month, we venture to hope that, whenever practicable, the cards may be posted during the first four days of the month, as the table is prepared under pressure, which can be greatly lessened by the early transmission of the cards. In one respect, and one only, the uniformity of our statistics is not quite so complete as we could wish it to be. A large proportion of the facts are no doubt compiled from weekly returns. In these cases the monthly return will sometimes embrace four, and occasionally five, weekly returns. In order to secure uniformity, it may be useful to remember that a week should invariably be included in that month to which the greater number of its days belong. For instance, if the monthly totals are made up from weekly returns, those for the month of July now under review should consist of five weeks ending the 2nd instant; and the return for our next issue should relate to the four weeks ending August 30. Returns for calendar months are, however, much preferable whenever it is possible to obtain them. The estimated population of the twenty-eight towns, for which we are enabled to publish complete statistics for the month of July last in the accompanying table, is nearly two and a half millions. The annual death-rate from all causes during that period in these twenty-eight towns averaged 19.53 per 1,000 persons estimated to be living therein. The death-rates were considerably below the average in Barrow-in-Furness, Burton-upon-Trent, and Reading; while they showed an excess in Halifax, Jarrow, Bolton, Warrington, Preston, Nottingham, and Leicester. Most of these higher rates of mortality were in great measure due to the excessive prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases. The death-rate from the eight infectious diseases dealt with in the table, concerning which notification is compulsory, averaged 0.57 per 1,000 in the twenty-eight towns furnishing this information. No death from any of these diseases occurred in Burton-upon-Trent; in the other towns the rates ranged from 0.15 in Derby, o'16 in Dundee, and 0.25 in Bradford, to 107 in Preston, 114 in Lancaster, and 174 in Burnley. Turning to the notified cases of infectious disease in these twenty-eight towns, we find that the average proportion to the population of persons reported to be suffering from one or other of the eight diseases enumerated in the table was 3.86 per 1,000. No death was notified from any of these diseases in Rotherham during last month; in the other towns the proportions of notified cases ranged from 0.55 in Macclesfield, 1.39 in Accrington, and 1.90 in Burton-upon-Trent, to 5:28 in Bolton, 5.53 in Burnley, 5.81 in Derby, and 1006 in Salford. Turning to the several diseases, we find that scarlet fever showed the greatest proportional prevalence in Bolton, Burnley, Derby, and Salford; enteric fever in Preston, Edinburgh, Jarrow, and Barrow-in-Furness; typhus in Aberdeen and Birkenhead; and diphtheria in Salford and Nottingham. Cases of small-pox were only notified in four of the twenty-eight towns-Aberdeen, Birkenhead, Bolton, and Salford. The total deaths in these twenty-eight towns from the eight diseases were 128, and the notified cases 862; it would appear, therefore, that, if all the cases were properly notified, the mortality must have been nearly 15 per cent. of those attacked. The mortality among the scarlet fever cases, according to the totals, appears to have been equal to nearly 15 per cent., and among enteric fever cases to as much as 27 per cent. The general mortality from scarlet fever and enteric fever, judged by hospital statistics, may be said to be about 10 and 20 per cent., respectively, of persons attacked. The percentages in the twenty-eight towns last month show, therefore, a considerable excess, and are probably overstated from a certain proportion of the cases escaping notification, while every death is necessarily reported. It was stated at the last monthly meeting of the Blaydon Local Board that much mortality was occasioned at Blackhill Mill through deficiency of the quantity and quality of the water supply. SPECIAL REPORTS. THE PARKES MUSEUM. AT the annual meeting held on July 9 (Captain Douglas Galton in the chair) a letter was read from the Duke of Westminster regretting his inability to attend the meeting; and a report was read by the chairman of the Council showing the valuable work that had been carried out by the museum during the past year. Twenty-one lectures have been arranged by the Council, and delivered in the museum by some of the best authorities on hygienic and sanitary science. These lectures have contained much valuable information, and have dealt with a majority of the subjects included in the scope of the museum in a most useful and interesting manner. The museum has been largely used by lecturers on public health and other skilled teachers for practical demonstrations to various classes of