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REPORT

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ON THE

SANITARY

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HOUSING CONDITIONS

OF THE

WALTON-LE-DALE URBAN DISTRICT For the Years 1942 and 1943.

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1945 :

Printed by Frank Coupe, Walton-le-Dale

.1

REPORT

OF THE

Medical Officer of Health

ON THE

SANITARY

AND

HOUSING CONDITIONS

OF THE

WALTON-LE-DALE URBAN DISTRICT

For the Years 1942 and 1943.

1945 :

Printed by Frank Coupe, Walton-le-Dale

Digitized by the Internet Archive ’ in 2018 with funding from Wellcome Library

https://archive.org/details/b30231577

To the Chairman and Members of the Council of the Urban

District of W alton-le-D ale.

Gentlemen,

When at the beginning of 1943 I presented my Annual Reports for the years 1939, 1940 and 1941, you expressed a hope that I should soon be able to bring these reports up to date. In accordance with your wish, I now have the honour to present my Annual Reports for the years 1942 and 1943.

The Minister of Health has not yet given his permission to publish these reports in their full peace-time setting, particularly with reference to the distribution of the population; and there is still an embargo on certain details which might prove of interest, in future times, of additions of population other than those usually to be considered normal inhabitants of the district. The Minister has expressed a desire that there should be published in the future a Survey Report covering the period of the war years. However, in order to present a record of each year commensurate with the Annual Reports of this district in past years, sufficient details are given to enable those who are acquainted with the district to form a reliable estimate of the state of the Public Health therein in the years under review.

I have therefore continued the practice of providing a brief summary of the events of each of these years in order to place those events in their proper perspective and to determine their relationship to past years.

Year 1942.

There were no changes in staff during this year. This, and the reduction of the aerial activity of the enemy, particularly in the later months of the year, allowed a limited return to the normal Public Health duties which had been so much interrupted in the preceding three years.

One of the most notable facts of this year was the small number of cases of Infectious Diseases notified — 89 as opposed to over 200 in each of the two previous years. This reduction was not confined to any particular disease, but was spread over all the notifiable diseases. It had been feared that the effects of the war, -physical, nutritional and mental, would produce a great increase in the numbers of cases of Infectious Diseases. It was therefore a cause for much satisfaction that this fear, along with several other gloomy forecasts made at the beginning of the war, had not been realised. Nor indeed had the district been visited by any outbreak of any other disease which caused anxiety.

4

The Birth Rate had risen, the Deatn Rate had fallen, and

all these facts painted a rosy picture of this year; the only sombre

shadow was the increase in the number of deaths in infants under ♦

one year.

During this year, the Decontamination Centre for Gas at the former Infectious Diseases Hospital was completed. It was designed and constructed around the steam disinfector plant in such a rnajmer that the whole unit could be used for Gas Decon¬ tamination, delousing, the treatment of scabies, and the general disinfection of clothing.

The Ministry of Health established a scheme for the control of Typhus which, it was feared, might spread -to this country from abroad, and this decontamination unit became a vital link in the chain of control.

This unit was intended to serve not only Walton-le-Dale, but also Leyland and parts of the surrounding districts. It was stated in my last year’s report that this centre was built by the whole- time members of the First-Aid Parties, and the designs were drawn by Mr. Baron, Chief Sanitary Inspector. Mr. Lawson, Assistant Sanitary Inspector, gave valuable assistance in the plumb¬ ing details of the unit, and the whole construction and design were such that its usefulness was not confined to the period of the war, but could serve a useful purpose in times of peace. It was officially opened by the Chairman of the Council.

An analysis was made of all known emergency water supplies in the district. Only one, out of nineteen examined, was found to be suitable for immediate use. Extensive treatment would have been necessary to render the others suitable for human consumption.

Continued attention was devoted to the quality of the milk supply. By frequent inspection of the milk-producing farms and frequent examinations by bacteriological analysis of the milk supplied to the district, a careful check was kept on this essential food. Of the 24 samples taken, 18 were satisfactory and 6 unsatis¬ factory — \ very definite improvement on the previous year, when more than 50% of the samples examined were unsatisfactory. Twenty-seven samples were examined for the presence of the Tubercle Bacillus, and all were found to be negative.

During the year, the Minister of Agriculture called upon the farmers to produce more milk, and for those farmers not previously engaged in milk production, to commence production. With the shortage of labour and the absence of building facilities, this request was likely to produce an unsatisfactory milk produced under unsatisfactory and unhygienic conditions.

5

The number of cases of Tuberculosis notified in the district (8 Pulmonary and 6 Non-Pulmonary) was lower than in the previous year, and was about the average numbers for the last few years. The deaths from this disease numbered 7.

Immunisation against Diptheria proceeded satisfactorily throughout .the year. The scheme initiated last year, by which Medical Practitioners did individual cases, continued to work well, and the number of children protected steadily increased. 249 children under five years and 142 of school age were immunised in the year. At the end of the year it was estimated that 61% of children under school age and 68% of school age were protected in this district. During the year the Ministry of Health recom¬ mended that a larger dose of prophylactic should be given. This was a wise decision and likely to result in much better protection.

During the year the Council appointed Dr. W. A. Simpson to examine the employees of the Council for the purpose of the Superannuation Acts.

The Ambulance Service run by the Council continued to function satisfactorily. It provided an immediate service, night and day, for all cases of sickness or accident which occurred in the district.

Year 1943.

The staff was the same as in 1942. This, as well as the complete cessation of enemy aerial activity in the neighbourhood, allowed a fuller resumption of normal duties.

Infectious Diseases, which in the previous year had reached a low level in the number of notifications, showed an increased number in this year without, however, reaching the level of the early years of the war. Measles showed the greatest increase in numbers, although the disease itself was mild in type. Pneumonia also produced an increased number of notifications, the later years of life being chiefly affected, and there were five deaths from this disease. Altogether 8 deaths, including those from Pneumonia , occurred from Infectious Disease. The district was visited by a brief outbreak of Influenza towards the end of the year. It was mild in type, but 3 deaths occurred.

The Birth Rate showed an increase, the Death Rate a slight rise, and there was a satisfactory reduction in the Infantile Mortality Rate.

