LIBRARY Urban District of CHISLEHURST AND SIDCUP REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1944 on the Sanitary Conditions and Vital Statistics of the Urban District of Chislehurst and Sidcup by the Medical Officer of Health Together with the Report of the Chief Sanitary Inspector. Tonbridge Free Press Ltd.—Tel. 38 CHI 16 Urban District of CHISLEHURST AND SIDCUP REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1944 on the Sanitary Conditions and Vital Statistics of the Urban District of Chislehurst and Sidcup by the Medical Officer of Health Together with the Report of the Chief Sanitary Inspector. Tollbridge Free Press Ltd.—Tel. 18 2 URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CHISLEHURST & SIDCUP HEALTH REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1944 Ladies and Gentlemen, I have pleasure in submitting my Annual Health Report for the year 1944, this being the twenty-second one presented by me as your Medical Officer of Health. The population of the District as estimated by the Registrar-General for mid-year 1944 is 57,470, as compared with 60,130 last year. An increase in the Birth Rate for the year took place, viz., 20.0 per thousand of population, as against 17.8 last year. A slight increase in the Death Rate also occurred, the Rate for the year being equal to 10.7 per thousand of population as compared with 10.0 last year. A decrease again took place in the Infantile Mortality Rate, this being equal to 26 per thousand births, as compared with 38 last year and 52 in 1942. As far as infectious disease was concerned, there was a reduction in the number of notifications received, viz., 1,370, as against 1,603 last year. These notifications chiefly related to cases of Measles, Scabies, Whooping Cough and Scarlet F ever. In presenting this Report, it is my desire to thank the Council and all its Officers for their kind help and assistance, and I would particularly desire to place on record my appreciation of the efficient and loyal services rendered by Mr. Allen and all members of the Public Health Department. I am, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, P. N. CAVE, Medical Officer of Health. 3 URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CHISLEHURST & SIDCUP PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE. Chairman W. BROWN, Esq., C.C. Vice-Chairman S. H. CARROLL, Esq. G. W. ALLEN, Esq. E. V. MILLS, Esq., J.P., C.C. Lt.-Col. W. J. BELL. C. E. NORRIS, Esq., J.P. J. F. BUTCHER, Esq. J. E. ORMAN, Esq. C. E. GAMON, Esq., J.P. Miss M. K. PILLMAN. F. C. HODGES, Esq. T. J. ROBINS, Esq. R. M. MACALPINE, Esq. A. J. SIMMONS, Esq. G. UDALL, Esq. REPRESENTATIVES ON THE WEST KENT JOINT HOSPITAL BOARD. W. BROWN, Esq., C.C. C. E. GAMON, Esq., J.P. REPRESENTATIVES ON THE WEST KENT MAIN SEWERAGE BOARD. W. BROWN, Esq., C.C. C. T. KNIGHT, Esq., J.P. C. E. GAMON, Esq., J.P. STAFF. Medical Officer of Health : P. N. CAVE, M.A., M.D., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.P.H. Chief Sanitary Inspector : A. V. B. ALLEN, M.R.S.I., M.R.I.P.H.H., M.S.I.A. Senior District Sanitary Inspector : J. C. KERMODE, C.R.S.I. District Sanitary Inspectors : E. C. BERWICK, C.R.S.I. E. E. ROBERTS, C R.S.I. Health Visitor : Miss W. M. HUMPHRIES. Senior Clerk: E. AUSTIN (Now in Royal Navy). Mrs. L. WOODWORTH (temporary). Shorthand Typist: Miss M. HILLS (Now on National Service). Mrs. STUBBS (temporary). Mrs. TOZER (temporary). Junior Clerk : W. DUKE. 4 STATISTICS AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE AREA. Area (in acres) 8,957 Registrar-General's estimate of population, mid1944 57,470 Number of occupied houses, December, 1944 18,000 Rateable Value, December, 1944 £533,200 Sum represented by a penny rate, Decembr, 1944 £2,120 VITAL STATISTICS. Live Births : Total M. F. Birth Rate per 1,000 of estimated resident population. Legitimate 1,092 565 527 Illegitimate 60 26 34 