students, &c., who for this purpose have been admitted to the museum without entrance fee. In this way the special advantages offered by the museum have been utilised for the purpose of instructing a large number of students and others, who by the nature of their several callings may be expected in various ways to exercise an important influence in the promotion of health in connection with the construction of dwellings and otherwise; and the Council are glad to report that the facilities thus offered have been fully appreciated, both teachers and students having expressed a desire that further opportunities of the same sort might be afforded them. The members numbered 99 on June 30, 1883, just after the opening of the museum; they now number 260. During the year the museum has been visited by 6,870 people. The lamented president, His Royal Highness Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, in his inaugural address of May 26, 1883, said that the sole object of the museum was 'to disseminate and to help others in disseminating the laws of health.' The sphere of work thus foreshadowed by the late Duke of Albany has (as will be evident to those who peruse this report) become an accomplished fact in every particular. The utility of the museum has increased month by month. The museum has clearly met a great public want; and the Council would again strongly urge upon the members and upon all who are interested in sanitation to use their personal influence, so to increase the number of members and life members that the future of so valuable an institution may no longer be a matter of doubt. THE NATIONAL SMOKE ABATEMENT A WELL-ATTENDED meeting, convened by the Council of The annual report, which was read by Mr. Ernest Hart, stated that the past year was really the first in which the movement had worked in an organised manner, and had had the opportunity of indicating and developing its practical utility. In most of the large towns, as well as in numerous smaller places where the publications of the institution had been freely circulated, the necessity for abating smoke had been generally recognised, and the subject was now one of active public discussion. opinion had been expressed with marked emphasis during the year, and the attention of sanitary boards had been called to the injurious effects of smoke on health. Since the last annual meeting some of the large bakeries had adopted the improved gas-heated and other modified Medical C urnaces, were now worked without any smoke whatever, and were turning out large quantities of bread prepared and baked under more cleanly and healthy conditions. The total number of gas engines now used in London was estimated at 6,000, and the uses of smokeless coals and cokes for heating purposes had also largely increased. The council thought a Royal Commission should be appointed to inquire into the means of preventing smoke, and an application had been made to the Government, who replied that they were not disposed to grant one. The Bill introduced by Lord Stratheden and Campbell contained provisions for the supervision and control of the heating arrangements of all new buildings, including dwelling-houses, in order that smoke from them might be minimised. It further provided for local authorities being empowered to create, subject to the approval of the Home Secretary, by-laws for the restraint of smoke in their respective districts, as well as to extend the provisions of the Smoke Abatement (Metropolitan) Acts to the whole of the metropolitan police districts, and to include all the trades and furnaces which were not at present included. (See SANITARY RECORD for June 15, p. 591.) The mortality from smoke and fog was so great as to exceed that of great epidemics. There had only been one epidemic in London that had caused more deaths than could be traced to fog and smoke. The resolution was seconded by Lord Stratheden and Campbell, who expressed his hope of being able to carry his Bill through the House of Lords. Sir R. Pollock next moved: That this council has seen, with satisfaction, the introduction into the House of Lords of the Smoke Nuisance Abatement Bill by Lord Stratheden and Campbell, and that it trusts that this measure will receive favourable consideration from Parliament, with the view to the adoption of such means as may seem best to abate the evils arising from the excessive production of smoke within the metropolis.' This was seconded by Mr. George Shaw, chairman of the City Commissioners of Sewers, who said he believed if the society proceeded on the lines they had already entered upon, they would meet with great success. The resolution was carried nem. con., and the proceedings closed with the passing of votes of thanks to the Lord Mayor and Lord Mount-Temple. VACCINATION OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION. THE monthly meeting of this association was held at the Charing Cross Hospital Medical School on Saturday, July 19, Mr. C. Shattock in the chair, Dr. Henry Stevens, Inspector of the Local Government Board, being present. The members proceeded to consider Dr. Cameron's remarks made in the House of Commons upon July 1, relative to the system of vaccination practised in the metropolis as compared to that pursued in Glasgow during times of epidemics, and resolved to request each member of the association to furnish the secretary with the following information -1. To show how promptly on the action of the vaccination officer the protection of vaccination can be secured to those in infected houses. 