Wellingborough News, 9th September 1882, transcribed by Kay Collins
Wellingborough Rural Sanitary Authority
The monthly meeting of this Authority was held on Wednesday last at the Board room at the Union Workhouse, when there were present Mr. J. W. Watts, in the chair, and Messrs. J. Siddons, W. J. Gross, S. Sharman, J. H. Coales, G. Wyman, J. Parker, S. Knight, and C. S. Groome.
The Medical Officer
The minutes having been read and confirmed, the Clerk mentioned that the term of office for which the medical officer was appointed would expire in November, and it would be necessary that notice should be given at this meeting of a motion for his re-appointment. Mr. Siddons gave notice that at the next meeting of the Authority he would propose Dr. Thomas's re-appointment. Several of the Guardians expressed their opinion that Dr.Thomas had discharged his duties very efficiently.
The Estimates
The Clerk presented the estimate for contributions, to meet the general expenses of the authority to Lady Day next. There has been no call upon the parishes since Lady Day, 1881, when a precept was issued for ½d. in the £, this yielding £275. The general expenses of the authority since that date have, however, exceeded the amount then obtained, the sum of £197 being required to effect a balance. In addition to this the Clerk estimated that an extra ¼d. in the £ will be required to meet the general expenses up to Lady Day next. A levy of ¼d. in the £ is estimated to produce £131, and this with the £197 at present in arrears makes the total sum required from the parishes £328. It will thus be seen that the general expenses of the authority from Lady Day, 1881, to Lady Day, 1883, will amount to a total of £603, or in round figures £300 per annum. The sum of £328 for which a call is now issued will be payable on or before October 4th prox.
Mr. Siddons suggested whether the date of payment could not in future cases be made a fortnight later. There were frequent changes in tenancies at Michaelmas, and almost before the new tenant had entered upon his premises a demand was made upon him. This caused a good deal of difficulty in the collection. The first week in April was also inconvenient as the new overseers had scarcely entered upon their duties. He thought it would be much more convenient if the calls were payable at the end of October and the end of April.
The Clerk promised to give the suggestion his consideration.
The Clerk then presented the following estimate of the amounts required for special expenses:—
Higham Ferrers: Balance against the parish, £5; half-year's interest of loan for sewer expenses due in December, £20; instalment of principal, £25; estimated, expenditure to be incurred, £20; total, £70.
Wollaston: Balance against parish (including cost of sanitary cart, £22) £78; cemetery expenses, say £10; loan on cemetery, due in October, £30; sewers at Duck-end—estimated outlay in ventilation, &c., £12; total, £130.
Rushden: Balance against parish (including sanitary cart £22) £42; new sewers, £80; scavenging, &c., £8; total, £130.
Irchester: Balance against parish (including sanitary cart £22) £29; sewers, £71; total, £100.
Ecton: Balance against parish £30; half-yearly instalment on loan, due in February, £15; repairs to pipes, £2; sewers, £3; total, £50.
Earl's Barton: Balance against parish (including sanitary cart £22) £29; scavenging, &c., £11; total, £40.
Grendon: Balance against parish, £39; sewers, £1; total, £40.
A short conversation arose respecting the estimate for Ecton. The Clerk stated that there was at present a balance of £30 due from the parish to the Authority, the water rate having proved inadequate to meet the instalments repayable on the loan. A 6d. rate on those using the water only brought in £10, so that on this basis a 2s. 6d. rate would be necessary to cover the £50 required. It was practically impossible to levy such a rate as this. People objected to pay 6d, in the £ and were in consequence discontinuing the water supply, and it was obvious that a rate of 2s. 6d. in the £ would result in a general discontinuance. In his (the Clerk's) opinion the special water rate was a failure, and he suggested that in future the amount required should be levied as a special expense upon the whole parish. It would then have to be paid in the proportion of ¾d. on houses and ¼d. on land. This alteration would also save £2 now paid for collecting the water rate.
Mr. Coales enquired whether the land got any benefit from the water supply?
Mr. S. Sharman said that he used the water supply, and he believed one other farmer, but the rest of the farmers lived at a distance, and did not use it.
The Clerk said that although the land obtained little direct benefit, the farmers obtained the indirect advantage resulting from the improved health of the village.
Mr. Siddons said that formerly Ecton used to have an outbreak of fever twice a year, and on an investigation taking place they found the sanitary condition of the village, particularly as regarded the water supply, very bad. As a result of the investigation the present supply of water was obtained.
The Clerk said that the pariah had simply placed itself in a proper sanitary condition, and the water rate having failed it would be better for the whole parish to undertake the expenses and for the water to be free to all.
