REPORTS OF MEDICAL OFFICERS

OF HEALTH.

'Something attempted, something done.' AYLESBURY RURAL.-Dr. Harvey Hilliard's report for 1884 is in every respect satisfactory. He records a distinct improvement in the general aspect of the district, and although no works of importance were carried out, the inhabitants in many localities have been more attentive to the purity of their wells and to the disposal of sewage, and removal of offensive accumulations. Moreover, there was a notable decline in the mortality from zymotic causes, the deaths numbering nine as compared with twenty-seven in 1883 and thirty-seven in the previous year. The general death-rate was also below the average. Forty-seven cases of scarlatina were investigated by Dr. Hilliard, four of which at the beginning of the year proved fatal. The disease threatened to become epidemic at Whitchurch, where twenty-four cases occurred within a few days, but it was fortunately stamped out by prompt action on the part of the sanitary officials, assisted by the inmates of the infected cottages. An outbreak of diphtheria also occurred at the beginning of the year, the circumstances of which were specially investigated. Five cases of typhoid fever were heard of during the year, none of which proved fatal, and neither measles nor small-pox contributed to the death-roll. The district, however, was invaded on two occasions by this last-named disease, which was imported from London. The immediate performance of re-vaccination, together with prompt isolation and disinfection, prevented any spread of the infection, and Dr. Hilliard regrets that the public cannot be persuaded that the universal adoption of vaccination and re-vaccination would soon completely relegate this fatal and foul disease to the archives of the past, to keep company with the plagues, spotted fevers, and black deaths of the good old times' before sanitation was so much thought of.

BARNSTAPLE.-Mr. Henry Jackson, the new health officer for the borough of Barnstaple, appears to have entered vigorously into the sanitary work of his district. His report for the last nine months of 1884 (the period since his appointment as medical officer of health) shows the district to have been generally fairly healthy, the death-rate from all causes for that period being 19:4 per 1,000 (including a 'zymotic' death rate of 82 per 1,000) among a population of 12,493. The principal sanitary defect, which was brought out in connection with some of the enteric fever cases that occurred, seems to be that of ventilation of the sewers and drains. The entire system of sewers is stated, however, to be now receiving the consideration of the sanitary authority, who have adopted the advice of the medical officer and consulted an eminent

engineer on the subject. Mr. Jackson gives the further good advice that the action to be taken should be carried out before the warm season sets in. Another matter to which the medical officer of health has given particular prominence is the supervision of the slaughter-houses. Having received information that considerable traffic was going on in meat unfit for human food, he instructed the sanitary inspector to exercise great vigilance in this matter, and, as a result, no less than 102 visits were paid to the slaughter-houses in the borough during the last half of 1884. On five occasions unwholesome food (meat and fish) was seized and condemned, resulting in four prosecutions and three convictions. The water supply of the town, which has been very good, is being augmented to meet the requirements of the increased population. By laws for the regulation of common lodging-houses seem to be required; and it is to be hoped that the endeavours to find a suitable site for a small-pox hospital or sanitorium will soon result in success.

BATH. In his account of the precautions adopted during 1883 for restricting the spread of infectious disease in this city Dr. Brabazon was loud in his praises of the

statutory hospital, which was largely appreciated by all classes. He also referred to the mistaken efforts of a local body of anti-vaccinators, and placed on record some figures indicating the value of vaccination as a prophylactic of small-pox, which the agitators will find difficult to disprove. Both in 1883 and in the past year the importation of a case of the disease led to the adoption of the usual precautionary measures, and with complete success, for no further illness was heard of. An outbreak of measles (fatal in 39 cases) increased the zymotic death-rate from o'S per 1,000 to II; but the health officer points out that, as in 1883 when whooping-cough was very destructive, existence of sanitary defects, but from want of care and from the large proportion of the mortality arose-not from the unnecessary exposure. The report does not contain any account of the circumstances attending the eleven deaths ascribed to typhoid fever in 1884, but the prevalence of scarlatina is attributed principally to school influence. As compared with the previous year, there was a considerable decline in the mortality from chest affections, notably phthisis, and there were eleven fewer deaths from cancer.