2. Any instances in which such prompt action has illustrated its advantages. Mr. Charles O. Elkerton (honorary secretary), in calling attention to the pamphlet issued by the National Health Society upon the subject of vaccination, proposed the following resolution :— distributed, and most beneficial results had accrued from their so doing as the attention of the public was thereby not only called to the protection afforded by vaccination, but it also convinced them that the Vaccination Acts were for their benefit. That the truth about vaccination should be known to the public was most important; and when 'Facts concerning Vaccination' were placed before those capable of receiving evidence, there could be no doubt about the good this pamphlet would do. There are always a certain number of people who obstinately refuse to be convinced either by arguments or results, with whom-as members of this association were well aware-it required more than ordinary patience to deal. Experience proved that opponents do not draw the line of opposition at vaccination. Objection here and there must be expected by officers; hence the necessity of the law. It would be difficult to name any Act of Parliament universally accepted as an unmixed blessing. When one knows that some people object to soap and water, and others to policemen, it cannot be matter of surprise that some object to vaccination. It is a matter of history that there are people so peculiarly constituted that everything is objectionable to them but the sound of their own voice, raised in execration against everybody and everything; and it would be well for all if such people could be inoculated with an idiosyncrasy against their own voice. In the early days of our association a strong wish was expressed that we should become rich enough to publish for public information statistical evidence bearing upon the benefits of vaccination. That we have been anticipated so kindly by the National Health Society is a matter of congratulation for them and for us. The literature issued by anti-vaccinationists has been permitted to permeate and poison the public mind for a long period uncontradicted, and the abusive language employed by anti-vaccinators against the issue of this pamphlet is the strongest possible proof that the National Health Society can have of the great good it has done. It is the old tale, No case-bully the plaintiff's solicitor.' It is sincerely to be wished that this pamphlet will act only as a pioneer to a series of such publications. Vaccination officers cannot call individually upon every client, bringing under their notice evidence of the protective power of vaccination; and this pamphlet will go a long way to help officers in their duty, and prove an antidote to antagonistic perversions of facts. It would be a source of further assistance to officers if the higher authorities would place in their hands official records of statistics, which in some instances they help to compile. Being supposed to be always ready with arguments founded upon statistical evidence, it is not too much to expect that the means should be ready to their hands. Opponents have been very busy in the distribution of their publications, and the result, as recently reported, ends in a conscientious objection,' sympathetically condoned by the fine of half-a-crown. Some day, perhaps, the vaccination officer will be allowed the benefit of legal assistance to conduct a prosecution, and be placed otherwise than at a disadvantage when his duty compels him to take legal proceedings. Mr. W. B. Croft seconded the resolution, and, referring to the issue of the pamphlet in Fulham, spoke of the good results obtained. Some Boards of Guardians, while averse to the system of a house-to-house visitation, as an alternative published the pamphlet, and it was considered by many that equally good results had been obtained. The resolution was then formally put to the meeting and carried unanimously. 