Below is a comprehensive summary of the annual report of the Medical Officer of Health to the Rushden Urban Council, Dr. O. A. J. N. Muriset, which was presented to the Council at their meeting on Wednesday week.

  The town’s birth rate shows a slight increase and the deaths were 12 less than in 1931.

  The infantile mortality rate, declares the doctor, shows that there must be no relaxation of anti-natal work.

  The tuberculosis death figures are stated to be “quite satisfactory,” but the doctor hints that the drop in the number of deaths from cancer can hardly be expected to be maintained.  The year 1932 was, on the whole, a healthy period.

  Dr. Muriset criticises parents who “do not pay sufficient attention to the isolation of minor infectious diseases.”

  In the appended report of the Sanitary Inspector, reference is made to the nuisance occasioned by obnoxious factory smoke, from the burning of leather, etc., but legal difficulties are stressed.

  Mr. F. S. F. Piper also refers to the difficulties caused in his work “owing to the ‘sewer and drain’ definition being so varied in Local and Higher Courts.”

Statistics

  The estimated population of the town in 1932 was 14,240, a decrease of 40 on the previous year.  The number of inhabited houses was 3,842, an increase of 766 since 1921 and of 73 over 1931.  The number of families or separate occupiers was 4,002.  The rateable value was £62,461 at December, 1932, and the sum represented by a penny rate was £240.

  The Medical Officer comments:-

   It will be seen that the estimated population at the middle of 1932 was 14,240.  This figure which is the estimate of the Registrar General and not the figure on which the various statistics in the report are based, does not seem to be a true estimate of the population, for in 1931 the census figures proved that the population of Rushden was 14,247, and the estimated population at the middle of that year was 14,280.  From careful enquiry into the matter the figure of 14,300 would, I think, be nearer the mark.

  The above figures also show that the number of inhabited houses at the end of 1932 was 3,842.  The number of separate occupiers was 4,002, an increase of only 23 over that for 1931.  A comparison between the number of separate occupiers and the number of inhabited houses shows that the question of overcrowding is being successfully dealt with.

  £62,461 now represents the rateable value in comparison with £61,147 in 1931.

Local Birth Rate

  According to the figure of the Registrar General there were 170 live births in the year 1932, an increase of 9 over the last year’s figure.  Of this total 92 were males and 78 were females, giving a birth rate of 11.93, which is a slight improvement over the figure for 1931.  The birth rate for England and Wales, namely 15.3, is still much in excess of the local figure.

Local Death Rate

  The number of deaths occurring during the year 1932 was 142, 12 less than the previous year.  Of the total deaths 80 were males and 62 were females, giving a death rate of 9.97.  This figure compares very favourably with that for 1931, namely 10.78, and also with that of England and Wales, namely 12.  Over the year the number of births exceeds the number of deaths by 28 and this can be regarded as very satisfactory when compared with figures for 1931.

Infantile Mortality

  The infantile mortality rate (the number of deaths among infants under one year per 1,000 infants born) for 1932 was 58.82.  Although this figure compares satisfactorily with that for England and Wales, namely 65, it is considerably in excess of last year’s figure of 49.68.  According to the Registrar General 7 of the deaths were due to congenital debility, premature birth or malformation.  This emphasises the fact that there must be no relaxation in the carrying out of anti-natal work in the town.

Tuberculosis

  During the year 1932 the number of deaths from tuberculosis was 11, of which 10 were due to tuberculosis of the respiratory system and one was due to other tuberculosis disease.  These figures are practically the same as those for 1931, and should be regarded as quite satisfactory.

Cancer

  The number of deaths from this condition, namely 10, shows a very marked drop in comparison with previous years, the mortality rate being .7, which is the lowest figure recorded since 1921.  While this is eminently satisfactory the suddenness of the drop suggests that the improvement can hardly be expected to be maintained.

Heart and Blood Vessels

  Under this heading the number of deaths for 1932 was 48, giving a mortality rate of 3.37.  Disease of the heart caused 30 deaths while diseases of the blood vessels were the cause of death in 11 instances.  Cerebral haemorrhage, etc., was registered as the cause of death in 7 cases.  These cases are very similar to those for 1931, although slightly in excess of that year.  It is again the highest figure recorded.

Bronchitis and Pneumonia

  These conditions caused in 1932 18 deaths, giving a mortality rate of 1.26, a considerable improvement when compared with the figures for 1931.  Bronchitis and pneumonia each accounted for 9 deaths, in comparison with 11 and 10 respectively last year.

Causes of Sickness

  The year 1932 may be regarded on the whole as a healthy year.  There was no epidemic of influenza, and as might therefore be expected, there was a large reduction in the number of cases of pneumonia, only 17 being notified during the year, most of which were notified in January, February, and March.  Scarlet fever was less prevalent than in 1931.

  Cases of mumps were fairly numerous during the latter part of the year.  Parents still do not pay sufficient attention to the isolation of the minor infectious diseases, and much trouble and discomfort could be saved by greater appreciation of their responsibility in this connection.

