.yne Road are the Acton Almshouses and Billington Place. With four exceptions the houses are in a fairly good condition. |
c3426a06-3c87-4f91-b5fc-974b1a80d15d | On the south side are 26 houses; these all have through ventilation and air-space at the rear. The houses are in fairly good condition and are reasonably fit for human habitation. Billington Place consists of 4 houses situated partly behind the Almshouses and Nos. 42 to 54 Steyne Road. These house.s do not conform with the Council's Bye-Laws respecting air-space behind the dwelling house and belonging exclusively to it, but they have gardens or forecourts in front, and in the rear abut on the premises of the Co-operative Society. Back Street consists of 9 houses and a yard used as a depot. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, are in one block, and Nos. 7, 8, 9, 9a and 10 930 12 are in another block. The entrance to the Co-operative Factory is between the two blocks. Xos. |
34f0bfc6-8b6c-4eee-a7ef-84cb717fc978 | 1, 2, 3 and 4 are three-storeyed houses, have no back yard, but have windows which overlook the Co-operative Factory. One of the houses was vacant. Nos. 7, 8, 9, 9a and 10 are all through houses. The back yards are small, but each house has its own sanitary convenience situated at the rear of the house. Nelson Place consists of 16 houses, 8 on each side of the road. Nelson Place is really a street„ 36 ft. wide, and all the houses front on the roadway. All the houses have back yards, each house has sanitary conveniences. The house.s are capable of being made into very satisfactory residences. Narrow Street consists of 9 houses. The houses are old and not in a very good state of repair. All the closets are situated together in the back at some distance from the houses. |
ef3f1928-db57-4ebe-96ef-72c5a0e221c0 | These houses can be rendered fit for human habitation, but there is some doubt as to the expense, having regard to the cost of the works necessary and the value which it is estimated that the dwelling houses will have when the works are completed. The condition of the houses will be more fully described under individual houses. Rectory Road. With the exception of the Rectory and the Central Garage, there are no dwelling houses in Rectory Road. East Row consist's of 6 houses fronting the green which slopes down from Horn Lane to East Row. 5 of the houses are in a row, and the 6th is a detached house, built at a more recent date than the others. All the houses in East Row are old, but, with one exception, have been kept in good condition. The wall along the back of some of the houses has had to be rebuilt. All the houses are through houses, with a small yard at the back. |
756ffc91-99c4-4bd1-ab43-8944b0356d1e | Of the total number of house.s in the Steyne, there are only 4 which cannot reasonably be rendered fit for human habitation. There are other houses which at the present time are in a poor condition, but these can be rendered fit at a reasonable expense. It will be seen that the area does not come within the category of a Clearance Area. There is, of course, the question of whether the Steyne should be designated an Improvement Area, and it will be desirable to examine the clauses which define Improvement Areas. Improvement Areas. This term appears for the first time in an Act of Parliament. An Improvement Area is really an area which is not quite so bad as a Clearance Area. In a Clearance Area all the houses must be unfit for human habitation, but in an Improvement Area, the houses are not all so far gone and the ge.neral conditions are not 1930 13 so bad as to justify clearance. |
07b29d6c-3090-4aa6-886d-110b9cbec6a2 | The general conditions in an Improvement Area are tho.se which we associate with a slum area, but some or even the great majority of the houses are not in such state as to make them unfit for human habitation. But the defining of an Improvement Area corresponds largely with that of a Clearance Area, except that the reference is to housing conditions generally in the Improvement Area, and not, as in the Clearance Area, to all the. houses in the area. The Act sets out 3 ways in which the Area may be improved, (a) Demolition or repair of houses unfit for human habitation, (b) Purchase of land in the area for the improvement of the site and (c) The prevention of overcrowding. For the prevention of overcrowding a model series of Byelaws has been issued by the Ministry of Health. These are almost identical with those which were made by many Local Authorities in respect of houses let-in-lodgings, but there is one great difference. |
f49d51b7-89ad-4408-bcac-727f5d0deb48 | The Bye-laws which are now issued can come into force at once, whereas the most important of the Bye-laws for houses let-in-lodgings do not come into force until six months after the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Act, 1920 and 1923 (other than Part II. of the last mentioned Act) or any reenactment thereof, with or without modifications relating to dwelling houses, shall have ceased to be in force. It would undoubtedly be an advantage in some instances to possess the powers which the Bye-laws for Improvement Areas confer upon local authorities. But the Steyne does not come under the category of an Improvement Area. Upon the whole the conditions in the Steyne are satisfactory. We certainly have less complaints of overcrowding in this area than we have in other parts of the district. Individual Insanitary Houses. |