GLOUCESTER.-The sanitary authority of this important city and port district will do well to carry out without delay the sanitary improvements which their health officer lays before them in his annual report for 1884, more especially as his recommendations are all reasonable, and can be effected without difficulty. Finding that a considerable proportion of the houses in the town derive their water supply from pumps and shallow wells which are more or less exposed to pollution, he urges that every house in the district should be connected with the city water system, and that wells should be closed. He also points out that a flushing box provided with water from the city mains should be secured for every water-closet; and that every house should be connected with the city sewers. At considerable length Mr. Wilton enters into the important question of hospital provision for infectious diseases, laying stress on the insufficiency and inadequacy of the present accommodation in the Stroud Road, and he expresses, in effect, a hope that will be generally shared, that the necessary 'sufficient and efficient' hospital accommodation will soon be provided for the city and port. With this view he concurs in the recommendation of Dr. Blaxall, who recently visited the district on behalf of the Local Government Board, that a hospital provided for the joint use of the urban, port, and rural districts of Gloucester would best meet the requirements of the case. The necessary watchfulness over lodging-houses, bakehouses, milk shops, and meat and fish markets was not neglected by Mr. Wilton during the year. The general death-rate of the city was 17.2 per 1,000, reckoned on a population of 39,373.

HANLEY.-Dr. Walker has taken considerable pains in working out the statistical portion of his annual report for 1884; but it has been to the exclusion of any general statement of his own work during the year or of the sanitary condition of his district. Nor does he indicate the directions in which the sanitary authority should put forth their energies; but he has possibly availed himself of other opportunities of doing this. The inspector's report which is appended, shows that the work of nuisance inspection, &c., is not at all at a standstill, 10,000 houses, &c., having been inspected during the year (468 by the medical officer of health himself), 500 re-inspected, 3,000, cleansed, &c. The general death-rate is somewhat high, being 210 per 1,000, and includes a zymotic rate of 3'6 per 1,000. A high rate of infantile mortality has prevailed in Hanley for some years past.

TORQUAY.-The sanitorium which was opened at Torquay in 1883 seems to have proved a great boon to the district, as was to have been expected. Mr. Karkeek gives numerous instances of his aving been able by removing the first case in a locality to prevent the spread of infection. This he has been especially in a position to test during the past year, as scarlatina was always present.

During the twelve months 53 patients were admitted to the sanitorium; and the medical officer of health records the satisfactory experience that parents are becoming less opposed to their children being removed to that institution. They find that their children are well cared for there, whilst, by the removal, the bread-winning in the family is saved from disastrous interruption. The water supply of the district has been considerably increased by the opening of a new reservoir-an important matter in case of the recurrence of such a dry summer as was experienced in 1884. The dangers to which the public are unconsciously exposed, through the reckless use of doubtful water in manufacturing processes, is exemplified by a case, recorded by Mr. Karkeek, in which a well, long closed on account of poilution by sewage, was found to have been re-opened, and its waters used for washing bottles in a house where artificial drinks were made. There is always more or less difficulty in estimating properly the death-rate of a seaside resort, but, after deducting the mortality among visitors and strangers, the death-rate for the year was only 13.5 per 1,000 from all causes.

WALSALL.-The details of the sanitary work done in this borough, with its 60,000 inhabitants, are given in the tabular statements of the inspectors of nuisances, appended to the annual reports of the medical officer of health. It would be more satisfactory if the medical officer of health's report afforded a better index to the sanitary condition of the district. The death-rate in 1884 was 21*14 per 1,000, as compared with 20'03 in 1883, 18.4 in 1882, and 17.08 in 1881. The zymotic death-rate was 403 per 1,000. Scarlet fever and diarrhoea have been exceptionally prevalent and fatal during the last two years. In connection with an epidemic of small-pox in 1883, which caused 14 deaths, Mr. Maclachlan remarks that the effective manner in which the epidemic was stamped out should be recog nised. Why, he asks, did the epidemic which, during 1872.3, carried off no less than 450 of the population of the borough, and caused the illness of 1,600, subside in 1883 with so comparatively slight a loss of life? Increasing care as to vaccination doubtless must be credited with some proportion of this result; but the confidence of the general public in the Infectious Hospital is the chief factor, and the prompt isolation of infected patients, which this confidence enabled the inspectors to secure, was rewarded by the safety of hundreds of lives.