'We, the members of the Vaccination Officers' Associa tion, do hereby express our most cordial thanks to the National Health Society for the pamphlet issued by them, which calls the attention of the public to facts concerning vaccination; and would further desire to mark their appreciation of the thoughtful kindness which prompted THE CRYSTAL PALACE ELECTRIC AND GAS the National Health Society to assist the vaccination officers of the metropolis in the discharge of their difficult duties.' The secretary stated that in St. George's Union the guardians had ordered 21,000 of these pamphlets to be EXHIBITION AWARDS. ON the 6th inst. the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos presented the awards to the exhibitors at the Crystal Palace International Electric and Gas Exhibition of 1883. The ceremony took place on the great Handel orchestra of the Crystal Palace. For The awards distributed were in connection with the gas section of the exhibition, and the following is the list of the awards :-Gold medal for the Grimston regenerator gas burner (exhibited by G. Bower); gold medal for F. W. Clark's regenerative gas burner (exhibited by the Portable Gas Apparatus Company); silver medal for Sir James N. Douglass's burner (exhibited by the Improved Gas and Oil Burners Company, Limited); silver medal, William Sugg & Co., Limited, for gas burners. Flat-flame Burners with governors: Another silver medal to William Sugg & Co., Limited; and for Flat-flame Burners in lanterns, a further silver medal to William Sugg & Co.. Limited. For Incandescent Burners : Silver medal for the Clamond burner (exhibited by E. Servier); silver medal for the Lewis burner (exhibited by G. Bower); and silver medal, Albo-Carbon Light Company, Limited, for their method of increasing the illuminating power of gas. For Cooking Stoves: Silver medal, H. C. Davis & Co.; silver medal, J. Wright & Co.; silver medal, General Gas Heating and Lighting Company, Limited; silver medal, Waddell & Main; and silver medal, Strode & Co., for their summer and winter stove. For Close Heating Stoves Silver medal, John Wright & Co.; silver medal, General Gas Heating and Lighting Company, Limited; and silver medal, William Sugg & Co., Limited. For Asbestos Fuel Stoves: Silver medal, West Brothers. Tile Stoves Silver medal, General Gas Heating and Lighting Company, Limited; and Reflector Stoves: Silver medal, Strode & Co. For Instantaneous Water Heaters : Silver medal, William Sugg & Co., for Therma Heater; and silver medal, Strode & Co. For Gas Governors : Silver medal, James Stott & Co. The general awards were: Diploma of honour, George Glover & Co., for the general excellence of their exhibits; diploma of honour, W. Parkinson & Co., for the general excellence of their exhibits; silver medal, Pintsch's Patent Lighting Company, Limited, for their gas apparatus ; silver medal, Thompson's Smokeless Kiln and Oven Company, Limited, for their kiln; silver medal, The Portable Gas Apparatus Company (F. W. Clark), for their apparatus for manufacture of gas; and silver medal for Fletcher's apparatus for the application of gas to heating purposes (exhibited by Deane & Co.). BAD SMELLS.-Numerous complaints from all parts of London, including the House of Commons, have lately been made respecting more offensive smells in almost all parts of London. As regards those noticed at the Houses of Parliament it is stated that they arise partly from the sewers and partly from manufactories. The same is said of those which are referred to in Old Ford, Bow, and Hackney, with the addition of most fœtid smells from the Lea and its outfall into the Thames. There is no doubt as to the correctness of the complaints, but they are chiefly evolved from manufactories, and carried to a considerable distance before they descend to ground level. Thus, although there are very few offensive businesses carried on in Hackney, yet most objectionable smells are said to pervade the parish either from the Haggerstone Gas Works, or from manufactories at Bow, Poplar, and Stratford. As usual, these works are under the divided control of three authorities-viz., the Metropolitan Board of Works, and Local Sanitary Authorities in the metropolis, chiefly the former, and the Local Government Board outside London. Now as the three parishes just named are adjacent to Stratford, which is outside the metropolis, the Local Government Board is responsible for the continuance of the smells given off in that place. Under these circumstances, those who suffer do not know to whom their complaints should be addressed. It is quite true that in this, as in other sanitary matters, there should be greater unity of action in the oversight of offensive trades, and more simplicity as well as rapidity in proceedings for the removal of nuisances. REPORTS OF MEDICAL OFFICERS OF HEALTH. 'Something attempted, something done.' BELPER RURAL.