59273732-350c-4b85-b2b0-ec3852d1d853 | The second part of the Act deals with the repair or demolition of insanitary houses„ and replaces a number of sections of the Act of 1925, dealing with the repair, closing and demolition of unfit houses. The proceeding has been modified. One of the difficulties which hindered local authorities from dealing with houses which are so unsatisfactory that they ought to be closed was the hardship which would be inflicted upon the tenants of these houses. Most of these houses were "controlled," and if the landlord wished to close a controlled house, he would have to find alternative accommodation for the tenant, and the local authorities were loth to represent a house as unfit. Under the new Act, a grant is provided based on the number of inmates of the demolished house to assist the local authoritv in providing the other accommodation. The Rent Restriction Act's are not to operate where possession of a house is required for the purpose of a demolition order which has been ordered. |
a8cd9013-7f12-4f0e-a280-05425a6bff96 | 930 14 There is no obligation on the part of a local authority to provide other accommodation to tenants disposed by a demolition order of individual houses, but should no alternative accommodation be provided, the local authority may make allowances to persons displaced as the re.sult of a demolition order. The method provided by the Act distinguishes between houses which can, and those which cannot be rendered fit at a reasonable expense. Where the local authority consider a house is unfit for human habitation and is not capable of being rendered fit at reasonable cost, they may serve upon the owner an order requiring the house to be demolished unless the authority accept an undertaking from the owner that the house shall cease to be used for human habitation or that he will within a specified time carry out such works as will in the authority's opinion render it fit. |
5a177023-a77b-4cc9-b81a-5bd91cb83a20 | If on the other hand, the authority think that the house i.s repairable, they can serve a notice on the owner requiring him to execute certain specified repairs, but the authority must consider the estimated cost of the works necessary, and the value which the house may be expected to have when the works are completed. An appeal against a decision of the local authority will be decided by the County Court, and not, as in the past, by the Minister of Health. When the local authority ha.s decided, but the County Court has decided against them, the local authority are empowered to acquire the house by agreement or compulsorily. In the latter case the local authority will be under an obligation to carry out the works, which they have themselves considered to be not unduly costly. To assist owners with limited means, Section 47 empowered a local authority to advance to them the cost of the repairs to houses, in cases where, having regard to such cost or the financial position of the owners, it is deemed reasonable to advance such assistance. |
cc09ea3c-0398-4e81-b3ed-6f891cb6094d | There are in the Steyne only 4 houses which, in my opinion, cannot be made fit for human occupation. There are scattered throughout the district a few other houses which cannot reasonably be made fit for human occupation. There are four houses situated on Acton Hill, which are very old and show the inherent defects of old age. On one of these houses there is a stone which states that the house was built in 1588 and restored in 1875. There are a group of five cottages in East Acton, which are built in one block and built back-to-back ; two facing south, two facing west, and one facing east. It can be seen that the houses cannot have through ventilation. The houses are old and dilapidated, partly built of wood and brick exterior and the roofs are of old pan tiles. 1930 15 There is another group of three houses in East Acton, two of which canont be made reasonably fit for human occupation. |
2ac600e2-4132-4934-8255-76b0b85cc783 | The above houses will be represented as unfit for human occupation shortly, and they represent the worst houses from a structural point of view in the district. It may be assumed that structural defects are not an important factor in our housing problem, but it would be entirely incorrect to assume that we have no housing difficulties. The character of these difficulties is constantly changing, and it is different now from what it was a few decade.s ago. A few decades ago, the housing problem was a much simpler one than it is today. Thirty years ago Acton was a self-contained community, isolated to some extent from surrounding districts, and the only important industry was the laundry industry. The northern part of the district, that is as much as was built over, was largely a dormitory of London ; most of those living in the northern part of the district worked in London. |