At the beginning of 1943,, the Annual Reports for the years 1939, 1940 and 1941 were presented. The reports contained comments upon the question of Tuberculous Milk, and made suggestion^ for the more rapid notification of Tuberculosis in cattle, and for the better control of the problem. These suggestions

6

caused interest and discussion amongst the farmer producers of milk in this and surrounding districts. At their suggestion two meetings were held early in the year to discuss th(e proposals more fully, and resolutions were forwarded to various higher authorities without, however, any apparent interest other than a mere acknowledgment of the reception of the resolutions. As the Ministry of Health and the Board of Agriculture had just issued a “ White Paper on the Milk Supply," wherein it was announced that it was the intention to pasteurise a portion of the Milk supply, and to remove all the control over the milk production farms and over the quality of milk supplied to the districts from the local authorities and to vest those powers, vastly increased, in the Board of Agriculture, it was perhaps not a matter for surprise that the suggestions in the Annual Report, which increased the pow.ers of Local Authorities to deal with this problem., did not receive a more interested reception. The interest aroused amongst the farmers in the district was, however, a distinct gain.

The control over the production of milk and the frequent bacteriological tests for its purity were continued throughout the year. An increased number of samples were taken for these tests, 69 for the bacterial tests, of which 39 were satisfactory and 30 unsatisfactory; and 72 for Tuberculosis, of which 3 were positive and the rest negative. These results were not so satisfactory as in the previous year, and this may have been as the result of the call for increased production given by the Minister of Agriculture in the previous year, or possibly as a result of the regrouping of retailers in the district. Many of these samples taken were of the raw milk coming into the Milk Marketing Board Depot for pasteurisation, the quality of which, bacterial and otherwise, was definitely poor. All these factors played a part in the rather unsatisfactory results of the samples examined.

A Lecture and Cinema film on the perils of Venereal Diseases was poorly attended and aroused little interest.

The Council agreed to supply Insulin at reduced cost, or free to those persons who were unable to pay the full cost. This was in accordance with the Ministry of Health circular.

The Ambulance Service was continued throughout the year and received praise from the Medical Practitioners and from the public for its promptness of attendance and general efficiency.

The scheme to render the child population immune to Diphtheria by immunisation continued to yield satisfactory results. During this year 469 children were immunised — 239 pre-school children and 230 school children. A careful estimate of the numbers of children protected in the district at the end of the year showed that 77.91 per cent, of children undpr five were immunised,

7

and 72.93 per cent, between the ages of five and fifteen. Com¬ parative figures for the Administrative County of Lancaster at the 30th June, 1943, were 57.7 per cent, for children under five, and 68.4 per cent, for children of school age. The parents of this district must be congratulated for their intelligent interest in this matter, and for their high sense of parental responsibility for the protection of their children against Diphtheria.

Estimated figures of the child population at these ages in this district, supplied by the Ministry of Health, were respectively 1,050 and 1,991. The paucity of notified cases of Diphtheria in the years since Immunisation commenced is sufficient testimony to the efficacy of these measures.

The Minister of Health in Circular 170/44 stated that the estimated number of children under the age of 15„ over the country as a whole, who were immunised by the end of 1943 was 56%.

Statistics and1 Social Conditions.

Area in Acres . 4.761

Population Census, 1931 . 12,718

Registrar General’s Estimate of Resident Population: —

Mid- 1942 Mid- 1943

13,750 . 13,340

Number of inhabited houses, Census 1931 . 3,314

Number of inhabited houses (according to Rate Books) : —

1942 1943

4,126 . 4,126

Rateable Value : —

1942 1943

£59,708 £62,591

Sum represented by a penny rate:- —

1942 1943

£236 . . £252

Social Conditions. — Cotton manufactures, engineering, market gardening, milk-producing farms, and the manufacture of animal feeding-stuffs are the chief industries of the district. No abnormal morbidity nor mortality can be attributed to any of these industries.

8

Vital Statistics.

The table below gives the figures for the years 1942 and 1943.

1942 1943

	M	F	Total	M	F	Total
Live Births: Legitimate ...	123	117	240	129	94	223
Illegitimate ..	► . .	7	7	5	6	11
Total ...	123	124	247	134	100	234
Birth Rate per 1,000 of
population .		17-9			17*5
	M	F	Total	M	F	Total
Still Births: Legitimate ...	4	8	12	5	3	8
Illegitimate . . .	1	• • •	1	• • •	1	1
Total ...	5	8	13	5	4	9
Rate per 1,000 total live and			i
still births .		50			37
Death rate of infants under	1942	1943
1 year per 1,000 births		60			47
Death rate legitimate infants
under 1 year
per 1,000 legitimate live
births ... .		62			49
Death rate illegitimate in-
fants per 1,000 illegiti-
mate live births .		nil			nil
	M	F	Total	M	F	Total
Deaths .	80	84	164	89	105	194
Death rate per 1,000 popu-
ulation from all causes		11*9			14-5
Death rate per 1,000 popu
lation from Cancer ...		1-89		2*0_	>
Death rate per 1,000 popu
lation from Pulmonary
Tuberculosis .		0*43		0-59
Deaths from Puerperal
Sepsis .		nil			1
Deaths from Measles (all
ages) .		1			nil
Deaths from Whooping			•
Cough (all ages)		nil			1
Deaths from Diarrhoea ,
under 2 years .		1	'		nil

9

1 i	Per 1 ,000 of Population	Maternal Mortality Rate	Infantile Mortality Rate
1	Live Birth Rate .	Crude Death-Rate	Death-Rate from Pulmonary Tubercolocis	Death-Rate from Cancer	Per 1,000 Live Births	Per 1,000 Total Live and Still-Births
Mean 5 years, 1937 to 1941	15-2	13*2	0-32	1-67	4-62	4-43	50
1942	17-9	1T9	0-43	1-89	nil	nil	60
1943	17*5	14*5	0*59	2-02	4*27	4-11	47
County of Lancaster, 1942	15-97	12*31	0*41	1-76	2-75	2-65	52
England and Wales, 1942	15*8	11*6	N.A.	N.A.	N.A.	2-01	49

The birth rate showed a definite increase in 1942 and 1943. The death rate has not increased. The increased death rat£ from Pulmonary Tuberculosis may be noted — it was almost three times that of 1938. There was a rise also in the number of deaths from Cancer.