Health Services

  There are three hospitals within the Rushden boundaries, the small-pox hospital, which is the property of the Urban Council, the Cottage Hospital, and the Rushden House Sanatorium.

  There is no infectious diseases hospital within the area, states the Medical Officer, although the want of such an institution has not been acutely felt in the past, it seems likely that in the future Rushden may be included in a scheme for the provision of the in-patient treatment of infectious disease in conjunction with other districts.

  The Rushden and District Motor Ambulance Association has continued its work in its usual efficient manner.  The chief work of this Association has been the transportation of patients to and from the county hospitals.  Calls for the motor ambulance at all times of the day and night are always answered with the greatest promptitude.

  The Orthopaedic Clinic connected with the Manfield Orthopaedic Hospital holds its clinic once a fortnight at the Y.M.C.A. buildings.  Much excellent work has been done throughout the year.

  The Maternity and Child Welfare Centre at the Independent Wesleyan Church Sunday Schools is presided over by the County Lady Medical Officer assisted by the Health Visitor and a committee of ladies, and serves both Rushden and Higham Ferrers.  The work of this Clinic is obviously much appreciated by the young mothers of the town.

  The Moral Welfare Association has continued its excellent work.

  The Tuberculosis After-Care Committee still continues its most useful services to the tuberculous persons of the town.  Through its visiting committee much helpful advice has been given to these people who are made to feel that their welfare is truly an interest to the town.  In needy cases extra nourishment has been provided and where necessary, patients have been aided in finding the good housing accommodation which is necessary for such cases.

  As in past years the Rushden District Nursing Association has carried on its excellent work of the nursing of the sick in their own homes.  The Association retains the services of a fully trained nurse who is also a certified midwife.

Water Supply

  The water supply of the town, which is a constant service, is drawn, as in previous years, from the reservoir at Sywell.  Practically all the houses in the truly urban area are “on” the supply, but there are still a few instances in which several houses share a common outside standpipe.  The water is of excellent quality and is practically unlimited in quantity.  During the year the average number of 24.31 gallons per person per day was used.  In the outlying districts there are still a few houses depending on wells for their water supply.

  The brook is now closed in for almost all its length where it passes through the town.  During the latter part of the year a further portion which had previously been open, namely that part close to Skinner’s Hill, was culverted by the County Council.  The only part which now remains open is that close to Duck-street, and here the bed is lined with bricks in order that it may easily be kept clean.  It has been kept in a most satisfactory condition during the year.

Sewage Disposal

  The sewage disposal is by means of the water carriage system, which serves all but the out-lying districts of the town.  The sewage flows to the sewage disposal works and is dealt with by the double filtration method.  Some 206,060,434 gallons of sewage, of which 20,208,261 gallons was storm water, were dealt with during the year in a most efficient manner.  The effluent discharges into the brook which passes close by and by this means is carried to the Nene.

House Refuse

  House refuse is collected weekly by means of five closed carts.  During the year 4,643 loads were collected and discharged at the two tips, one situated close to the Bedford-road just outside the town, and the other close to the Wellingborough-road.  At these tips the refuse is dealt with by means of the “tip-and-cover” system, which means that no refuse is left exposed for more than twelve hours.  This method is a most efficient one and one which can cause no nuisance in the immediate neighbourhood.

  Practically all the houses in the town are supplied with galvanised iron sanitary dustbins.

Sanitary Inspection

  During the year the Sanitary Inspector made 1,609 inspections.  179 preliminary notices and 10 statutory notices and 10 statutory notices were served and 39 cautionary letters were sent.

Factory Smoke Difficulty - Sanitary Inspector’s Report

  The following is a summary of the annual report of the Sanitary Inspector to the Council, Mr. F. S. F. Piper:-

Complaints

  During the year there were 134 complaints for the Department to investigate, an increase of “complaints received” when compared with those received in the previous year.  These are always of a varied nature, and some are often beyond the scope of the Sanitary Department, but in the compilation of this figure, this fact has not been taken into account.

  During the year many complaints were received with regard to chimneys of several factories sending forth a “yellow smoke” in dense volumes.  This was undoubtedly due to the use of sweepings from the factory floors as a fuel for the heating apparatus in the factory, or as a part substitute.  There is no doubt that the smoke from the burning of leather, etc., is very disagreeable, especially if a rubber waste is mixed with it.  It often gains access to rooms in the surrounding houses, and causes considerable discomfort, but the law, as it exists, was designed for dealing with the nuisances one would expect to find in a large town, i.e., from the excessive use of coal and coke in the iron and steel districts, etc., and in towns where pottery and machinery are manufactured and coal is produced.  Until an Act is framed and passed into law, to deal with local conditions, little relief can be obtained through the Sanitary Authority.

  Several complaints were also received with regard to factories where leather dust escaped from the leather dust collectors.  It is well known that much damage can be done by leather dust, but having regard to the existing law, a conviction is unlikely if the nuisance cannot be abated by other means.

Dwelling Houses

  During the year 99 houses were inspected; 85 of this number were for housing defects remediable under the Public Health and Housing Acts.  The remainder examined were on account of voluntary improvements which the owners proposed to carry out.