e4711d70-610d-4961-99e1-51010f28f569 | One of the chief problems in those days was a scarcity of suitable houses, but whereas then it would have been possible to meet the needs by the erection of a reasonable number of houses, the conditions have now changed. There was plenty of unbuilt land within easy access of the chief industry of the district. These conditions have entirely changed. Geographically we have become a part of London, and also of the neighbouring authorities. There is no visible sign of demarcation betwe.en the district and the neighbouring areas. If it were not for the boundary marks, and the signs upon the streets, it would be impossible for a stranger to know in which borough he was. All the intervening spaces which formerly separated the western suburbs from London and from each other have been built over. In addition Acton has become an industrialised area. Many industries have moved into the district; some of them are new industries, others have migrated from the provinces and from other parts of London. |
4eae1bc0-f284-45bc-8555-38235f49fdb9 | At the last Census it was ascertained that then more people came into the district to work by day than went out to seek their living in other places. The industrialisation of the district has continued since the Census, and other new industries have been started and factories have been erected. In many, if not in most, instances, the. old employees have been retained. This is true at any rate of those factories which have been moved from a part of London. Not in every case do the employees wi.sh to change their residence. The owner of one of the factories in North Acton told me about the negotiations he had had for other sites. One site was situated in surroundings which were almost rural. There was a cottage on the site, and before acquiring the site he made enquiries of a few of his oldest employees whether they would be willing to live in the cottage. He did not wish them to act as caretakers of 1930 16 the factory. |
a4d8ea25-6619-4597-b80f-6614553e9c24 | They all lived in the East End of London, where both the streets and the houses were overcrowded. They refused the offer and various excuses were offered, but the chief excuse was that they could not break off with old associations and leave the old famihar haunts. But while this instance may be typical of the attitude of the. older employees, it is probably not so of the younger people. They desire to reside near, or at any rate as conveniently near as possible to the place of their work. The influx of these new industries has therefore resulted in a greater demand for a certain class of house, and the supply of this type inside the district has not increased in the same ratio as the people who desire this accommodation. |
6c931384-3fef-48df-8a24-15e9cf55b93b | The Council could not cope with all the demands, as at the present time almost all the land in the district has been built over Even if the whole of the unbuilt land were apprcpriated for the erection of houses of a Certain type, there would not be sufficient accommodation for all those who now come into the district to work. It might be assumed that owing to the increased demand for a certain type of house, overcrowding would be more evident, but other factors have been in operation. Coincidentally with the industrialisation of the northern part of the district, there, has been a vast change in the means of transport. In this period mechanical transport has become universal, and distance is of less importance than situation in the direct line of the means of transport. To take an instance in our district. The factories in the northern part of the district are conveniently situated for the Central London Tube Railway, to the trams and buses from Willesden, Wembley, Cricklewood, Edgware, etc. |
d81f17af-aba6-4b95-9baa-4f85f96b4952 | It is easier for the employees in these factories to reach their work from these districts and from districts served by the Central London Railway than it would be if they lived in South Acton or Bedford Park. There is no unbuilt land in South Acton or Bedford Park but these are mentioned to show that the employees of the factories in the northern part of the district are more dependent upon housing accommodation in other areas than in our own. The housing problem is part and parcel of that in London and Middlesex, or possibly it would be more correct to say that it is part of the problem in certain parts of London and Middlesex. London and the suburbs are so huge that what is true of one part may be untrue of another. The London County Council have a large housing estate in Dagenham, but the erection of houses there will not affect the housing question in Acton unless some of the inhabitants of Acton find work in factories established in Dagenham and East London. |
8e497694-cbf0-407d-8f80-5e4ccce0d750 | Similarly the erection of houses in Norbury will not relieve t'hose residents of London who are employed in Acton, Willesden and Greenford. Neither can the erection of houses by individual boroughs and urban districts 17 1930 materially affect the housing conditions in that particular borough. It is only by means of a large comprehensive scheme that the question can be approached. The Corporation of Acton has erected 320 houses in East Acton, and has converted some houses into flats; it is also contemplating the erection of flats on the Friars Estate. The erection of these house.s is a gesture and shows the sincere desire of the Corporation to do as much as it possibly can to relieve any housing shortage, but it cannot be contended that it is a serious contribution towards the provision of even one type of house. Some persons have been able to obtain a better house at a rent below that which it is possible for private enterprise to provide. |