Total 1,152 591 561 20.0 Rate per 1,000 (live and still) births. Still-births 22 13 9 18.7 Death Rate per 1,000 of estimated resident population. Deaths 617 336 281 10.7 No. of Deaths. Rate per 1,000 total Deaths from Puerperal causes : (live and still) births. Puerperal sepsis Nil — Other Puerperal causes 1 0.8 Total 1 0.8 Deaths of Infants under 1 year: Rate per 1,000 live births. All Infants 30 26 Rate per 1,000 legitimate live births. Legitimate Infants 28 25 Rate per 1,000 illegitimate live births. Illegitimate Infants 2 33 Deaths from: Cancer (all ages) 89 Measles (all ages) 1 Whooping Cough (all ages) 1 Diarrhoea (under 2 years of age) 5 5 URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CHISLEHURST & SIDCUP The Urban District Council of Chislehurst and Sidcup was constituted under the Kent County Review Order, 1934, and came into existence on the 1st April, 1934. VITAL STATISTICS. Births.—During the year 1,152 Births were registered as belonging to the District, of which number 591 were males and 561 were females. The number of Births registered as being illegitimate was 60. The Birth Rate for the year was equal to 20.0 per thousand of population, as compared with 17.8 last year. Deaths.—The number of Deaths registered as belonging to the District was 617 (336 males and 281 females). This is equal to a Death Rate of 10.7 per thousand of population as against 10.0 last year. Infant Deaths.—During the year 30 Deaths were registered as occurring in Infants under one year of age (28 in legitimate and 2 in illegitimate infants). The Infantile Mortality Rate was 26 per thousand registered Births, as against 38 last year. Chislehurst England and and Sidcup. Wales. Birth Rate 20.0 17.6 Death Rate 10.7 11.6 Infantile Mortality Rate 26 46 6 INFECTIOUS DISEASE The following Table shows the number of cases notified, together with the number removed to Hospital, and the total deaths:— Disease Number Notified Removed to Hospital Total Death Scarlet Fever 206 128 - Diphtheria 40 40 2 Enteric Fever 1 ... - Paratyphoid Fever 1 1 - Erysipelas 20 ... - Cerebro-Spinal Fever 1 1 - Puerperal Pyrexia 4 ... - Malaria 4 ... - Pneumonia 48 ... 26* Dysentery 5 ... - Scabies 321 ... — Whooping Cough 247 1 1 Measles 472 ... 1 Totals 1370 171 30 * All forms of Pneumonia. It will be seen from the above table that the three diseases most prevalent were measles, scabies and whooping cough in the order named. DIPHTHERIA IMMUNISATION CLINIC. The following work has been done during the year in connection with the Diphtheria Immunisation Clinic:— Number of sessions held 167 Total number of new cases 643 Total number of cases re-tested 531 Subsequent attendances 1,380 Total number of attendances 2,554 RE-TESTED CASES : Cases found not susceptible after final Schick test 518 Cases found susceptible after final Schick test 13 Total number of cases completed during 1944 694 7 BIRTH RATES, CIVILIAN DEATH KATES, ANALYSIS OF MORTALITY, MATERNAL MORTALITY AND CASE RATES for certain Infectious Diseases in the Year, 1944. England and Wales 126 County Boro's. and Great Towns including London 148 Smaller Towns Resident Populations 25,000 to 50,000, 1931 Census London Administrative County Chislehurst and Sidcup Urban District Rates per 1,000 Civilian Population BIRTHS: Live 17.6 20.3 20.9 15.0 20.0 Still 0.50 0.64 0.61 0.42 0.38 DEATHS: All Causes 11.6 13.7 12.4 15.7 10.7 Typhoid and Paratyphoid 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Scarlet Fever 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Whooping Cough 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.04 0.01 Diphtheria 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.03 Influenza 0.12 0.10 0.11 0.08 0.12 Smallpox 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Measles 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.01 Rates per 1,000 Live Births Deaths under one year of