Analysis of Causes of Deaths.

Causes of Death.	•	1942		1943
M.	F.	Total	M.	F.	Total
Cerebro Spinal Fever		...	• • •	1		1
Diphtheria ...		• • •	• • •	1	• . •	1
Measles		1	1	• • •	• • •	• • •
Influenza ...		• • •	• • •	2	1	3
Acute Infantile Encephalitis Tuberculosis of Respiratory		1	1	...	...	• • •
System ...	2	4	6	6	2	8
Other forms of Tuberculosis	• • •	1	1	• • •	1	1
Cancer	11	15	26	11	16	27
Di£tb©t>0s ••• ••• • • •	1	2	3	• • •	2	2
Cerebral Haemorrhage	7	11	18	10	12	22
Heart Disease	20	24	44	15	33	48
Other Circulatory Diseases	2	1	3	3	2	5
Bronchitis ...	13	6	19	, 9	11	20
Pneumonia (all forms)	1	1	2	3	2	5
Other Respiratory Diseases Ulcer of Stomach or	1	...	1	2	2	4
Duodenum ...	2	• • •	2	• • •	• • •	• » •
Diarrhoea (under 2 years)	1	• • «	1	• • •	...	• • •
Appendicitis	• • •	1	1	* • ♦	...	• • •
Other Digestive Diseases	3	3	6	3	2	5
Nephritis	1	2	3	• • .	2	2
Puerperal Sepsis ...	• • •	• • •	• • .	• ♦ •	1	1
Premature Births ...	1	1	2	2	1	3
Congenital Malformations	4	2	6	2	3	6
Suicide ••• ••• •••	• . •	• • •	• • •	1	1	2
Other deaths of Violence...	4	1	5	5	3	8
All other causes ...	7	7	14	12	7	19
Total	80	84	164	89	105	194

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11

Pulmonary Tuberculosis. — Since 1938, when only three persons died from this disease in this district, the number of deaths has steadily risen. In 1939, 1940 and 1941, four, five and six persons respectively lost their lives from this disease; and in 1942 and 1943, with six and eight deaths respectively, that tendency to increase was maintained.

The greater strain of the war, increased hours of work, anxiety, poorer food, and the reduction of ventilation due to the black-out, are all factors which must be considered in the causation of this increase.

Bronchitis and Pneumonia. — The deaths from Bronchitis also showed an increase, e.g., nineteen and twenty in the two years as compared with 6„ 15 and 11 in 1939, 1940 and 1941. Doubtless the same factors as in Pulmonary Tuberculosis have been operative in this disease.

Pneumonia, with two deaths in 1942 and five in 1943, showed a satisfactory reduction in mortality, in spite of the occurrence of a sharp outbreak of Influenza towards the end of 1943.

Cancer. — The mortality from the various forms of Malignant Disease showed an upward tendency, 26 and 27 in 1942 and 1943, as opposed to 23, 26 and 20 respectively in 1939, 1940 and 1941.

Other Causes of Death. — Diseases of the Heart, with 44 and 48 deaths in the two years respectively, and Cerebral Haemorrhage

with 18 and 22 deaths, caused a number of deaths which was not

*

markedly Different from that of preceding years.

12

Infantile Mortality. — Premature Births, Congenital Malforma¬ tions and Infantile Debility in the early months of life, with eight deaths in each of 1942 and 1943, continued to claim young lives which, by- the more extensive use of the Ante-natal and Child Welfare Services, might possibly have been saved.

	Cause of Death. ♦	Under 1 week	1-2 weeks	2-3 weeks	3-4 weeks	4 weeks to 3 months	3-6 months	6-9 months	9—12 months 1	Total deaths under 1 year
1942	Premature Births...	2								O
	Intracranial Haemorrhage	1			• • •	• • .		. •	• . .	1
	Convulsions	• • •			• • •	1		...	...	1
	Bronchitis ...	• « •			. . .	. . .		1	1	2
	Broncho -Pneumonia	...			1	. . .		...	1	2
	Spina Bifida ... . . f			1	...	• . •		...	1	2
	Gastro- Enteritis & Pyaemia	• . .	1	2	• • •	• . .		...	. • •	3
	Heart Failure	1	...	...	• • •	...		...	...	1
	Total	4	1	3	1	1	...	1	3	14
1943	Premature Births...	3								3
	Intracranial Haemorrhage	1					...	• • •		1
	Convulsions	...					1	...		1
	Broncho -Pneumonia	1					...	...		1
	Marasmus ...	...					...	2		2
	Congenital Heart Disease	1					...	...		1
	Whooping Cough ...	• * •					1	...		1
	Total	6	...	...	• • •	....	2	2	...	10

Maternal Mortality. — In 1942

Puerperal Sepsis, but there was one

there were no deaths death from this cause in

from

1943.

13

GENERAL PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES OF

THE AREA.

Public Health Staff.

Medical Officer of Health. — G. G. Wray, M.D., Ch.B., D.P.H.

Chief Sanitary Inspector. — Nicholas Baron,, C.R.San.I., also acts as Cleansing Superintendent.

Additional Sanitary Inspector. — Thomas Lawson, A.R.S.I.

Public Vaccinator. — Dr. Lumley, Penwortham, 1942; 1943. Dr. Howard, Penwortham.

Certifying Factory Surgeon. — Dr. C. J. Trimble, C.B.. C.M.G.

Bacteriological and Pathological Facilities. — The Laboratory of the Preston Royal Infirmary was used, as in previous years. It rendered good service, particularly in the diagnosis of disease.

In 1942 the following examinations were made: — Swabs for Diphtheria, 6.

In 1943 the Diphtheria swabs numbered 14.

Ambulance Services. — Cases of Infectious Disease were

removed in the ambulance of the Infectious Diseases Joint Hospital Board.

For accidents, for cases of illness, and for maternity cases, the Urban District Council ran an ambulance service. A.R.P. drivers and drivers employed by the Council for this purpose provided a twenty- four hours' service, the whole organisation being under the direct control of the Medical Officer of Health.

In the year 1942, 238 patients, consisting of 37 Accident cases, 64 Maternity cases, and 137 cases of illness removed to hospital, were dealt with by this service.