-Mr. Gaylor prefaces his reports on the Alfreton division of this district with some general remarks setting out the leading features of the mortality statistics, and the principal items of sanitary progress, a plan which might well be adopted by all health-officers of large and straggling rural districts. In some villages the water supply has been improved, but owing to financial and other difficulties many of the inhabitants of Alfreton continue to use their wells and pumps although the public mains almost pass their doors. The drainage works received particular attention from Mr. Gaylor, who notes that no fresh communications between the sewers and the inside of houses have been permitted. In many instances an entirely new arrangement has replaced the old, but as this is costly it cannot be proceeded with very rapidly. Scarlet fever caused some trouble at Alfreton, where it prevailed extensively during the last half of 1882, causing ten deaths. Altogether zymotic diseases destroyed eighteen lives, representing a death-rate of 112 per 1,000, the mortality from all causes being equal to 166 in that year. In reporting on the other portion of the district, the Belper division, Mr. Allen discusses at some length the fatality from preventable causes, which he summarises in a very able and convenient manner. He does not scruple to rehearse to his authority the many lessons which the prevalence of these diseases should inculcate, and he reminds them that their first duty is to provide proper hospital accommodation. At Kirk Langley there was an outbreak of scarlet fever which baffled all efforts to trace its origin, but from subsequent investigation in another part of the district, Mr. Allen is of opinion that pedlars and tramps often play an important part in spreading diseases of this kind. Measles and whooping-cough caused twelve deaths out of a total of twenty-eight attributed to the principal zymotic diseases. The general death-rate was equal to 140 per 1,000, which would be satisfactory enough were it not for the large mortality registered amongst infants. In various villages schemes for the extension of drainage and water supply are in progress, and special attention has been directed towards improving the mode of excrement disposal, by abolishing cesspits and erecting earth-closets and ashpits in their stead. For the Alfreton district Mr. Gaylor reports a death-rate during 1883 of 16.6 per 1,000, against an average of 14.69 for the previous eleven years. Thirty-eight per cent. of the total number of deaths occurred amongst children under five, and 30.5 per cent. amongst persons aged sixty and upwards. In the Belper division the general rate of mortality was equivalent to 14.9 per 1,000. More than one-third of the whole number of deaths happened at the threshold of life, and in referring to the subject Mr. Allen animadverts upon the system of life insurance amongst children. Zymotic diseases destroyed twenty-three lives, scarlatina alone accounting for eleven deaths. BOURNEMOUTH.-The year 1882 was one of more than usual activity in Bournemouth, for during this period was commenced an elaborate system for flushing and ventilating the main sewers, which Mr. Nunn describes as one of the best sanitary improvements effected for many years. In Boscombe and Springbourne the inhabitants were rapidly complying with the notices directing the connection of their house-drains with the extended sewers, and in this portion of the town no little improvement will result from the discontinuance of the offensive soak-pits. While progress is being made in this respect, Mr. Nunn calls the serious attention of his authority to the grave nuisance caused by a large deposit of refuse, which, from its offensive putrefaction, disgusts a whole neighbourhood. Obviously this is not right or politic, and steps should be taken for relieving the district of an evil so justly com plained of. Estimating the population at 18,000, and SANITARY INSPECTORS' REPORTS. deducting the deaths of visitors, the death-rate is as low as 10.05 per 1,000. Whooping-cough was the most fatal of the zymotics, causing 19 deaths, 8 being referred to measles. In referring to the prevalence of infectious disease, Mr. Nunn laments the absence of a hospital, and hopes that his authority will promote the erection of a building so essential to the welfare of their district, which is not inaptly described as a national sanatorium. The absence of this provision was severely felt during 1883, the importation of scarlet fever into the district being attended with serious pecuniary loss both to the patients and the lodging-house keepers. The lesson, however, has not been lost upon the authority, who at length have resolved to proceed with the erection of a hospital. Indeed, at the date of the report the plans had already been passed, and Mr. Nunn observes that the building, when completed, will be one of the most perfect in the kingdom. The system of refuse removal still needs improvement, and in some portions of the town overcrowding exists to a dangerous extent. The death-rate, after deducting the deaths of visitors, was as low as 7.36 per 1,000. CONSETT. The dwellings of the poorer classes in this district seem to be in a terrible condition. Many of the