0ada8fa3-e565-4232-bf6d-aeaf187f508e | The houses vacated by the fortunate tenants have been immediately taken by others, who in most cases previously lived outside the district. Any new houses for the unskilled labourer and even for the artisan must be subsidised, for private enterprise will not build houses of this type. In a self-contained district, formerly there was an inducement to the local authority to erect houses for the employees in local factories, but the Local Government Act, 1929, has removed even that inducement. It profits a local authority very little to have new industries in its area; but apart from any such consideration, the reason why overcrowding has not been abated is not far to seek. Overcrowding is not due entirely or even primarily to a scarcity of houses. The causes of overcrowding are social and economic. In most cases of overcrowding which we come acro.ss, the rent for better and more accommodation cannot be paid. |
fb96b88d-4e34-49f4-b4cb-40b1a1e9820d | If the house is not controlled the average weekly rent for a three-roomed flat is 15/- to 20/-, and for a four-roomed one is 20/- to 30/-. For some families, even a four-roomed flat is not sufficient, and unfortunately these are the families which cannot afford a higher rent. Low wages and large families generally go together, and therefore, the smaller the house, the larger the family. These families for some reason or another, are compelled to accept what accommodation is offered, and for sheer profiteering commend us to the man of small means or of no means at all, who has rented a house which can be sub-let. An instance very recently came to our notice. A man bought a house for a comparatively small sum. He immediately sub-let it to eight different families, and two other persons rented the yard. He was receiving over £7 a week from the sub-tenants. |
063aaaec-5300-46f5-ae7f-ca5dc54503ce | The rooms were not legally overcrowded, but sanitary notices had to be served. These people would never accept the accommodation for the rent which they paid unless circumstances compelled them and they were unable to obtain other rooms. It has to be admitted that these are in many ways undesirable tenants and it is not strange that landlords refuse them as tenants. Occasionally we come across instances of overcrowding, where the tenants refuse better accommodation although they can afford to pay for it. Usually the.se people are 1930 18 in controlled flats, and they would be sacrificing an advantage if they moved to a bigger house. Recently we came across a case of overcrowding, and the circumstances were peculiar. A man and his family occupied a controlled flat on two floors. The rest of the house became vacant and the whole house was bought by a man who came to live there. Two rooms were given up by the sub-tenant, at the request of the landlord„ and the rent was reduced to 9/- a week. |
50072fee-8b0d-4ffc-a418-0ff221aae4aa | The landlord came to us and promptly reported that the sub-tenant was overcrowding the flat. This was found to be true and also there was no means of the separation of the sexes for sleeping accommodation. It was ascertained that the earnings of the family of the sub-tenant who lived at home were about £9 a week, and it was suggested to him that he could afford better accommodation. He admitted this but was unwilling to forego the undoubted advantage which the Rent Restriction Acts had conferred upon him. Instead of seeking a better house, he decided to lodge a couple of his children in a house opposite his own and they slept there and had all their meals at home. The landlord was very indignant and wrote many letters pointing out the unfairness to him. We could not interfere so long as they did not sleep in the house. It is true that about a dozen people had their meals in the house daily. |
392cfa55-b6ac-41f6-92fd-c317a312a680 | Other instances could be quoted where the occupiers of flats and houses could afford better accommodation but are unwilling to forego the advantages they enjoy as tenants of controlled houses. Another difficulty arises from the disinclination of landlords to let houses or parts of houses to large families. In some instances landlords stipulate that they are not prepared to let to anyone who has children. Such an attitude is difficult to understand, but it is exhibited. One can understand the refusal of landlords to let a house to a large family of small children, though under present conditions such conduct can hardly be called patriotic, to say the least. Landlords frequently look upon a large family as a feckless one, and think that the condition of the house will suffer in direct ratio to the size of the family. To be quite frank, individual landlords are not unique in this respect. |
3b4b29d3-f89c-4265-883e-7a15aacc2656 | There is a tendency on the part of local authorities that have erected houses to have more regard to the ability of the tenant to pay his rent regularly than to the needs for better housing accommodation. It has been suggested in some quarters, that some assistance should be given in the form of a rent rebate to those who have families, such rebate to be in some ratio to the size of the family. This suggestion has been made in some quarters, but I am not aware that it is feasible or possible to carry out in practice. In very many instances it would not be desirable. It is well known that many, if not most, of the better type of artizan resort to birth limitation, and these families are small. Most of the large families belong to parents whose homes are in 19 1930 a very unsatisfactory condition. In some instances the cause lies in the environment: they live under conditions which are almost impossible of improvement. But in most instances, the cause is inherent in the parents themselves. |