age 46 52 44 61 26 Deaths from Diarrhoea and Enteritis under two years of age 4.8 7.3 4.4 10.1 4.3 Rates per 1,000 Civilian Population NOTIFICATIONS: Typhoid Fever 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Paratyphoid Fever 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.0l Cerebro-spinal Fever 0.05 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.01 Scarlet Fever 2.40 2.41 2.67 1.57 3.58 Whooping Cough 2.49 2.49 2.29 2.90 4.29 Diphtheria 0.68 0.67 0.69 0.31 0.69 Erysipelas 0.29 0.32 0.28 0.37 0.34 Smallpox 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Measles 4.16 4.51 3.95 2.98 8.21 Pneumonia 0.97 1.13 0.82 0.93 0 83 Rates per 1,000 Total Births (i.e. Live and Still) NOTIFICATIONS: Puerperal Pyrexia 10.31 13.13 9.25 14.14 3.61 3.40 Puerperal Fever 8 TUBERCULOSIS. The following Table shows the number of new cases of Tuberculosis notified, together with the number of deaths:— [ Notified Deaths Males Females Total Males Females Total Pulmonary 31 50 81 27 12 39 Non-Pulmonary 5 1 6 2 3 5 Total 36 51 87 29 15 44 PUBLIC HEALTH (PREVENTION OF TUBERCULOSIS) REGULATIONS, 1930. PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, 1936, Section 176. It was not found necessary to take any action under the above during the year. Treatment for cases of Tuberculosis is carried out by the Kent County Council, and during the year the following number of patients have received treatment:— Number receiving sanatorium treatment75 Number receiving dispensary treatment 56 Dispensary supervision only195 INFECTIOUS DISEASE HOSPITAL. Cases of Infectious Disease from this area are admitted to the West Kent Joint Isolation Hospital. BACTERIOLOGICAL WORK. The bacteriological work in connection with this District is carried out at the County Laboratory, Maidstone, and during the year the following number of specimens from this area have been examined there:— Positive Negative Total Swabs for Diphtheria 1 9 10 Sputa for Tuberculosis 31 not known 31 Widals for Typhoid 1 not known 1 Swabs for Haemolytic Streptococci 3 1 4 Faeces, etc. for Dysentery 31 14 45 Totals 67 24 91 9 In addition, the following number of emergency specimens have been examined at the West Kent Joint Hospital Board's Laboratory by Dr. J. Byers. Positive. Negative. Total. Swabs for Diphtheria 21 138 159 DRAINAGE. No important extensions to the sewers has been carried out during the year. SANITARY STATISTICS. No. of Houses connected to the sewer No. of Houses not connected to the sewer No. of Houses not provided with a piped water supply No. of wells still in use for purpose of domestic water supply 19,500 (approx.) 325 4 52 SANITARY CONVENIENCES. W.C.s Pan or Pail Closets Midden Privies Ashpits separate from Midden Privies Cesspools No. of No. of houses served 20,000 (Approx.) 52 5 — 261 325 WATER SUPPLY. The District is supplied with water from the mains of the Metropolitan Water Board. The supply of water has been both satisfactory in quantity and quality, and there appears to be no risk of plumbosolvency. Approximately 99.8 of the population are supplied with water by the public mains. During the year 47 samples of main water were submitted for examination by the Public Health Department, and in all cases satisfactory results were obtained. In addition 46 samples taken from wells, etc., all proved to be satisfactory. 10 HOUSE REFUSE COLLECTION. Owing to the shortage of labour, the fortnightly collection of house refuse has met with considerable difficulty. HOUSING. 1.—Inspection of Dwelling Houses During the Year. (1) (a) Total number of houses inspected for housing defects (Under Public Health or Housing Acts) 2,183 (b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 4,201 (2) (a) Number of dwelling houses (included under sub-head (1) above) which were inspected and recorded under the Housing Consolidated Regulations, 1925 Nil (b) Number of inspections made for the purpose Nil (3) Number of dwelling houses found to be in a state so dangerous or injurious to health as to be unfit for human habitation Nil (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 1,392 2.