cottages have scarcely more than a yard of ground save that on which they stand, and some are absolutely without any. The offices in such cases are crowded close to the house or built on to the pantry. Bedroom accommodation is lamentably deficient; in very few dwellings are there more than two bedrooms provided, and in most of them there is only one. It is the exception, Dr. Renton observes, to meet with a cottage with fireplaces in its bedrooms, and where the fireplace is absent proper ventilation of the room is impossible. Having regard to these conditions it is not surprising to learn that there was a high rate of mortality recorded for 1882, in which zymotic disease largely figured. There was some prevalence of diphtheria and of enteric fever, mostly in a sporadic form, with the exception of two outbreaks of this last disorder which were undoubtedly due to a specifically polluted atmosphere. An extensive epidemic of measles began in March and terminated in the autumn, but of some hundreds of cases eight only proved fatal. The total number of deaths registered in the district was 166 (of which 83, or exactly one-half were those of children under five), returning a death-rate of 21.7 per 1,000 against 14.8 recorded in 1881. The sanitary condition of the district is very defective. House accommodation is of the worst possible kind, excrement removal is imperfectly carried out, and, as a consequence, masses of filth abound. Dr. Renton very properly advises his authority to take under its own personal control the cleansing, whitewashing, and disinfecting of the ashpits and privies, if this nuisance, second only in order of gravity of the sanitary evils of the district, is to be overcome. Some progress was made during the year in the extension of the main sewers, and in the substitution of water-closets for offensive privies; but it is obvious that much more remains to be done. During 1883 the sewerage system continued to progress, and there was a decided improvement in the scavenging of the town, but it is to be regretted that the authority cannot be prevailed upon to undertake the cleansing of ashpits and privies. Dr. Renton, who has much of interest to say in regard to the dwellings of the poor in his district, returns the general death-rate at 14'3 per 1,000, which, with one exception, is the lowest recorded since the adoption of the Local Government Act. A PLACE TO LIVE IN. -The Cleethorpes Medical Officer of Health, in his quarterly report, states that in that district, with a population according to the last census of 2,840, there was no death from March 27 to May 17, only two deaths from May 17 to June 7, and five during the remainder of the quarter. The total death-rate for the year was 9.6 per 1,000; deducting premature deaths and accidents, 5.2 per 1,000. ASTON MANOR.-Mr. Bolt's report contains a record of much patient and methodical work, which was carried out without the necessity of having recourse to legal proceedings in any single case. An inspection of the bakehouses of the district showed but too clearly that they stood in need of sanitary supervision, no fewer than 22 being found in a filthy condition. The larger portion of the 1,193 notices that were issued were readily complied with. In 244 instances the drains were repaired and cleansed, in 214 wet and dilapidated middens were reconstructed, and in 102 house-drains were disconnected from the sewers. An immense number of visits were paid to the slaughter-houses, &c., and proper observation was exercised over nuisances caused by the emission of smoke. A house-to-house inspection of one portion of the distric revealed the existence of numerous sanitary defects, which were promptly remedied. During the year the inspector collected 180 samples under the provisions of the Food and Drugs Act 1875, and submitted them to the public analyst, with the result that 17 vendors were proceeded against and fines amounting to 42/. were inflicted. BEDMINSTER RURAL.-Mr. Marsh's report would deserve notice if only for the fact that it has been prepared without having recourse to statistical statements. There are, however, signs of much good work of an unpretending character having been performed during the year. Particular attention was directed towards maintaining the existing drains in a proper condition, in supervising the construction of new sewers, and in examining all house connections. The water supply of the district was considerably improved by the extension of the public water mains to Easton-in-Gordano, the inhabitants of which had hitherto been dependent upon the water running in the road. The inspector does not record the number of nuisances disposed of, but he shows that some cases of overcrowding were abated, and that disinfection was energetically carried out during the prevalence of scarlatina. BELPER RURAL.