  There were 307 defects in dwelling houses remedied, 287 of this number being classed in the “list of nuisances abated,” or “work done under service of notice,” and in these the chief items are the number of yards that were either repaved, or repaired, and the number of living or sleeping rooms that were stripped, cleansed, and either repapered or distempered.  In several instances it was necessary to ask for wood floors to be repaired, and two to be reconstructed, owing to danger to the inhabitants, also it was found necessary to have 14 internal walls repaired.

  Drains came in for a fair amount of attention, but owing to the “sewer and drain” definition being so varied in Local and Higher Courts, one has to walk warily, until the burden of the former is removed from the Council to the persons whose houses it serves.  But notwithstanding that, it was found that 7 drains had to be constructed, 8 repaired, and 8 inspection chambers either reconstructed or repaired, besides many other repairs to sanitary fittings and conveniences.

  Whilst writing of the liability of the “sewer on private property” it will be found that the Council had to bear the cost of removing 16 obstructions, the fixing of one intercepter, the enlarging of another inspection chamber, and repairs to two others.

Voluntary Improvements

  As in previous years there has been a fair number of notices from persons wishing to convert ordinary rooms to bathrooms and lavatories.  This is to be commended.  Where the question of fixing a sanitary convenience has arisen, it has always been suggested that the latter be placed in a separate cubicle, if this is at all possible.

Other Premises

  One hundred and six of these premises were inspected.  For the most part the inspection was of common yards, courts, private lands and premises, private streets, etc., the latter chiefly at the back or in front of a number of houses.

Schools

  Occasional visits have been made to the schools, and all the defects that have been found have been remedied upon notice being given to the secretary for Education.

Food Premises

  There are still 7 slaughterhouses in the district, and these have been kept clean, frequently limewashed, and free from any excessive accumulation of garbage and other filth.  In some cases credit is due to the occupiers, who insist upon strict cleanliness at the finish of the day’s slaughtering, which factor is generally recognised to be an important one where flesh foods are produced and kept, even for a short period.

  The Public Health (Meat) Regulations, 1924, are still in force.  These regulate inter alia, the times for slaughtering and the moving of carcases and organs which are intended for food.  The regulations are of great assistance in the inspection of meat, although, through lack of uniformity, there is much left to be desired, as I venture to suggest that there are quantities of dressed meat brought into the town, where inspection at “the source of origin” together with edible offals, has been practically impossible.  It therefore remains that only the “cut joints” and sometimes a carcase can receive attention in this district, such examination being most unsatisfactory in the absence of the organs.

  Butchers’ shops and premises were visited 131 times, and slaughterhouses on 356 occasions.

  Quite a fair quantity of fish, etc., had to be confiscated owing to being unsound or unfit for food.

Cowsheds, Dairies and Milkstores

  Periodical visits have been made to these premises, and during the inspections of the cowsheds it was only necessary to call the attention of 3 cow-keepers to the condition of their premises.  These were cleansed and limewashed without delay.

  Generally speaking the condition of these premises compares very favourably with that in other districts.

  As all persons carrying on the trade of cowkeepers and retailers of milk and their premises, have to be registered with the Local Authority under the Milk and Dairies Order, 1926, it will be of interest to note that there are 35 retailers of milk, and out of this number 19 are cowkeepers.

Factory and Workshops

  In factories, the Local Authority’s administration of the Factory and Workshop Acts extends only to the control of, and the enforcement of the required number of sanitary conveniences according to the number of persons employed in the factory, and also to the enforcement of “means of escape in case of fire.”

  There are 90 factories, 25 workshops, and 18 bakehouses on the register.

Infectious Disease

  On the receipt of a notification of a case of an infectious disease, the house in which the patient is living is visited, and certain enquiries are made, the surrounding premises inspected, and other particulars taken, and everything is done to prevent the spread of the disease.    Children who have been in contact with the infectious patients are excluded from day schools or Sunday schools.  Other contact persons as well as children are advised to absent themselves from social gatherings of any description.  The number of persons so excluded during the year was 78 from day school, and 82 from Sunday school.

  The disinfection of rooms, etc., where the patients have been isolated, has been rigidly enforced.

Petroleum Acts

  At the present time there are 35 petrol stores and 6 carbide of calcium stores in the town, the petrol stores reaching a total storage of 21,600 gallons; 20,750 gallons being stored in underground steel tanks, and 850 gallons in stores erected above ground.    The fees collected on behalf of the Council during the year amounted to £20  5s.

Unsound Food

  The following is a summary of the food surrendered or seized during the year:-

  For tuberculosis, oxen 5 cwt. 2 qrs. 23 lbs., pigs 1 cwt. 3 qrs. 9 lbs.; other diseases, oxen 9 cwt. 3 qrs. 2 lbs.; pigs 3 qrs. 9 lbs.; sheep 3 qrs. 5½ lbs.; unsound food (including fish) 2 cwt. 2 qrs. 27½ lbs.; a total weight of 1 ton 1 cwt. 2 qrs. 20 lbs.