WATFORD.-Dr. Brett's Annual Report for 1884 shows that he has not been idle as regards sanitary work in his district, although he has no striking sanitary defect to report upon at the close of the year. The need for a suitable hospital for infectious non-pauper cases is again brought forward by Dr. Brett, who points to the recent experiences of his district as sufficient evidence of the want of such provision. There is little in the water supply for the health officer to find fault with, but having regard to the fact that the supply is not unlimited, he remarks that there is still a great waste of water in the town. The sewers, he adds, must be ventilated, and the best means of effecting this is by open gratings in the road.' During the year many courts and yards were much improved, but still some of the houses are hardly fit for human habitation.' The death-rate was 17.8 per 1,000 (including a zymotic rate of 1.6 per 1,000) reckoned on an estimated population of 12,950.

·

WEDNESBURY.-Mr. Garman does not devote any portion of his report to an account of the action taken for improving the sanitary condition of the district. In speaking of the decreased mortality from typhoid fever, however, he observes that it is a source of gratification to know that this disease of late years has only appeared in a sporadic form, which, he thinks, indicates a general improvement The good wa'er supply which the town possesses, more scrupulous attention to the midden system, frequent emptying of ashpits, and the complete supervision of all nuisances injurious to health, have done much,

whilst the inhabitants have become so reconciled to the sanitary officers and their duties in pursuing house-tohouse visitations that people have become, so to speak, educated to cleanly habits and keeping their houses in order. All these circumstances tend materially to resist the chances of any serious spread of typhoid fever. There were in all 88 deaths registered from the principal zymotic causes, against 121 in the previous year. Scarlet fever seems to be endemic in the district, having been more of less prevalent since 1877. In 1878 the great wave was reached, when scarlatina was responsible for 90 deaths. A declension was experienced in 1879, but another surging of the wave occurred in the following year. From that date the mortality has steadily declined, and Mr. Garman hopes that, now the disease has shown signs of abating, further progress in the sanitary improvement of the district may be the means of completing its entire exhaustion and effacement. Of the 21 deaths registered from diarrhoea, 17 occurred in children under five, though Mr. Garman, in recording this mortality, protests against its being regarded as of a zymotic origin. Whooping-cough, a disease over which sanitary authorities can exercise but little control, was unusually fatal, and there was some prevalence of Several cases of small-pox appeared in the district, and concurrent with scarlet fever. diphtheria which was there was a mild epidemic of measles. Pulmonary affecthe mortality amongst infants was below the average. tions were much more fatal than in the previous year, but

WITHINGTON.-In reporting on the sanitary condition of this growing district during 1884, Dr. Railton records that in view of the prevalence of cholera in Europe the local board last year issued a useful circular urging owners and occupiers to put their houses in order, and pointing out the essentials of a healthy house and the directions in which they should criticise their dwellings. This seems to have had the beneficial effect of arousing an anxiety among many householders to ascertain the sanitary deficiencies of their dwellings and have them remedied. The keeping of pigs seems to require regulation in Withington, and the medical officer of health suggests the adoption of a by-law on the subject. He observes that there can be no doubt that pigs create a disgusting nuisance, however clean their styes may be maintained, and it appears to be an injustice to others that the law should permit persons to keep them within a certain distance from the houses.' The death-rate from all causes was only 13.0 per 1,000, but this includes a somewhat high infantile mortality which is evidently a source of anxiety to the medical officer of health. He, however, looks on diarrhoea among infants as more generally attributable to improper feeding and careless treatment than to bad sanitary conditions. The advantage of the removal to hospital of early cases of infectious disease was demonstrated in connection with the outbreak of scarlet fever in the district during 1884. Sixteen cases in all were removed to the Monsall Hospital, and the extension of the disease was thereby undoubtedly limited.

A NEW feature in sewage treatment is that just opened at Buxton, where a superior sample of effluent water is being discharged from settling tanks in which precipitation is effected by a process hit upon by a happy accident and the ingenuity of Dr. Thresh. Defæcation is accomplished by a natural chalybeate spring flowing out of a disused mine; and this mixed with milk of lime is stirred into the sewage, and not only sends down all the visible impurities in a flocculent precipitate, but also removes a considerable proportion of the dissolved organic matter. The resulting sludge is declared to be of higher value than the majority of manures made from water-carried sewage. The chalybeate stream contains about two grains of carbonate of iron and ferric oxide per gallon, also fifty grains per gallon of mixed crystalline sulphates, or salts of alumina, magnesia, lime, and soda.

SURVEYORS' AND SANITARY

INSPECTORS' REPORTS.