An increased use of the service was made in 1943., when 285 patients were moved to hospital, e.g., 46 Accidents, 82 Maternity cases, and 171 cases of Sickness.

Nursing in the Home. — The Nursing Staff employed by the Walton-le-Dale Nursing Association carry out these duties. This Association is closely connected with the Lancashire County Nursing Association.

14

County Council Services in the Area.

» •

Midwifery Service.— Two midwives employed whole-time by the Lancashire County Council are sited in this area. Their names, addresses, and telephone numbers are as follows: —

Mrs. S. E. Hodgkinson, S.C.M.,

307 Station Road, Bamber Bridge. Telephone 85360.

Miss A. Spencer, S.C.M.,

Knotville, Walton-le-Dale. Telephone 4783.

Antenital Clinic. — Fortnightly meetings are held at the School Clinic in Brindl,e Road, where clinical examination, advice, and any necessary treatment are available for all expectant mothers in this and surrounding districts. Mr. Andison, the Obstetrical Specialist from the Preston Royal Infirmary, has been in attendance during 1942 and 1943. Where abnormality has been detected, or where difficulties have existed at home, such cases have been

t

admitted for their confinements to Preston Royal Infirmary Maternity Hospital.

Wher;e dental treatment has been necessary, this has been given by the County Council Dentist at the Clinic.

The number of women who attended this clinic and the number of attendances made were: —

1942 . 187 women made t>t>8 attendances.

1943 . 202 women made 718 attendances.

After parturition, mothers are advised and encouraged to attend for examination and advice. In 1942, 37 women took advantage, of this service, and 25 worsen in 1943.

Twenty-two expectant mothers received dental attention in 1942, and 36 in 1943.

The Child Welfare Centre. — This meets each Thursday afternoon. Mothers bring their babies for inspection, for advice, and for weighing. A Medical Officer and a County Health Visitor are in attendance at each session, and every facility is available there for simple treatment or for reference to hospitals where the necessity for more specialised treatment exists.

In 1942, 373 children attended and made 2,511 attendances.

In 1943, 503 children attended and made 3,961 attendances.

The School Clinic has two sessions per week — Monday and Thursday mornings — for inspections, for the treatment of Minor Ailments, or for advice. An Assistant County Medical Officer and a School Nurse are in attendance. This clinic is available for the children of this district and the surrounding districts.

n 1942, 160 children attended and made 698 attendances.

In 1943, 283 children attended and made 1,024 attendances.

15

An Ophthalmic Clinic is held monthly for the treatment of defective vision and squint.

In 1942, 113 children made 142 attendances.

In 1943, 139 children made 262 attendances.

The Dental Clink meets two days per week and provides treatment in the form of conservative work as well as extractions.

In 1942, 701 children attended and made 1,170 attendances.

In 1943, 687 children attended, and made 1,133 attendances.

All these figures for the clinic include evacuees who attended for treatment.

Orthopaedic Cases (i.e., cases of Paralysis and Deformities) attend at Leyland Clinic on the first Monday afternoon in each month. Where such children require hospital treatment, they are admitted to the Lancashire County Council Orthopaedic Hospital at Biddulph, or to beds leased by the County in hospitals at Heswall or Windermere.

Blind Children are admitted to Fulwood Blind School, where training for certain trades is also given.

Deaf and Dumb Children are admitted to the Royal Cross School at Preston.

Mentally Deficient Children come under the care of the Lancashire Asylums Board.

Venereal Diseases receive hospital treatment at the Preston Royal Infirmary.

Tuberculosis. — Patients referred for consultation, for X-ray, or for light treatment attend at the Tuberculosis Dispensary at Walton’s Parade, Preston. Where hospital, sanatorium, or other specialised treatment is necessary, admission to institutions administered by the Lancashire County Tuberculosis Service is arranged.

Hospital Accommodation.

Infectious Diseases are admitted to the Preston, Fulwood and Longridge Joint Hospital at Fulwood.

The number of cases admitted to this hospital from this district was in 1942, 19; in 1943, 36.

Small Pox cases are admitted to the Joint Hospital at Elswick.

There were no cases of this disease in 1942 and 1943.

General Diseases. — -Three hospitals are available: —

1. Preston Royal Infirmary.

2. St. Joseph’s Hospital, Mount Street.

3. Sharoe Green Municipal Hospital.

The facilities for treatment in all these hospitals were exten¬ sively utilised by inhabitants of this district.

The Prevalence and Control of Infectious Diseases.

The year 1942 was remarkable for the small number of cases of Infectious Disease notified. Every disease, with the exception of Diphtheria, showed a decrease on the previous three years, and even Diphtheria caused only 4 cases.

In 1943, the number of cases rose again, but not to the average of the early years of the war. Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria, Measles and Pneumonia all registered an increase. Whooping Cough and Erysipelas showed decreases.

In neither of these years did any of the various diseases cause any fear of a serious outbreak. Ordinary routine measures of control were sufficient to keep each little outbreak within bounds.

Notifiable Diseases (other than Tuberculosis) in 1942 and 1943.

	Notifiable Diseases.	TOTAL CASES NOTIFIED.	Total Deaths.	HOSPITAL.
Total cases at all ages	YEARS.	Total case a removed to hospital.	Deaths in hospital of persons belonging to district
Under 1	1-2	2-3	3-4	1 4-5	5-10	10-15	15-20	20-35	35-45	45-65	1 65 and over
1942	Scarlet Fever	10				3	1		2	4						10
	Diphtheria . .	4	1							2	1					4
	Measles	42	1	2	3	8	7	10	14				2		1
	Whooping Cough	17	2	4	2	1	1	2	4	1
	Acute Pneumonia	5								2	1			2
	Cerebro -Spinal
	Fever	1									1					1
	AcutePoliomylitis	1						i							1	1	i
	Erysipelas	7							...	2	2		2	1		3
	Total	87	4	6	5	7	9	13	20	11	5		4	3	2	19	l
1943	Scarlet Fever	30		2		3	6	16	1	2						27
	Diphtheria	8						5	3						1	8	i
	Measles	76	4	6	8	6	13	34	5
	Whooping Cough	5	2				3								1
	Acute Pneumonia	13					1			1		4	5	2	5
	Cerebro-Spinal
	Fever .	1										1	...		1	1	l
	Erysipelas	2									1		1
_	Total ■ . - . — 1	135	6	8	8	9	23	55	9 —	3	1	5	6	2	8	36	2

17

School Closures for Infectious Diseases.