Mr. Siddons enquired whether the supply would be adequate for a largely increased demand?
Mr. S. Sharman thought it very doubtful whether there would be sufficient water if no charge were made for it.
Mr. Siddons suggested that the charge of 6d., should still be made, and that the balance be borne by the whole parish.
The Clerk did not think this practicable. It must either be one thing or the other, and as the water rate had failed he saw no alternative except to levy the amount upon the, parish.
After some further conversation, it was proposed by Mr. Coales, seconded by Mr.Wyman, and carried that the matter be referred to the parochial committee for consideration, a report to be presented at the next meeting.
It was also resolved that in future the Inspector consult the parochial Committees before handing in his estimate of expenses likely to be incurred to the Clerk.
The Medical Officers Report
The Medical Officer submitted the following report:—
Rushden—There have been five fresh cases of typhoid fever in Cave's-row, making fourteen in all. I am pleased to report that twelve are convalescent and the remaining two are doing well. In addition to the above there have been six other cases in various parts of the village. These cases were all in children and in young people. Five of the cases were, I consider, due to the miasma arising from the watercourse during the dry weather in the first weeks of August. In addition to this, in three cases the water drank was unfit for drinking. The remaining case was probably caused by defective house drainage and a cesspool nuisance. Of these six cases four are convalescent, and the two others are making some progress towards recovery. The last case reported to me was on Aug. 25th. The water in the following wells is unfit for drinking: Public well in Duck-street, contaminated with gas; public well near Higgen's, cause of pollution unknown; Warren's well, cause of pollution, percolation from the watercourse which runs close by. This well water is no doubt better in rainy weather. Cunnington and Margett's wells, cause of pollution unknown, probably a cesspool or a drain lying near. There are only four public wells in this village, of these two are unfit for drinking and in one of the other two there is very little water in dry weather. As new houses are continually being built in this village, I may mention that according to the Water Act, 1878, groups of houses may combine to have their water supply from one source, the cost of which could be charged upon the houses directly benefited, and not upon the rates as hitherto. The condition of the watercourse in Duck-street was complained of; it undoubtedly is a nuisance in dry weather. I consider if the bottom of the watercourse was made of bricks, there would not be so much stagnant water lying about. If a more efficient method of flushing this watercourse could be devised for the dry weather it would be a benefit to the village, as in that state of the weather it is a source of danger to health.
Finedon—There have been seven cases of typhoid fever in this village, four of children and three of grown-up persons. The four children were in one house. The cause of the fever in this case was the cesspool, which is touching the wall of the cottage. The wall of the living room is damp from the contents of the cesspool having soaked through. There is, of course, frequently a smell. The people from the other cottages in this yard use the same closet and cesspool. If there had been children living in these cottages, I am certain they would have caught the fever. There are twelve persons living in these three cottages. By the 36th clause of the Public Health Act (1875), you can order the owner to provide proper closet accommodation at a sufficient distance from the cottages as to cause no nuisance. The other three cases were due to miasmatic causes, in two cases arising from crowded cesspools and ashpits. Four of these cases are now convalescent, and the remaining three are making some progress. The last fresh case reported to me was on August ..........effectually than either for the village authorities to undertake the scavenging, as has been done in Irchester, or for this Authority to apply to the Local Government Board for powers to pass bye-laws compelling the owners of houses to do the scavenging themselves regularly once a week. This latter course would, I consider, be a more expensive one to adopt, and would not answer so well as for the Parochial Committee to undertake it.
On the motion of Mr. Siddons, seconded by Mr. Coales, the report was referred to the parochial Committees of Rushden and Finedon. An opinion was expressed that in the latter village a sanitary cart would have to be provided. Orders were also made for the abatement of the nuisances complained of.
The Clerk read a letter from the Local Government Board enquiring what steps had been taken in remedying the sanitary defects to which the medical officer attributed the recent outbreaks of fever at Rushden and Wollaston. The Clerk was instructed to reply informing the Board what action had been decided upon in consequence of the medical officer's repdft.
Wollaston Cemetery
Mr. Gross proposed, and Mr. Siddons seconded, that George Jones, of Wollaston, be appointed registrar for the Wollaston Cemetery, the question of salary to stand over. —The motion was carried unanimously.
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Wellingborough News, 4th November 1882, transcribed by Kay Collins
WELLINGBOROUGH RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY
The monthly meeting of this Authority was held on Wednesday in the Board-room, at the Workhouse, when there were present Mr. J. W. Watts (in the chair), and Messrs. J. H. Coales, W. J. Gross, S. Knight, C. S. Groome, J. Siddons, J. Allibone, G. Wyman, J. Burr, J. Walker, J. Ward, and J. Parker.
MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT—The Medical Officer of Health reported that there had been a case of typhoid fever at the huts at the Midland Railway widening. He found the sanitary conditions fairly satisfactory, and was of opinion that the disease had been contracted elsewhere, possibly by sleeping near a cesspool. The case was going on satisfactorily, and there had been no further outbreak. If, however, the disease had been of a more infectious nature, such as scarlet-fever or small-pox, the results might have been very serious, as there was no place in which a patient could be isolated. He was strongly of opinion that there should be a hut specially set apart as a hospital. A case of typhoid fever had also occurred at Rushden, from miasmatic causes, in a yard near the Church. He found on enquiry that the pails were emptied on the gardens, and there were also pig-styes connected with the cottages that were not very clean. The Medical Officer urged the importance of regular scavenging and said that the excreta from the houses in question should no longer be thrown upon the gardens. The only remaining subject dealt with in the report was an impure well upon land in the occupation of Mr. Dawes, at Little Harrowden.—Respecting the case of fever at the huts, Mr. Austin bore out the doctor's report, and as no new case had arisen it was considered unnecessary to take action. The Inspector reported that the scavenging was now being carried out systematically at Rushden. Instructions were given to him to take the necessary steps for the abatement of the nuisances reported by the doctor. In the case of the impure well at Little Harrowden Mr. Groome said he thought the pollution could only be of a temporary character, and it was decided to write to Mr. Dawes to ask him to remedy it.
THE ESTIMATE FOR IRCHESTER PARISH—It will be remembered that at the last meeting of the Authority, the precept for £100 upon the overseers for the parish of Irchester was cancelled, as the Parochial Committee did not consider so large a contribution necessary, and the issue of the new precept was deferred till this meeting.—The Clerk said that the parish was £29 in arrears, so that a precept for £30 would cover the deficit. It would however, leave nothing in hand.—Mr. Austin suggested £35 or £40 as the amount of the precept, but the Clerk said that it would either have to be fixed at £30 or £45. The former would be realised by a rate of 2d. on houses and ½d. on land, and the latter by 3d. on houses and ¾d. on land, but any sum between these two amounts could not very well be raised.—The Inspector mentioned that there would be a small charge at the end of the year for scavenging, and the Clerk pointed out that probably there would be other small expenses during the year.—On the motion of Mr. Austin, seconded by Mr. Coales, a precept was ordered for £45.
THE ELECTRIC LIGHT—Further conversation took place respecting the notice served upon the Authority by one of the Electric Light Companies. The Clerk explained the provisions of the new Act, and it was ultimately decided to let the Company take its own course.
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Wellingborough News, 27th January 1883, transcribed by Kay Collins
Wellingborough Rural Sanitary Authority
The monthly meeting of this Authority was held on Wednesday last, when there were present Mr. J. W. Watts (in the chair), Rev. T. Richards, and Messrs. T. S. Curtis, J. Siddons, G. Denton, J. H. Coales, G. Wyman, W. J. Gross, J. Walker, and S. Parsons.
THE MEDICAL REPORT—Dr. Thomas, the medical officer, reported that two cases of typhoid fever had arisen in the villages, the disease being contracted in each case in Wellingborough. It was decided to communicate with Dr. Clark, the medical officer of the Local Board of Health, on the subject. The epidemic of measles at Higham Ferrers and Earls Barton was abating.
THE POWERS OF THE BOARD—Pursuant to notice, Mr. Curtis brought before the Board the desirability, if practicable, of obtaining powers of control over the erection of new houses, with, special reference to their sanitary condition. He referred especially to Rushden, and other populous places, such as Earls Barton, Irthlingborough, and Finedon, where a good deal of building had been done. He thought the Board ought to have power to insist upon plans being submitted, so that a proper water supply and drainage might be insisted on. Mr. Curtis quoted figures showing the close connection between insanitary conditions and disease, and cited the improved health of Ecton as an illustration of what had been gained by providing a good supply of pure water. After a few words from Mr. Siddons and Mr. Coales, Mr. Denton said that formerly Rushden was in favour of having urban powers, but there were difficulties in the way in relation to the highways, and the state of things had got so bad in the village, that he thought they had either better wait to see what Government proposed in the way of county government, or apply their present powers as the first step to applying urban powers by and by.—The Clerk explained that the Board could apply to the Local Government Board for an order clothing the Authority with urban powers in reference to certain portions of their district. An order to this effect had been granted in reference to Earls Barton in 1877, but the model bye-laws sent down appearing rather formidable no action had been taken under the order. The Board could if it pleased, draw up bye-laws under the powers already possessed but this would not meet the points raised by Mr. Curtis.—In reply to a question, the Inspector said that he had to give a certificate for all new houses, but he could withhold it on the ground of a defective water supply.—A lengthy discussion ensued in which the Rev. T. Richards, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Denton, Mr. Gross, the Chairman, Mr. S. Parsons, and Mr. Wyman took part, and it was ultimately decided to appoint a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs. Richards, Denton, Curtis, Wyman, and Gross, to draw up a code of bye-laws under the powers already possessed by the Board.