—Remedy of Defects During the Year Without Service of Formal Notices. Number of defective dwelling houses rendered fit in consequence of informal action by the Local Authority or their Officers 1,275 3.—Action Under Statutory Powers During the Year. (a) Proceedings under sections 9, 10 and 16 of the Housing Act, 1936 : (1) Number of dwelling houses in respect of v/hich notices were served requiring repairs Nil (2) Number of dwelling houses which were rendered fit after service of formal notices : (a) By owners Nil (b) By Local Authority in default of owners Nil (b) Proceedings under the Public Health Acts : (1) Number of dwelling houses in respect of which notices were served requiring defects to be remedied 3 11 (2) Number of dwelling houses in which defects were remedied after service of formal notices : (a) By owners 3 (b) By Local Authority in default of owners Nil (c) Proceedings under sections 11 and 13 of the Housing Act, 1936 : (1) Number of dwelling houses in respect of which Demolition Orders were made Nil (2) Number of dwelling houses demolished in pursuance of Demolition Orders Nil (d) Proceedings under section 12 of the Housing Act, 1936 : (1) Number of separate tenements or underground rooms in respect of which Closing Orders were made Nil (2) Number of separate tenements or underground rooms in respect of which Closing Orders were determined, the tenement or room having been rendered fit Nil 4.—Housing Act, 1936 : Part IV—Overcrowding : (a) (i) Number of dwelling houses overcrowded at end of year 21 (ii) Number of families dwelling therein 36 (iii) Number of persons dwelling therein 157 (b) Number of new cases of overcrowding reported during the year 14 (c) (i) Number of cases of overcrowding relieved during year 11 (ii) Number of persons concerned in such cases 76 (d) Particulars of any cases in which dwelling houses have again become overcrowded after the Local Authority have taken steps for the abatement of overcrowding Nil (e) Any other particulars with respect to overcrowding conditions upon which you may consider it desirable to report Nil Number of new houses erected during the year : By the Local Authority Nil By other persons Nil 12 HEALTH VISITOR. The Council employs one full-time Health Visitor, who works under the supervision of the Medical Officer of Health. During the year she has paid a total of 973 visits. MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE The work in connection with Maternity and Child Welfare is carried out by the Kent County Council. The following Clinics and Centres have been established for this District:— Ante-natal Clinics. No. of Centre. Address. Days held, attendances Chislehurst "The Willows" Tues. and Wed 1,082 Mottingham St. Edward's Hall Mon. and Wed. 1,530 Sidcup (Days Lane)... Days Lane Tues. and Thurs. 2,045 Sidcup Congregational Hall Each Thursday 1,025 Maternity and Child Welfare Centres. No. of Centre. Address. Days held, attendances Chislehurst "The Willows" Each Thursday 2,850 Sidcup (Days Lane)... Baptist Church Hall Tues., Wed. & Fri. 6,529 Sidcup Congregational Hall Mon. and Wed. 4,216 Mottingham St. Edward's Hall, Mon. and Wed. 4,582 St. Keverne Road Foots Cray Baptist Hall, 1st, 3rd & 5th Sidcup Hill Tuesday 5,206 SWIMMING BATHS AND POOLS. There is one small private bath which is open to the public. ERADICATION OF BED BUGS. The following number of houses found to be infested were dealt with during the year:— Council houses 10 Other houses 51 In all cases the premises were sprayed with lethane content insecticide or treated with sulphur. 