BARTON ECCLES.-Mr. Heywood, the surveyor of this district, enumerates in his report the number of streets which were sewered and paved in 1883, and records how many plans of new buildings were passed. Four additional connections were made between the shallow sewer

and the deep one in Eccles to prevent the flooding of cellars, and a number of storm and other grids were fixed during the year. The report of the sanitary inspector, Mr. Lee, indicates that particular vigilance was exercised in securing the trapping of gullies and the fixing of ventilating shafts to soil-pipes. A distinct improvement was the diversion of the drains of a considerable number of houses, which had been so constructed as to allow the sewage to flow into watercourses, and their connection with the main sewer. The removal of refuse seems to have been fairly well performed; but Mr. Lee regrets that the inhabitants cannot be persuaded to exercise more economy by consuming the cinders and keeping the rubbish out of the ashpits, which would considerably reduce alike the nuisance and expense.

BLACKPOOL.-Mr. MacDonald's report consists of a statement of the nuisances abated by him in 1883, which amounted to no less than 29,395. In this number, however, the inspector includes the emptying and purifying of 22,021 ashpits and tubs, and the removal of 6,564 loads of ashes. The principal work of the year included the draining of thirty houses into the main sewers, the trapping of thirty down-spouts, the disconnection of forty slopstone pipes, the furnishing of eighteen houses with a proper supply of water, and the erection of twenty closets. Fifty manure middens were removed, twelve cellars were drained, and twenty a-hpits were reconstructed. On the whole, the routine work seems to have been satisfactorily performed, but in future re orts Mr. MacDonald would do well to supplement his statement with some comments or explanatory remarks.

CHELTENHAM.-Mr. Long reports that in 1883 he issued a large number of notices, of which 172 required the opening, cleansing, or trapping of drains, 75 the removal of pigs, 120 the limewashing of cottages and closets, 13 the abatement of overcrowding, 17 the repairing of pumps, and four the provision of water. It would be desirable, however, that the report should state the result of these notices, as in the absence of this information it is impossible for the uninitiated to appraise the value of the inspector's work. The sanitary organisation of Cheltenham is, as a matter of fact, particularly good; but it is better to put the results of work upon record.

DUNDEE.--In his report for 1883, which is well and practically written, Mr. Kinnear dwells at length upon the evils arising from defective plumbing which were observed by him during the year. Altogether there were 180 dwellings examined on this account, and with but five exceptions all were found in need of improvement through defective material, and sometimes through the carelessness or maliciousness of the occupants. In twelve of the houses it was necessary to replace the existing waterclosets with new ones, and eighteen old dwellings, which formerly had no conveniences whatever, were provided with closets on the wash-out principle. The cesspools or water-seals under, and the soil-pipe piping from a number of closets and sinks within houses, were badly perforated with holes, leaving a free passage for gas from the sewer to enter the houses. The complaints lodged at the office were principally from this cause. In a large proportion of the lead-piping and cesspools, or water-seals taken out, numerous corroded holes were found, clearly traceable to the action of sewer air. Tradesmen, Mr. Kinnear adds, were not altogether free from blame for the imperfect workmanship and light lead material which was frequently

observed when the old piping was removed. Considerable improvements were effected in the drainage. Out of a total of 170 dwellings examined, five only were found in anything like a wholesome condition. The drains of the other 165 were so imperfect in workmanship as to necessitate considerable repairs or total reconstruction. To do this, 1,613 yards of new glazed fire-clay 4, 6, and 9-inch pipes were used, and 894 yards relaid and properly jointed. In addition, 98 ventilating traps, having fresh drains, to isolate the buildings from all direct communicaair perforated iron inlet plates, were placed upon the tion with the main sewer. In other respects sanitary improvements were rapidly pushed on, whilst the dairies and milkshops, common lodging-houses, &c., did not escape a close inspection, regard also being had to the abatement of smoke nuisances. The year under notice seems, indeed, to have been a laborious one for Mr. Kinnear.