e76cd64b-620d-48fd-b0bc-fea201a5ef65 | Some are mentally defective, some are intemperate, others are lazy and indifferent. It would be invidious to discriminate between those who are genuinely trying and would benefit by a change of surroundings and those who would remain unsatisfactory under the best housing conditions. TABULAR STATEMENT OF INSPECTIONS & DETAIL OF WORK CARRIED OUT BY THE SANITARY INSPECTORS. Number of Inspections and Action Taken. |
c3bbe4a5-4074-47e1-b992-75544a112f76 | Total number of dwelling houses inspected for housing defects (under Public Health or Housing Acts) 1244 (1) Dealt with by service of Informal Notice 811 (2) Dealt with by service of Statutory Notice under Section 3, Housing Act 1925 and Section 17, Housing Act, 1930 189 (3) Dealt with by service of Statutory Notice under Public Health Acts 172 Premises (other than defective dwelling houses) inspected for nuisances and miscellaneous defects 940 (1) Dealt with by service of Informal Notice 807 (2) Dealt with by service of Statutory Notice under Public Health Act, &c. 133 Reinspections subsequent to service of Notice 7242 Enquiry visits on notification of Infectious Disease 320 Number of Premises under Periodical Insipection. |
41782d5b-91e4-4b83-b578-3769dc211c2f | Workshops and Workplaces 141 Bakehouses 29 Slaughterhouses 2 Public Health Urinals 37 Common Lodging Houses 1 Houses-let-in-lodgings 30 Butchers Shops 44 Fish Shops 28 Premises where food is manufactured or prepared 33 Milk Purveyors 81 Cowsheds Nil Piggeries Nil Rag and Bone Dealers 8 Mews 4 Schools 11 Show Grounds Nill Rent Restriction Act. Number of Certificates granted 13 1930 20 Detail of Work carried out. |
d02ea3ad-39e2-4586-9006-ba487605f888 | Sanitary Dustbins provided — 514 Yards paved or yard paving- repaired 283 Insanitary forecourts remedied 35 Defective drains repaired or reconstructed 45 Defective soil pipes and ventilating shafts repaired or renewed 94 Defective fresh air inlets repaired or renewed 77 Defective gullies removed and replaced by new 42 Rain water downpipes disconnected from drain 10 Dishing and curb to gullies repaired and new gratings fixed 286 Defective W.C. pan and traps removed and replaced by new 61 Defective W.C. flushing apparatus repaired or new fixed 407 Defective W.C. |
b75b75e4-3c1b-4dc7-9495-84245830ac44 | seats repaired or new fixed 105 Defective flush pipe connections repaired 122 Insanitary sinks removed or new fixed 21 Sink waste pipes repaired or trapped 224 Insanitary wall surface over sinks remedied 143 Ventilated food cupboards provided 12 Drinking water cisterns cleansed 219 Defective covers to drinking water cisterns repaired or new fixed 74 Insanitary sites beneath floors concreted 12 Spaces beneath floors ventilated 165 Dampness in walls from defective damp-proof course remedied Dampness from defective roof, rain water gutterings, etc., remedied 844 Defective plastering repaired (number of rooms) 509 Rooms where dirty walls and ceilings have been cleansed and redecorated 3106 Defective floors repaired 135 Defective or dangerous stairs repaired 17 Defective doors and windows repaired 373 Defective kitchen ranges and fire grates repaired 218 Defective washing coppers repaired 157 Coal cupboards provided and repaired 12 New W.C. |
a8aeff2c-9dc8-4042-960b-0a54c899ea18 | apartments provided 13 Accumulations of offensive matter removed 37 Drains unstopped and cleansed 432 Overcrowding nuisances abated ]6 Drains tested, exposed for examination, etc 85 Smoke observations taken 234 Smoke nuisances abated on service of notice 32 Nuisances from pigs and other animals abated 12 Notifications of waste of water sent to Metropolitan Water Board 192 21 1930 INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD. Milk Supply. There are 83 dairies and milkshops on the register. There are at present no cowsheds in the Borough and all the milk is produced outside the district. In last year's report, the conditions under which milk is distributed within the district were mentioned, and it was stated that in the. altered circumstances, the Council had relaxed the stringency of requirements formerly -insisted upon. This account's for the increased number of retailers. BAKEHOUSES. |
89772135-24f9-4606-a470-ffaca6b4ad74 | There are 30 bakehouses in the district; of these 6 are underground bakehouses and were occupied before the passing of the Factory Act of 1901. MEAT INSPECTION. There are two slaughter-houses in the borough; in one of these, pigs alone are slaughtered, and in the other no pigs are slaughtered. It has been usual in the past to supply a full list of the unsound food condemned, and the following tables are inserted so that the conditions can be compared with former years. UNSOUND FOOD SURRENDERED DURING 1930. table I. Diseased Meat. Tuberculosis. 8 Loins of Beef. Pigs. 31 Sets of Cows' Lungs with Hearts. 11 Carcases with Heads. 82 Heads. 18 Cows' Heads & Tongues. 1 Forequarter 1 Cows' Carcase with Offal (Emaciated). 2 Hindquarters. 1 Neck and Shoulder. |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.