13 NURSING FACILITIES. The nursing facilities for the District are provided by the local Nursing Associations. NURSING AND MATERNITY HOMES. The powers under the Public Health Act, 1936, have been delegated by the County Council to the District Council. There are seven registered premises in the District, which ' provide 22 beds for maternity cases and 13 for other cases. SUMMARY OF REGULATED TRADES. No. of Premises Visite Paid Defects Found Remedied Dairies. 27 93 11 11 Cowsheds. Slaughterhouses Licensed 2 5 2 2 Registered ... ... ... ... Bakehouses. 18 58 26 26 Piggeries 15 72 7 7 Other food preparing places 140 418 57 56 Factories with mech. power 109 156 18 18 Factories without mech. power 42 46 ... ... Workplaces. ... ... ... ... Common Lodging Houses ... ... ... ... Houses-Let-inLodgings ... ... ... ... Totals 353 848 121 120 MILK (SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS) ORDER, 1936. During the year the Council granted the following number of licences under the above Order:— Tuberculin Tested 16 (including 10 supplemental) Pasteurised 27 (including 11 supplemental) Tuberculin Tested Pasteurised — Pasteuriser's licence — MILK SUPPLY. The following numbers of samples of milk were submitted for examination during the year:— Satisfactory. Unsatisfactory. Pasteurised 66 1 Tuberculin Tested 27 6 14 MEAT INSPECTION. The following Table shows the work carried out in connection with the slaughtering of animals for humanconumption: Cattle excluding Cows Cows Calves Sheep and Lambs Pigs Number killed, if known — 1 — — 1 Number of animals inspected — 1 — — 1 All diseases except Tuberculosis:— Whole carcases condemned — — — — — Carcases of which some part or organ was condemned — — — - - Percentage of the number inspected affected with diseases other than Tuberculosis - - - - - Tuberculosis Only:— Whole carcases condemned - - - - — Carcases of which some part or organ was condemned - - - - — Percentage of the number inspected affected with tuberculosis - - - - - SMOKE ABATEMENT. During the year 18 inspections were made in respect of nuisances arising from the emission of smoke. SHOPS ACTS. During the year 414 inspections and observations were made, and 11 informal notices were served in connection with the Shops Acts 15 RIVERS AND STREAMS. During the year 57 inspections of rivers and streams were made. Two nuisances were found and remedied. ADOPTIVE ACTS AND BYELAWS. No Acts or Byelaws were adopted during the year. DEATHS REGISTERED DURING THE YEAR 1944. Disease Males. Females. Total. Typhoid Fever. ... ... ... Cerebro-spinal Fever ... ... ... Scarlet Fever ... ... ... Whooping Cough ... 1 1 Diphtheria ... 2 2 Tuberculosis of respiratory system 27 12 39 Other tuberculous diseases 2 3 5 Syphilitic diseases 3 1 4 Influenza 2 5 7 Measles 1 ... 1 Poliomyelitis and Polioencephalitis ... ... ... Acute Infantile Encephalitis ... ... ... Cancer of Bronchial Cavity 5 6 11 Cancer of Stomach and Duodenum 4 6 10 Cancer of the Breast ... 6 6 Cancer, all other forms 43 19 62 Diabetes 1 1 2 Intra cranial ves. lesions 25 30 55 Heart diseases 80 69 149 Other diseases of circulatory system 10 10 20 Bronchitis 12 11 23 Pneumonia 13 13 26 Other respiratory diseases 3 5 8 Ulcer of Stomach and Duodenum 6 1 6 Diarrhoea, (under 2 years) 2 3 5 Appendicitis ... 1 1 Other digestive diseases 7 6 12 Nephritis 8 4 12 Post and post-abortive sepsis ... ... ... Other maternal causes ... 1 1 Premature Birth 5 3 8 Congenital malformation and birth injury 5 7 12 Suicide 3 1 4 Road accidents 3 ... 3 Other violent causes 41 29 70 All other causes 20 26 52 Totals 336 281 617 16 CLEANSING, ETC., OF PERSONS. The following work has been done during the year in connection with the Clinic established by the Council for the cleansing of verminous persons, etc. Scabies Lice Totals Number Infected Number of Contacts Men 91 24 - 115 Women 221 57 - 278 Children 364 61 97 522 Totals 676 142 97 915 URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL OF CHISLEHURST AND SIDCUP. REPORT OF THE CHIEF SANITARY AND SHOPS ACT INSPECTOR For the Year ended 31st December, 1944. Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honour of submitting a Report on the Sanitary and Shops Acts inspection carried out in the district during the year ended 31st December, 1944. 1. Inspections—General. A total of 9,804 inspections were made during the year, as follows:— 4,201 to dwelling-houses (Public Health Acts) 200 „ dwelling-houses (Housing Acts) 93 „ farms, dairies and cowsheds 5 „ slaughterhouses 72 „ piggeries 58 „ bakehouses 24 „ fish friers 418 „ other food preparing premises 156 „ factories with mechanical power 46 „ factories without mechanical power 69 „ outworkers' premises 1,298 „ premises for rats and mice 465 „ cases of infectious disease—general 397 „ cases of infectious disease—tuberculosis 240 „ vans and sheds 20 „ pickers' huts 18 „ smoke abatement 17 36 „ water supplies 434 „ shops 769 „ unsound food 57 „ rivers and streams 728 „ miscellaneous 9,804 2. Complaints. 1,219 complaints were received and investigated. Where necessary, appropriate action was taken. They were as follow:— 306 re general sanitary defects 31 „ keeping of animals 83 „ offensive accumulations 56 „ verminous premises 256 „ drainage 61 „ water supply 219 „ rats 14 „ overcrowding 191 „ food 2 „ smoke 1,219 3. Notices. 379 Informal Notices were served, drawing the attention of property owners and others to the existence of nuisances, and requesting abatement. It was found necessary to serve 3 Statutory Notices affecting 3 premises under the Public Health Acts to secure the abatement of nuisances where Informal Notices had not received compliance, after which the matters were remedied by the owners. 4. Housing. (i) Routine Inspections. 200 visits were made to premises in connection with the Housing Act, 1936, (ii) Clearance Areas. No clearance areas were declared during the year under review. (iii) Individually Unfit Houses. No individually unfit houses were declared during the year. 18 (iv) Overcrowding. The position with regard to overcrowding is shown in the following Table:— WARD Number of Cases July 1936 No. eases at 31st December 31 Dec., 1044 | Number of Cases found during year Number of Cases remedied during year Cases at end of year 1936 | 19371937 1938 | 19391939 1940 1941 1942 1943 Number cases No. persons concerned Aged over 10 Aged under 10 Lamorbey E. 12 13 6 6 4 4 6 7 6 3 9 38 13 w. Longlands 2 1 - 1 — — — 1 - 1 — 1 7 6 Birchwood — - - - - - - - 1 — 1 — — — Frognal 5 5 5 — — — — 1 1 — 1 — — — North Cray 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 St. Pauls Cray 4 8 3 — 1 1 1 2 4 2 1 5 30 16 Chislehurst Common 11 13 4 2 1 1 1 — - - — — — — Mottingham 8 9 4 2 3 2 2 2 4 5 4 5 33 9 Totals 44 51 23 12 10 7 9 13 18 14 11 12 110 47 19 5. Infectious Disease. 862 visits were made to notified cases of infectious disease (diphtheria, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, etc.). On the removal of a case to the Isolation Hospital, the release from quarantine (home cases) or in other necessary cases, disinfection was immediately carried out by spraying rooms and their contents with formalin, and the clothing and bedding was steam disinfected at the disinfecting station. Public Library books found in any premises in which infectious or contagious disease occurred were also disinfected by formalin vapour in a special metal chamber. The disinfections carried out during the year were as follows:— Sprayed. Fumigated Steam Disinfected. Destroyed Rooms 275 119 — — Mattresses 28 — 451 4 Pillows 66 — 713 — Bedclothes, Batches of 40 — 197 — Clothing, Batches of 13 7 92 4 Library Books 115 — — — Cushions — — — — Carpets 206 — — — 6. Vermin. (i) Bed Bugs. During the year 56 complaints were received of infestation of premises by bed bugs. The number of houses and/or their contents found to be infested was 61 (including 