-Considerable extension was made in the water service of this district during 1882, no fewer than 973 houses, with 4,643 occupants, having been supplied. To secure this Mr. Clexton issued 472 formal notices upon owners and agents, all of which were com plied with, and later on 313 official orders. These, however, did not receive such prompt recognition, since at the close of the year 76 were outstanding. At Waingrove a number of wells were protected on the representation of the inspector, who submitted 117 samples of water for analysis. In reference to works of drainage, Mr. Clexton's report is not so complete as could be wished, as he gives no details of his labours in this direction beyond stating that a considerable portion of his time was occupied in superintending the making and connection of drains. A number of houses, water- and dry-earth closets, receptacles, &c., were erected, and plans for similar structures were submitted for examination previous to the works being commenced. The inspector states that he notified 552 nuisances, a large proportion of which were abated, but no information as to their nature appears in the report. Mr. Clexton's report for 1883 is written in the same lines as its predecessor. Thus, amongst other items, he state. that he inspected 2,046 dwelling-houses and reported 998 nuisances, which, however, are not specified. This is an obvious defect, and one that should be remedied in future. The inspector seems to have been active in his district, and there are signs of the performance of good work, though Mr. Clexton does not make this so clear as could be wished. CHESTER-LE-STREET RURAL.-In his tenth annual report Mr. Barras gives a succinct account of the sanitary work performed by him during 1883. Reference is again drawn to the increasing number of nuisances that arise from offensive accumulations, and to the fact that the Authority can satisfactorily dispose of them by contracting for the regular removal of refuse, under section 42 of the Public Health Act. Having regard to the danger arising from the retention of the contents of privies and ashpits, and to the success that has invariably followed the adop tion of this section elsewhere, it is to be regretted that the Chester-le-Street Authority have not thought fit to follow the advice of their inspector. The year witnessed the performance of some useful sanitary work, though in the south-west portion of the district there is an obvious need for an extended water supply, which unfortunately the Water Company cannot so far be prevailed upon to provide. With a view to securing a more prompt response to the notices issued for the abatement of nuisances, &c., Mr. Barras suggests that he should be empowered to take legal proceedings as soon as the order expires. COVENTRY URBAN.-Like its predecessor, Mr. Booker's report is excellently arranged, no point of importance being overlooked. Much work seems to have been done towards maintaining the district in a sanitary state and free from nuisance. Ninety water-closets were provided with proper flushing arrangements, 50 houses were supplied with town water, 105 sink drains were disconnected, and 115 filthy and unwholesome dwellings were cleansed and limewashed. Fifteen privies were abolished, 17 were repaired, and 50 were converted into water-closets. In eight instances overcrowding was abated, while ten houses were closed as unfit for habitation. Altogether, 712 improvements of more or less importance were effected, as compared with 610 in the previous year. Two proceedings were taken against the retailers of meat unfit for food, one of whom was mulcted in a substantial penalty, and six butchers were summoned for neglecting the by-laws relating to slaughter-houses. In other respects much useful work was performed. DONCASTER RURAL.-Very considerable progress was made in this district last year. The whole of Balby was lighted with gas, the streets named, the houses numbered, and the drainage arrangements almost completed. At Bentley a new sewer was laid in place of an open offensive ditch, at Braithwell a public well was protected from pollution, and at Ardwick additional sewers were laid. In other parts of the district special attention was directed to the cleansing of wells and brooks, and to the flushing and ventilation of the sewers. Out of 164 notices issued by Mr. A. Wright, the surveyor and sanitary inspector, 20 related to water, 71 to drainage sink-pipes, 15 to privies and ashbins, and 30 to pig nuisances. The report does not show, however, how many of these notices were complied with. He EAST DEREHAM.