It was not found necessary to closie any of the schools in the area for the purpose of controlling Infectious Diseases in the years under review.

Tuberculosis.

At the beginning of 1942 there were on the Register 24 Pul¬ monary and 23 Non-Pulmonaiy cases, a total of 47. During the year 8 Respiratory and 6 Non-Respiratory cases were notified. Six Respiratory and 1 Non-Respiratory patients died during the year, and there were two removals from this to other districts. Only two of these cases notified during 1942 were under the age of twenty, and two of them were of advanced age. Five Pulmonary and one Non-Pulmonaiy were discharged from the Register as “ Disease Arrested." Remaining on the Register at the end of the year were 20 Pulmonary (M.13 F.7) and 25 Non- Pulmonary (M.14 F.ll) caSfes.

The year 1943 was marked by a large increase in the number of notifications. 19 Respiratory and 8 Non-Respiratory were notified during the year, a total of 27 as against 14 in 1942, 18 in 1941, 11 in 1940, and 14 in 1939. Twenty of these fresh notifica¬ tions were in persons over the age of twenty-five. The other 7 were under the age of five.

There were 10 deaths during the year, all in the Respiratory group. Three of the Non-Pulmonaiy type w;ere notified to have their disease arrested and were discharged from the Register. Two cases from other districts were admitted to the Register, and one, who had removed to another district, discharged. Remaining at the end of the year on the Register were 29 cases (M.19 F.10) of the Respiratory group, and 29 of the Non-Respira¬ tory group (M.13 F.16).

18

TUBERCULOSIS.

New Cases and Mortality during 1942 and 1943: —

	Age Periods.	New	Cases.	Dea	THS.
Respiratory	Non- Respiratory	Respiratory	Non- Respiratory
M.	F.	M.	F.	M.	F.	M.	F.
	Years								•
1942	0		. . .		• . »				. . .
	1		. . .		1				. . *
	5		• . .		1				...
	10		• • •		• • •				...
	15		• . .		. «r «				...
	20	1	. . .		• . .	1			. . .
	25	1	2	i	1				• . .
	35	• • •	...		2		1		1
	45	1	1		...	1	3		...
	55	• • •			it.		• • •		•
	65 and upwards	2	• • •		• • •		• • •		...
		5	3	1	5	2	4	0	1
	Tat a t g		. J	V	J	V _	J		J
	_l_ \J JL JIJjO s • •	^8 1	- 6 1	Y 6 !	1 i
1943	0					....	...
	1 K	1	1	2	3	1	1
	O 10			... • ♦ ■		;;;	;;;
	15	...	, . .	• • •	. . .	. * .	• . .
	20	...	...	. , .	1	. . .	. . .
	25	4	2	. , .	...	3	. , .
	35	2	2	1	1	. . .	i
	45	3	, . .	...	. . .	1	. . .
	55	2	'2	. , .	. . .	1	i
	65 and upwards	...	• • •		...	1	...
•		12	7	3	5	7	3	0	0
	Tot its		J		_ )	V _			J
		V	- y-	Y
		19		8	10		0

Inspection and Supervision of Food.

Milk and Milk Production. — In 1942 there were 64 dairy farms

in the district, with approximately 1,120 cows. Of these farms 17 were licensed by the County Council to produce “ Accredited Milk/’ The number of cowkeepers was 65, and there were 25 dairymen or milk purveyors.

During the year 27 samples of milk were obtained and sub¬ mitted to tests for Tuberculosis. All of these samples proved to be negative. Twenty-four of these samples submitted to bacterio¬ logical tests yielded 18 samples as satisfactory and 6 unsatisfactory.

19

These results were a definite improvement on those of the preced¬ ing year. Seventy-one inspections were made of these farms in the year. The County Sanitary Inspector took samples of milk from Accredited farms for submission to tests for Tubercl,e Bacillus.

In 1943, the number of dairy farms registered increased to 69, with an approximate number of cows 1,200. Nineteen of these farms were licensed to produce “ Accredited Milk/’ The number of cowkeep,ers was 69, and the number of dairymen or milk purveyors was 24. During 1943 the number of inspections made of these farms was 89. The number of samples of milk taken during the year and submitted to bacteriological tests was 69. Thirty-nine of these samples were satisfactory and 30 were unsatis¬ factory, a poor result when compared with the previous year. Comment has already been made upon these results in the intro¬ ductory remarks.

Seventy-two samples of milk were submitted to tests for the

Tubercle Bacillus. Sixty-nine were negative and 3 were positive. In the case of one of the positive results, it was observed that a child had dfed of Miliary Tuberculosis in the milk round of one producer. A sample was taken immediately and proved positive. As soon as this sample was taken, the affected cow was sold and the subsequent inspections and tests proved abortive. In the other two cases the affected cows were discovered and slaughtered. Six samples of pasteurised milk w.ere taken for examination. They proved to be sufficiently and efficiently heat-treated.

The Milk in Schools Scheme.

All the schools in the area received daily supplies of milk. Constant supervision was exercised over the quality and purity of the milk.

In 1943, 2 samples examined for T.B. were negative.

Tuberculosis Order, 1938.

No cases of Tuberculosis in cattle were discovered during

1942.

In 1943, no cows were slaughtered in this district for Tuberculosis.

Meat and Other Foods.

There was no slaughtering of cattle or sheep in the district during 1942 and 1943.

20

Condemnation of Food Unfit for Human Consumption.

During 1942, 1 ton, 19cwt. and 901b. of food were condemned as unfit for human consumption. The majority of this food was in tins and consisted of fish, fowl, pork, beef, milk and fruit. 3jcwt. of pork were included in the total. In addition to these, 53J tons of sultanas, prunes, figs and currants, unfit for human consumption, were brought into the district to be processed into feeding stuffs for animals.

In the year 1943, 160 ducks and 1 hen suspected to be suffering from bacterial poisoning were condemned as unfit for human consumption. Laboratory examination supported this view. In addition 24|cwt. of tinned food were found to be unfit for human consumption and were condemned. 16J tons of dried fruits, unfit for human requirements, were processed for animal feeding.