10 in the Council's possession). In suitable cases, and on the request of tenant and owner, the disinfestation of the premises and contents were simultaneously carried out by the Department. In all other cases the premises were disinfested by the owners, and the contents by the tenants. In all necessary cases bedding was steam disinfected by the Department. The usual method of disinfestation insisted upon is to strip as much woodwork from walls, etc., as possible, seal the premises and use a sulphurous gas or spray with contact fluid. Close supervision was made of premises which had been disinfested, and tenants were given suitable advice and instruction on methods of prevention and destruction of vermin. (ii) Rats and Mice. 1,298 visits were made to premises in connection with rat infestation. 219 complaints were received, and at 358 premises infestation was remedied. A whole-time rat-catcher has been engaged since 1941. In addition to work carried out at owner's or occupier's expense in dealing with rodents on private property, he has also undertaken similar duties on the properties in the possession of the Council. 20 7. Food Inspection. (i) Meat Inspection. Only emergency slaughter of animals was carried out in the District. 2 animals were killed in a slaughterhouse in the District, and were examined. The details of killings are as follow:— Beasts. Cows. Calves. Sheep and Lambs. Pigs. Animals slaughtered under "Regular Notice" Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Animals slaughtered under "Occasional Notice" (2 occasions) Nil 1 Nil Nil 1 Number examined Nil 1 Nil Nil 1 Number not examined Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Total number slaughtered Nil 1 Nil Nil 1 Result of Examination: All diseases except Tuberculosis: Whole carcases condemned Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Parts carcases condemned Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Per cent. Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Tuberculosis : Whole carcases condemned Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Parts carcases condemned Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Per cent. Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil (ii) Food—Diseased and Unsound. 9 tons 13 cwts. 1 qr. 4 lbs. of unsound food was surrendered as unfit for human food during the year. Where possible, this was used as animal food, after suitable treatment. (iii) Food Sampling. During the year a total of 196 samples of food and drugs were taken, the results being as follows:— Formal. Informal. Milk 21 57 Cocoa 1 1 Pepper — 4 Bicarbonate of Soda — 1 Butter 3 6 Margarine 2 4 Lard 1 3 Gelatine — 4 Curry Powder — 2 Ground Cinnamon — 2 Yorkshire Pudding Mixture — 1 Sponge Pudding Mixture — 1 Chocolate Pudding Mixture — 2 Vinegar — 2 Camphorated Oil — 2 Tincture of Iodine — 1 Tea — 3 21 Whisky — 5 Rice — 1 Mixed Spice — 1 Cloves — 1 Egg Substitute Powder — 2 Bun Flour — 2 Mustard — 3 Fruit Preserving Tablets — 1 Aspirin Tablets — 2 Health Salts — 1 Baked Beans — 1 Baking Powder — 2 Lemonade Powder — 1 Sponge Cake — 1 Chocolate Cup — 1 Dried Fruit — 4 Sausages — 3 Brawn — 1 Semolina Pudding Mixture — 1 Glaubers Salt — 1 Epsom Salts — 1 Compound Syrup of Figs — 1 Boracic Ointment — 1 Mustard — 2 Essence of Lemon — 1 Ground Ginger — 1 Jam 1 1 Lemond Curd 1 — Self-Raising Flour 2 — Soup, Tinned — 1 Beef Cubes — 1 Baking Powder — 3 Golden Raising Powder — 1 Coffee 3 — Lemon Squash 1 — Coffee Essence — 2 Coffee — 1 Marmalade — 1 Curry Powder — 2 Salad Dressing — 1 Sauce — 1 Sardines — 1 Meat Extract — 1 Condensed Milk — 1 Shredded Suet — 1 Paste, Fish and Meat — 3 Total 36 160 The examination of these samples showed them to be of genuine quality and, therefore, no case of adulteration was certified. (iv) Slaughterhouses. There are 2 licensed slaughterhouses within the District. (v) Slaughter of Animals