GOVAN.-The yearly statistical tables prepared by Mr. McKay, the sanitary inspector for the Burgh of Govan, present a great variety of work performed by the department. The report is divided into nine different heads, beginning with infectious diseases, of which there were 349 cases registered, 430 apartments fumigated and whitewashed, the clothing of 250 families washed and disinfected, 2,058 visits made to houses in infected localities, and 259 notices sent to School Board and teachers regarding infected houses. There were 1, 107 nuisances removed, of which 452 refer to drainage. Sixty-one new houses have been placed on the register of houses let in lodgings,' while 652 daily and 307 nightly visits were made to enforce ventilation and cleanliness and prevent overcrowding; 5.263 reports were sent to the cleansing contractor, and 348 occupiers in tenements were notified to sweep and clean back courts. Under the heading of 'Unwholesome Food and Sale of Food and Drugs Acts' we find 21 inspections under the former and 7 samples procured under the latter. There seems to have been a great amount of alterations effected under the provisions of the Cattle Sheds Act in providing or repairing floorings, gripps, drainage, &c. The smoke test seems to be pretty well employed, as 178 houses had their drainage tested, resulting in the removal of offensive smells and other defects. A very important suggestion has been made by Mr. McKay in effecting an arrangement whereby every death from infectious disease should be daily reported to him, which we believe has received the sanction of the Board.

HEBDEN BRIDGE.-Mr. Smith reports that the structural works carried out during 1883 for improving the sanitary condition of this district were of more than usual magnitude and importance. The most conspicuous and costly undertaking of this kind was the draining and paving of several streets; whilst in a number of others, in which the drains were laid in a very imperfect manner, the pipes were taken up and larger ones fixed in their place. In addition to this, 57 house-drains were repaired or entirely replaced, 46 were trapped and 18 disconnected. number of nuisances dealt with amounted to 169, of which 50 arose from offensive accumulations, 23 from defective privies, and 81 from choked or otherwise imperfect drains. The scavengers emptied 2,606 closet-tubs, as against 2,080 in the previous year, and removed 360 loads of ashes and other refuse. Frequent visits were paid by the inspector to the common lodging-houses, and in two some important improvements were carried out.

The

IPSWICH.-Mr. Moss reports that in 1883 he inspected 3,844 houses and premises, and issued 341 notices for the removal of nuisances or the execution of minor sanitary improvements, all of which were attended to. As many as 333 private drains were reconstructed, repaired, cleansed, and trapped, and a considerable number of privies were altered for the better. In nine cases the public supply of water was laid on to dwellings, and two polluted wells were closed. Some trouble seems to have

been caused by the improper keeping of animals; but in no case, either as regards these or other nuisances, was it necessary to resort to legal proceedings to secure compliance with the inspector's requirements.

KNARESBOROUGH RURAL.-In his annual statement for

1884 Mr. Gray, the sanitary inspector, reports that 634 nuisances had been recognised and 634 formal notices issued, 66 houses disinfected, 109 complaints registered, 14 wells cleaned out and effectually covered, 4 new wells sunk in pursuance of Water Act, 615 nuisances removed, and 1,385 yards of new drains had been laid. samples of milk had been tested by the public analyst and found pure. Certain minor matters, to which the attention of the authority was directed in the report, appear to have been satisfactorily disposed of.

Four

LEEDS. That a very large amount of work was got through by the officials of the Sanitary Department of this borough in 1883, the fact that something like 15,000 houses were inspected sufficiently proves. Yet the super

intendent, Mr. Newhouse, confesses that he does not feel satisfied with this return, large though it be, for there can be no doubt, he states, that it is in the house itself that the most serious evils which the department has to contend with arise. He thinks, however, that with the limited power local authorities possess under the present Acts, more cannot be done; but he hopes the time is not far distant when their powers in this respect will be enlarged. Another difficulty is met with in dealing with the drainage of houses both old and new. A dwelling-house, to be properly drained, should have the connection with the sewer completely cut off by running the sink-pipe on to the surface, and then near to, but not into, a gully with intercepting ventilators. In Leeds, however, this object

can rarely be attained, owing to the existing plan of backto-back houses, which are flush with the streets. Extended powers are needed to compel owners of property to make improvements in this direction. While admitting that the Order in Council for the Inspection of Cowsheds, Dairies, &c., is right in making it incumbent upon local authorities to inspect such places, and order the alterations required to put them into a proper sanitary condition, Mr. Newhouse is of opinion, at the same time, that it is a great injustice to the occupiers to make him, and not the owner, responsible for the carrying out of the necessary alterations and repairs before the premises can be registered.