The Food and Pure Drugs Act (Adulteration), 1928.

Food and Drug Act, 1938.

The County Council, acting through its Pubilc Health Department, is responsible for the administration of th;ese Acts.

In 1942 there were 3 prosecutions for " Water added to Milk." Fines were imposed.

In 1943, 23 samples of milk were examined for quality, and 41 other samples. In four cases it was necessary to issue warning letters.

New Legislation in 1942 and 1943.

1942. — Scabies Order.

Typhus Order.

1943. — Insulin Order.

W ater Supply .

Five samples of water were examined during the year 1942 for bacterial purity from various parts of the district. The examina¬ tion was carried out at the Preston Corporation Water Laboratory, and all the samples showed a satisfactory purity.

In 1943, 4 samples were examined bacteriologically by the Preston Corporation Water Laboratory, and all were bacterially pure, but one sample showed some deposit which yielded satis¬ factory results on culture. In addition, one sample was examined by the Preston Royal Infirmary Laboratory. It also was satisfactory.

21

Nineteen emergency supplies of water were tested during the year. Only one of these was pure enough to be fit to drink. The other 18 were unsatisfactory, and would have required exten¬ sive treatment to render them fit for human consumption.

I am indebted to Mr. Whittle, the Water Inspector, for the details of the water supply and the extensions made in the years under review.

During 1943, the reservoir in Brindle was emptied, thoroughly cleansed, renovated and repointed. I made an inspection of it along with Mr. Whittle.

Water Supply Year Ending December 31st, 1942.

Gallons.

Taken from Thirlmere at both Meter Houses . 201,467,000

Consumed by meter on pipe line to Reservoir . 1,555,000

Total Thirlmere delivered in District

199,912,000

Taken by meter from Preston Corporation Total water delivered in District Consumed by meter outside District .

194,000

200,106,000

2,346,000

Water retained in Reservoirs December 31st

197,760,000

843,000

Total water delivered in District for all purposes 196,917,000 Total water consumed by meter in District ... 57,162,000

Total water consumed in District for all purposes 139,755,000 Giving a daily supply of . 382,890

Estimated population 14,200, we have 26.964 gallons per head per day.

Correct estimated population 13,750, we have 27.846 gallons per head per day.

During the year the following alterations have been made: —

Dairy, Moon Street, taken off rateable put on meter.

Houses and Greenhouses, Laburnum Avenue (as above). Shorrocks Farm, Gough Lane (as above).

Manor House, Green Lane, and Poultry Farm (as above). Watkinson, Market Gardener, East Street (as above).

Nine Oaks Poultry Farm, Chorley Road (as above).

Preston Tyre Fabric Co., Higher Walton (new connection for Canteen) .

22

The following Main Extensions have been carried out: —

417 yards 6in. Spun Iron from Winnery Lane, Walton, to Preston Corporation’s Main beyond Shaws Arms Hotel.

42 yards 6in. Spun Iron Main Bye-pass to Brindle Reservoir. Total 459 yards.

During the year the following Waste Inspections have been carried out : —

Housese and other Premises Visited W.C. cisterns rewashered 4,135 93

Taps rewashered Burst services located Burst mains

642 349 6

Water Supply Year Ending December 31st,

Taken from Thirlmere at both Meter Houses Consumed by meter on pipe line to Reservoir

1943.

Gallons.

186,681,000

1,476,000

Total Thirlmere delivered in District Taken by meter from Preston Corporation

185,205,000

23,040,000

Total water delivered in District Consumed by meter outside District

208,245,000

3,401,000

204,844,000

Water retained in Reservoir December 31st . 200,000

Total water delivered in District for all purposes 204,644,000 Total water consumed by meter in District ... 79,024,000

Total water consumed in District for all purposes 125,620,000 Giving a daily supply of . 344,164

Estimated population at 14,200, we have a consumption per head of 24.237 gallons.

Correct estimated population at 13,340, we have a consump¬ tion per head of 25.042 gallons.

During the year the following alteration® have been made: —

Ladies’ Hairdressing Saloon (new connection by meter). L.C.C. Cooking Kitchen, Wilkinson Street (as above). Crozier, Windsor Road, Market Gardens (as above).

23

House and Greenhouses, Brownedge Road (taken off rateable value, put on meter.

No main extensions during this year.

During the year the following Waste Water Inspections have been carried out: —

Houses and other Premises Visited W.C. cisterns rewashered

2,374 74

Taps rewashered Burst services located Burst mains 544 105 8

Drainage and Sewerage.

The area is on the whole well sewered, but the outskirts of the district are not so served in this respect.

The sewage works, although ancient and overloaded, did not cause any complaints of an inefficient effluent. This is a problem to be faced after the war.

Rivers and Streams.

The Ribble and the Darwen flow through the district. They are under the control of the Lancashire Rivers Board.

Closet Accommodation.

Walton-le-Dale is well served in this respect, and the conver¬ sions to the water carriage system has continued, in spite of labour and other shortages due to the war.

Mr. Baron, Chief Sanitary Inspector, has compiled the table below: —

	1910	1918	1941	1943
No. of Privy Closets	621	255	24	24
No. of Pail Closets	1093	973	157	156
No. of Waste Water Closets ....	345	327	257	253
No. of Fresh Water Closets	694	1267	3671	3676
No. of Houses with dry Ash-pits	1499	994	51	51
No. of Houses with Ashpails ....	1058	1632	4012	4012

Public Cleansing.

This service is dealt with in Mr. Baron's Report which is appended.

Sanitary Inspection.

The number of inspections, defects detected and remedied, and sundry other matters appear in Mr. Baron's Report. There has been constant supervision.

24

Private Streets and Back Passages.

None during 1942 and 1943.

Schools.

There are eleven in the district. They are, with one exception, satisfactory for light and ventilation. The playgrounds are inadequate.

Playing Fields.

There are playing fields in Higher Walton, Lostock Hall and Walton-le-Dale. Bamber Bridge is inadequately provided for.

The bathing facilities and swimming pools are insufficient.

Housing.

No new houses were erected in 1942 and 1943.

Housing Conditions.