Act, 1933. (a) Slaughtering. The emergency slaughtering of 1 animal was carried out by means of a mechanically operated instrument in pursuance of S.2 of this Act. 22 (b) Slaughtermen. One application for a licence to slaughter animals under the Slaughter of Animals Act, 1933, was granted. (vi) Milk and Dairies. There are 27 dairies and cowsheds in the District. These premises were given special attention, and 93 visits were made. 11 defects were found and remedied. (vii) Bakehouses. There are 16 bakehouses with mechanical power and 2 bakehouses without mechanical power in the District, to which 58 visits were made. 26 defects were found and remedied during the year. (viii) Fish Frying. There are 12 premises in which fish frying is carried on, and 24 inspections were made to these premises. 9 defects were found and remedied. (ix) Water Supplies. Samples were taken from premises in the District, with the following results:— Satisfied test. Did not satisfy test. (a) Chemical Examination 45 — (b) Bacteriological Examination 47 — 8. Factories, Workshops and Workplaces. 156 visits were made to 109 factories with mechanical power, and 42 factories without mechanical power, in the District. 9. Piggeries. There are 15 piggeries in the District, to which 72 visits were made during the year. 7 defects were found and remedied. 10. Cesspools. As far as is known, there are 261 cesspools draining 325 premises in the District. Owners or occupiers of premises make private arrangements with a Maidstone firm for emptying cesspools. The charge made is 23s. for the first 1,000 gallons, and 20s. for each subsequent 1,000 gallons of sewage emptied. 11. Smoke. 18 inspections and observations were made in connection with the emission of smoke from industrial premises, and one nuisance was remedied. 23 12. Pickers' Huts. There are 4 camps of pickers' huts in the District, all of which were used during the year, and of which 20 inspections were made. 21 defects were remedied after informal action. 13. Rivers and Streams. 57 inspections were made of rivers and streams in the District and 2 nuisances were remedied. 14. Shops Acts. During the year 434 inspections and observations of shops were made, and 11 Informal Notices were served in connection with the Acts. The number of shops situate in the District is as follows : Ward. No. of Shops Lamorbey E. and W. 212 Longlands 89 Birchwood 60 Frognal 99 North Cray 16 St. Paul's Cray 17 Chislhurst Commons 103 Mottingham 52 Total 648 (i) Ventilation. It was not found necessary to require improvement to ventilation at any shop. (ii) Temperature. It was not found necessary to require any additional heating facilities in order to ensure that a suitable and sufficient temperature was maintained. (iii) Sanitary Conveniences. Sanitary accommodation and/or additional sanitary accommodation was provided or existing accommodation was cleansed or repaired in 8 shops. (iv) Lighting. It was not found necessary to require better lighting in any shop. (v) Washing Facilities. Proper washing facilities were provided or existing apparatus was cleansed or repaired in 4 shops. (vi) Facilities for Meals. Proper facilities for the taking of meals were provided at one shop. (vii) Seats for Female Assistants. In no case was a shopkeeper required to provide seats for female assistants. 24 (viii) Closing. No Closing Orders were made for shops in the District. The days of Early Closing generally observed are:— Wednesdays—Chislehurst; The Oval, Sidcup. Thursdays—Sidcup High Street; Blackfen; Mottingham; St. Paul's Cray. (ix) Hours. Action was taken in one case. (x) Records. It was found that 40 shopkeepers were not keeping, exhibiting, or providing the necessary Notices or Records, and in each case an appropriate letter was sent. I am, Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, A. V. B. ALLEN, Chief Sanitary and Shops Acts Inspector.