LEEK.-The epidemic prevalence of scarlet fever in this district entailed considerable labour on Mr. Farrow, who had to see to the removal of 212 cases of this disease, and the disinfection of 33 houses and of 1,112 articles of clothing and bedding. In addition to this, a large number of nuisances were abated, which arose for the most part from defective drainage. In 19 houses the closets were improved, and in 9 a proper supply of water was provided. The contractor for the removal of refuse and night soil seems to have done his work well, but several nuisances arose from the carriage of offensive matter through the streets. The report concludes with some tables of local interest, including the number of admissions to the hospital and a statement of the number of interments in the town.

NEWCASTLE. The annual report of Mr. W. T. Clark, chief inspector of nuisances, presented to the Town Improvement Committee of the Corporation, shows that during the past year 1,344 complaints were received, 9,879 notices were served, exclusive of 2,063 letters written, and 3,918 special inspections were made. The number of streets inspected was 532; houses, 10,821 ; and tenements, 14,899. There arrived and were inspected during the year 236 boats, with 39,932 packages of fish, being a considerable increase on the previous year. We also learn with much satisfaction that it has not been found necessary to institute magisterial proceedings during the year, as owners and agents of property have, upon full explanation of requirements being given, willingly done all the necessary works. May we add-Other districts, please copy.

SALTLEY. Mr. Payne's report, which is in the form of a statement, shows that sanitary work was actively carried on in this district during 1883. The public water supply was extended to 43 houses, and 36 drains were connected with the main sewer, 57 being cleansed, altered, and repaired. Proper regard was had to the removal of refuse, 946 privy pans and 740 ashpits having been emptied during the year. Mr. Payne issued 124 notices for the abatement of nuisances, which, with four exceptions, received attention. The plans for the building and altera tion of 43 dwellings were approved, and the slaughterhouses and bakehouses were periodically inspected.

SCARBOROUGH.-Few sanitary inspectors have been able to record the performance of so much useful and permanent work as Mr. Finlay chronicles in his last report on this popular health-resort. Especial attention was directed to altering the defective sanitary arrangements of private dwellings, and the inspector observes with satisfaction that there are now many persons who recognise the need of sanitation. Out of a total of 1,854 houses inspected, 72 certificates of sanitary excellence were granted to lodging-house keepers. As many as 500 pan-closets were altered on an improved plan, and a large number of soil-pipes were brought outside and properly ventilated. In 432 houses sanitary gullies were fixed in the place of old and dilapidated brick ones, nine large cesspools and three wells were abolished; upwards of 50 rain-water cisterns under dwelling-room floors were done away with, and 20 old brick drains were destroyed, and sanitary pipedrains laid in their place. Care was taken to strictly enforce the by-laws relating to slaughterhouses, bakehouses, &c., and a sharp look-out was kept on offensive busipraise for its excellent arrangement, concludes with an Mr. Finlay's report, which deserves a word of

nesses.

account of the system of refuse removal and street watering and cleansing, and some useful statistical tables.

A large

SHIPLEY. Mr. Smith seems to have been unusually active in this district, and his report for 1883 contains a lengthy list of the improvements effected during the year. Thus he records that as many as 987 sink-pipes were either trapped or disconnected, and that a change for the better was made in the drains of 50 houses. number of nuisances arising from offensive accumulations were immediately abated, and 2,000 notices were issued to the inhabitants, warning them of the danger of permitting masses of filth near their dwellings. In common with many other inspectors, Mr. Smith found that many of the better-class houses were in a far worse sanitary condition than cottages, as for the most part they had dangerous soil-pipes inside the dwelling, which had become perforated, worm-eaten, or so destroyed as to readily permit of the escape of sewer-gas. There were 246 notices issued during the year for the abatement of nuisances, of which 222 had been complied with at the date of the report.

TODMORDEN.-In reporting that the sanitary condition of his district was fairly satisfactory at the close of 1883, Mr. Blackburn notes with satisfaction that some of the owners of property, as well as the occupiers, have cooperated with him in removing, and in a number of cases preventing nuisances. As many as 21,460 privies were emptied during the year, but the mode of removal does not seem of the best. Five street sewers were laid or repaired, and 27 house drains were cleansed and otherwise improved. As in the previous year there were several cases of typhoid fever which arose from the consumption of polluted water, and scarlatina assumed at one time the proportions of an epidemic. Proper regard was had to the disinfection of infected houses, and in other respects the sanitary welfare of the district received attention.

WALSALL.-An enormous number of nuisances were abated in this borough by the sanitary inspectors, Messrs. Stephens and Harries, whose joint report consists of a number of statistical tables with occasional comments. In