The district contains detached houses, semi-detached houses, bungalows and cottages in rows. Overcrowding exists particularly in certain parts of the area, but it never became a problem nor could any morbidity or mortality be attributed to it. Many of the houses exhibit defects which cannot be remedied owing to labour and other shortages incidental to war. Certain collections of houses will require replacement after the war. A careful note is being made of all these defects with a view to replacement or repair when materials and labour are available.

Factories, Workshops and Backhouses.

Supervision has been exercised over the sanitary conveniences and the general hygiene. The cooking facilities, the food and the canteens have also received attention.

Attached to this report will be found : —

(a) Report by the Chief Sanitary Inspector.

I have the honour to be Gentlemen,

Your obedient servant,

G. G. WRAY.

25

Report of the Sanitary Inspector for the two years

1942 and 1943

To the Chairman and Members of the W alton-le-Dale Urban

District Council.

Gentlemen,

I have pleasure in submitting the following brief report on the sanitary work of the Health Department for the years 1942 and 1943.

I am indebted to my assistant, Mr. T. Lawson, for his energetic and willing co-operation at all times in carrying out the multifarious and additional duties assigned to the Health Department including voluntary A.R.P. and ambulance work.

The following is a brief summary of the Sanitary Inspection work carried out during the years 1942 and 1943:-*-

No. of Inspections of Infected Houses .

No. of Inspections of Schools .

No. of Inspections of Schools Salvage and Book

The	fc
No.	of
No.	of
No.	of
No.	of
No.	of
No.	of
No.	of
No.	of
No.	of
No.	of
No.	of
No.	of
No.	of
No.	of

Drive

No. of Inspections of Cowsheds, Dairies and Milk Shops .

No. of Inspections of Factories and Workshops

No. of Rodent Inspections . . .

of Drains Tested . 40

1942	1943
14 ...	... 78
20 ...	... 81
9 ...	14
9 ...	9
—	50
7/ ...	... 89
92 ...	... 96
177 ...	... 297
4 ...	9
144 ...	... 204
54 ...	... 129
86 ...	... 107
2 ...	... 62
40 ...	... 43
722	1,268

26

The following is a summary of the foodstuffs condemned in the district during 1942 and 1943: —

1942 No. of Tins	Description	Weight
		Tons	cwts.	qrs.	lb.
295	Pork Luncheon Meat		11	3	10
22	Chopped Ham ....	... •	....	3	6
78	Tomatoes-...	....	1	^ ...	22
837	Milk	«...	7	1	23
24	Fish	....	....	...	21
99	Apples	• •••	7	2	12
20	Corned Beef	....	1	...	8
66	Prunes	....	....	1	21
175	Boiled Beef	....	9	1	14
4	Chicken ....	....	• • • •		4
1	J 9.IT1 •••• •••• ••••	....	....		1
1	Vegetable Stew ....		....		1
1	Corned Hash		...»		1
2	Stewed Steak	• •••	....		2
• • •	Pressed Beef	....	....		4
• • •	Bacon	....	3	1	23
Total No.
of Tins 1625	Total Weight ....	2	3	2	5
1943 ^5	Corned Beef		1		17
25	Pork Luncheon Meat ...		1	1	21
288	Fish		2	1	18
40	Chopped Ham ...			3	141
20	Sausage Meat			1	2
53	Milk ...			2	25
• • •	Ham and Bacon...			• • •	25i
4	Corned Mutton ...			...	8
3	Apples			• • •	24
41	Tomatoes			2	15f
4	Rabbit			• . •	10
1	Corned Beef Hash			...	1
2	Pork and Beans ...			...	23 J4
1	Stewed Steak			...	1
• • •	Jam			1	9
• • •	Porridge Oats		10	2	14
. . .	Onions		5	• • •	15
160	Ducks		7	• • •	16
1	Hen		...	• • •	5
• • .	Beef Kidney		...	• • •	I 3 1 4
Total No.
of Tins 507	Total Weight ...	1	11	1	A.1 •4

27

The following damaged foodstuff was admitted into the district for conversion into Animal Food: —

Description	Weights
1942	tons	cwts.	qrs.	lb.
Sultanas	19	1	0	20
Prunes	9	8	2	20
Figs .	19	14	2	10
Mixed Fruit	—	4	1	8
Currants	—	3	3	22
Total weights	48	12	2	24

Description Weights

1943	tons	cwts.	qrs.	lb
Sultanas	7	5	0	17
Prunes	—	13	1	8
Raisins ... ••• •••	3	13	1	0
Skimmed Milk Powder	5	1	0	0
Total weights	16	1 12 I 2	25 '

Prosecutions.

During the year 1942 one man was prosecuted and fined for using a building for slaughtering animals which was not licensed and also for aiding and abetting in the illegal slaughter of animals. Total fines, £12 10s. Od.

Another man was prosecuted and fined for killing animals in an unlicensed slaughter house and for not being a licensed slaughter man. Total fines, £14 10s. Od.

Milk.

Summary of information with reference to Farms and Dairies, and the results of examination of samples of milk: —

1942

No. of Dairy Farms . 64

Approximate No. of Cows . 1120

No. of Cowkeepers . 65

No. of Accredited Farms . 15

No. of Dairymen other than Farmers . 25

No. of Farm Inspections . 71

No* of Samples of Milk taken for Bacteriological

Examination . 24

1943

69

1200

69

17

24

89

69

28

No. Satisfactory . 18

No. Unsatisfactory . 6

No. of Samples taken for T.B. Examination ... 27

No. of Samples taken for T.B. positive . Nil

39

30

72

3

W ater.

1942

No. of Samples of Domestic Water taken for

examination . 6

No. satisfactory . 6

No. of Samples taken from Wells and Rivers as prospective sources of emergency water

supply . 9

No. satisfactory . 1

1943

7

7

Disinfections.

No. of Dwelling Houses Disinfected No. of Parcels of Bedding Disinfected

No. of Beds Disinfected .

No. of Beds Destroyed .

No. of Books Disinfected .

1942	1943
46 ...	... 69
715 ...	. . . 662
95 ...	... 83
61 ...	19
15 ...	... 26

Notices.