-The first portion of Mr. Nankivell's report is occupied in an attempt to refute the belief held in some quarters that the prosperity of the town is declining, and in so doing he gives some useful statistics of the sanitary work that has been performed since the completion of the schemes of water and sewerage. reports that there are now supplied with water from the Public Works, and connected with the sewers, some 146 water-closets, of which 53 belong to cottage property and 93 to private houses. The addition of a properly equipped closet to cottages is no inconsiderable improvement, the more so when it is remembered that the majority of these dwellings under the old system were scarcely fit for habi tation from the proximity of defective and ill-constructed middens. Mr. Nankivell properly exercises much supervision over the connection of house drains with the public sewers, and he has been well advised in adhering to the principles set out in the model by-laws of the Local Government Board. The sewage farm continues to work well, the value of the crop of osiers being estimated at over 20%. GOOLE RURAL.—The report of Mr. Tudor, C.E., the surveyor and inspector of this district, is statistical only; but it contains a record of the performance of much useful work. During 1883 as many as 1,140 yards of new main drainage were laid in various portions of the town, 8, 190 yards of foul stagnant village watercourses were cleansed, 104 house-drains were examined and reconstructed, 56 old brick cesspools were removed, and 29 houses connected with the new sewers. Mr. Tudor made 550 inspections, and abated 300 nuisances. A considerable number of ashpits and privies were reconstructed, 27 premises were disinfected after the prevalence of infectious disease, and the lodging-houses were inspected, cleansed, and limewashed. GOOLE URBAN.-Mr. J. F. Hedley reports that during 1883 he made 1,240 inspections, reported 176 nuisances and abated 142. Ten common lodging-houses were registered, 33 premises were disinfected, 42 ashpits were either repaired or covered and ventilated, 32 cesspools were replaced with pot gullies, and 50 box-closets were renewed; 334 yards of new sanitary pipe-drains were laid to houses, and 170 yards of open watercourse were cleansed. Five nuisances were in the course of abatement at the date of the report. HALIFAX.-Mr. Travis gives an interesting account of his work in this borough during 1883. particularly as regards the removal of refuse. In addition to recording that the Goux system is rapidly extending, the inspector notes with satisfaction that the authority have themselves resolved to undertake the cleansing of ashpits, a step of considerable importance. During the year 10,960 loads of night-soil and 7.445 loads of refuse were collected, both figures exhibiting an increase as compared with previous reports. The streets appear to have been systematically scavenged, though the staff at the disposal of the inspector does not permit this to be done as frequently as is to be desired. As many as 2,480 nuisances were disposed of, involving the inspection of 5,600 dwellings, and the issuing of 711 notices. More than 200 houses were dealt with on account of the existence of infectious disease; but the present system of disinfection seems to be of a very partial kind, and the inspector urges his authority to no longer delay the erection of some suitable and effective disinfecting ovens. SELBY RURAL.-Mr. Christie's report is brief; but it contains some not unimportant details. During 1883 the inspector made 425 visits, discovered 285 nuisances, and issued 152 notices. No fewer than 4,080 yards of drainage were repaired and cleansed, whilst 1,037 yards of new sanitary pipes were laid by private persons and 925 by the authority. Other items of the report refer to the building and repairing of ashpits, the cleansing of cesspools, the disinfection of houses, and the disconnection of sink-pipes. SELBY URBAN.-For this district, which has a popula tion of 6,029 persons and an area of 3,643 acres, Mr. Mallinson has little of interest to record. The principal event of the year, as reflected by this report, seems to have been the cleansing of 1,050 yards of Holme Dyke. But 38 notices were issued by the inspector, and 19 by the sanitary authority, for the abatement of nuisances, and it is not clear what success attended these applications. Thirteen drains were cleansed and repaired, 7 houses were provided with spouts, four water-closets were ventilated, and a few other minor improvements were effected. TADCASTER RURAL.-Mr. Denham's report, although statistical only, contains abundant evidence of systematic and painstaking work. The year witnessed a considerable extension in the drainage of the district (3,913 yards of pipes having been laid), and in the provision of properly trapped gullies. In addition to this, a considerable number of minor sanitary improvements were effected. Thus, 109 sink-pipes were disconnected, 47 old ashpits and privies were destroyed, 468 gullies and drains were repaired, 70 pigstyes and manure heaps were removed from against dwelling-houses, and 120 houses were whitewashed or stoved. In the course of the year 496 nuisances were discovered by Mr. Denham, and in all but 55 cases they were abated upon first application. |