1942 1943

Notices served for alterations carried out at

Shippons and Dairies — Dairies provided ... — . 2

Summary of Notices Served and work done in

Notices: —

compliance with

1942

Defective Roofs and Rain-water conductors made

good . 12

Defective Drains made good . 62

Defective W.C.s made good . 13

Defective Pail Closets converted to W.C.s . 4

Defective Waste Water Closets converted to

W.C.s . 3

Premises redrained to the Sewer . 15

Ashbins provided . 4

Miscellaneous defects made good . 30

Closet buildings made good . 7

1943

42

128

8

1

19

82

29

Summary of Notices Served and work done in compliance with

Notices: —
		1942
Notices Served	Complied with	Outstanding	Total
Formal	... 4	4	8
Informal	...104	9	113
Total	...108	13	121
		1943
Formal	... 1	... 4 • * *	5
. Informal	...193	14	207
Total	...194	18	212

Rodent Control.

On the 8th November,, 1943, at the suggestion of the Ministry of Food, the Council appointed one man and two women Rat Operators. After the initial training, their principal duties were to carry out a survey, ascertain the source of infestation in areas infested, and to deal with infestations in accordance with instruc¬ tions received from the Ministry of Food.

The following work has also required attention: —

Immunisation.

Filing of records. Half-yearly records made out for Ministry of Health and County Council. Separate accounts made out for each child immunised and submitted to the Accountant for pay¬ ment.

Insulin.

Making out orders for the supply of Insulin in necessitous cases and recording the same.

Civil Mortuary.

Supervising the cleansing of the Civil Mortuary.

30

SALVAGE WORK

House Refuse Collection and Disposal and Salvage Work.

The following table shows the amount of work done by the motor Refuse Vehicles: —

Year	Vehicles employed	No. of days	Approximate weight of Refuse collected and disposed of	Total miles travelled	Average miles per gallon
1942	Two Dodge Motors	548	3606 tons	14904	8-69
	One do.	61	182 tons	1340	7-47
	Total	609	3788 tons	16244	8*28
1943	Three Dodge Motors	806	4570 tons	21341	8*80

Analysis of the cost of the Collection and Disposal of House Refuse and the Collection and Disposal of Salvage, showing the credit for Salvage for the years 1942 and 1943: —

	1942	1943
	Cost	Total Cost	Cost	Total Cost
	per day		per day
	£ s. d.	£ s. d.	£ s. d.	£ s. d.
Dodge Petrol Wagons ...	1 16 7	1115 7 7	1 8 7	1125 0 0
Men's Wages .		1232 7 9		1510 18 8
Health and Unemployment
Contributions .		28 8 11		33 2 11
Holidays and Sick Pay ...		78 3 7		116 16 11
Loan Charges .		29 13 4		28 18 3
Hired Labour .		• • •		• • • •
Petty Cash .		0 18 6		1 13 4
Miscellaneous Accounts ...		13 5 4		86 15 9
Superannuation Cont.		42 18 7		...
Invoice Accounts .		395 17 5		80 3 3
Bonus .		107 11 9		168 18 3
Total Gross Cost .		3044 12 9		3152 7 4
Less sale of salved material		1148 5 1		1424 18 0
Less credit from other
sources .		10 12 0		6 0 0
Nett Cost		1885 15 8		1721 9 4

Collection and Sales of Salvage.

The following table shows the tonnage and materials sold, and the ampunts received for Salvage during the years 1942 and

31

The Council commenced the collection of Salvage in May, 1940.

The following table shows the tonnage sold and the amounts received each year by the sales of salvaged material : —

	Tons	Cwts.	Qrs.	lb.	£	s.	d.
1940	129	3	3	18	426	18	4
1941	194	7	3	—	828	10	8
1942	280	5	1	5	1148	5	1
1943	376	4	1	16	1424	18	0
Total •••	980	1	1	11	3828	12	1

During the past two years the salvage work has had to be reorganised.

Additional accommodation and appliance was purchased to deal with the increased work.

Markets were sought and found for salvaged materials.

Records have had to be kept of all salvaged material, and accounts made out for all material sold.

Monthly reports of all salvaged material, both sold and in stock, had to be posted to the Ministry of Salvage.

The purchase of bins and the organisation of the collection of kitchen waste had also to be carried out. During this period the Council entered several Waste Paper Competitions, the most suc¬ cessful of which was the one organised by the Waste Paper Recovery Association. This competition was confined to Lancashire from the 1st to the 30th September. For the purposes of the competition all Local Authorities were divided into four divisions, County Boroughs, Non-County Boroughs, Urban District Councils, and Rural District Councils. One prize of £250 was awarded in each Division.

In addition to the competition there was a Book Drive from the 18th September to the 2nd October. The books collected were examined by a Scrutiny Committee and placed in the following categories : —

1 — Books and magazines for pulping.

2 — Books and magazines for H.M. Forces.

3 — Books for restocking the war-damaged Libraries.

33

The total number of books collected in the district was 50,624, and of these the Schools in the district collected no less than 38,924.

One thousand nine hundred books were allocated by the Scrutiny Committee and despatched to H.M. Forces; 400 books were allocated for War-damaged Libraries; and 100 books were allocated for Children’s Hospitals. The remainder were despatched for pulping.

The results of the Competition were as follows: —

Tons Cwts.

County Boroughs — Bury .	1	12.386 per 1,000 population
Non-County Boroughs — Crosby .	2	7.375 ,, ,, ,,
Urban District Councils — Lees ...	2	15.927 „ „
Rural District Councils — Whiston	2	4.843 „ ,,
Walton-le-Dale’s total was .	2	8.145 ,,

In addition to Health Department work the following is a brief summary of A.R.P. work carried out: —

Air Raid Warnings attended .

Air Raid Meetings attended .

Air Raid Precaution Lectures given .. Air Raid Training Exercises attended Aid Raid Parades attended . .

1942 1943

2 . —

26 . 8

12 . —

8 . 2

2 . —

Air Raid Buildings Equipment and Appliance

Inspections . 163

First-aid Classes attended . —

Air Raid Revision Course attended . —

26

6

1

The Civilian Gas Cleansing Centre was opened by the Chairman, Councillor E. Jamieson, on the 27th February, 1943.

I am, Gentlemen,

Your obedient servant,

NICHOLAS BARON,

Chief Sanitary Inspector and Cleansing Superintendent.

Council Offices,

Bamber Bridge.

I

I

0