SANITARY AFFAIRS AT RUSHDEN—A report was read from the Parochial Committee of Rushden, in which they agreed to carry out the recommendations of the inspector, respecting the watercourse, Messrs. Bayes, Margetts, Knight, and Foskett, being a sub-committee appointed for that purpose.
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Wellingborough News, 24th February 1883, transcribed by Kay Collins
SANITARY AFFAIRS AT RUSHDEN—The Clerk read a report from the Rushden Parochial Committee, stating that they had met and agreed to carry out the recommendations of the Medical Officer, and proposed in accordance therewith to lay out about £100 in improving and ventilating the brook, which is the main sewer of the village. Of this sum £20 will be met by the balance in hand from the last estimate, and the remaining £80 remains to be raised. The proposals of the Parochial Committee were approved.
MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT—The Clerk read the annual report of the Medical Officer, which we give in another column. Mr. Curtis proposed a vote of thanks to the Medical Officer for his services during the year. Mr. Coales cordially seconded the proposal. The resolution was unanimously adopted. Mr. Wyman mentioned a slight inaccuracy in the report in reference to Higham, and this was rectified. Mr. Curtis enquired whether the new houses being built at Higham were being properly connected with the sewer. Mr. Wyman said it was found very difficult to induce persons erecting buildings to give notice to the Parochial Committee before the connections were made. Everyone seemed to think he had the right to make the connection himself, the result being that they were often made in a very unsatisfactory manner. The Inspector remarked that any person making a connection was liable to a penalty, and if any case was reported to him he would take the necessary steps.
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Wellingborough News, 3rd March 1883, transcribed by Kay Collins
Wellingborough Rural Sanitary District - MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT
The following is the text of Dr. Thomas's report, read at the recent meeting of this Authority:—
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,—In presenting you with my first annual report, I have to state that in drawing it up I have followed the rules laid by the Local Government Board for the guidance of medical officers of health. I have therefore first to give a brief description of the various epidemics that have taken place in your district during the year 1882.
Small-pox—Two cases of this disease occurred— one at Rushden, and one at Wollaston. In both cases the disease was brought into your district from an external source. Both rapidly recovered, and, owing to the precautions taken, there was no spread of the disease. Each of these cases had only been vaccinated once, and then at five years of age.
Scarlet Fever—Six deaths from this disease have been registered—four at Irthlingborough, and two at Podington. The disease was very prevalent at Irthlingborough during the first three months of the year. Several grown-up people as well as children suffered from it. It has been calculated that from first to last there were altogether some 200 cases. The original infection appears to have been brought from the surrounding district. The epidemic at Podington was also a severe one. There have been outbreaks of this disease at Wollaston, Finedon, and Grendon, but no other fatal cases occurred. This disease is a serious one, more especially in its after effects, and therefore people should be very careful to isolate the sufferers as far as they possibly can. I have been informed that a girl with the rash out on her went to church in a village in your district. The evidence could not, however, have been available for the purpose of a conviction, other¬wise I should have recommended your Authority to enforce the law.
Measles—Ten deaths from this disease have been registered—three at Doddington, and two at each of the following places, viz., Earl's Barton, Higham Ferrers, and Little Harrowden, and one at Irchester. This disease was prevalent in your district during the spring and fall of the year. The outbreak during the fall of the year was the most extensive. The greatest number of cases occurred at Earl's Barton, but both at Doddington and Little Harrowden the number of cases was considerable. The constant intercourse which takes place between your villages and those of the surrounding district accounts for the way in which these infectious diseases originate. Once the disease is in a village, the difficulty, or rather impossibility, of isolating children in a small cottage, and the carelessness of some parents, who let their children play with others from an infected house, cause it to spread rapidly.
Whooping Cough—Twelve deaths from this disease have been registered—seven at Rushden, and one at each of the following places, viz., Irchester, Hinwick, Wymington, Wollaston, and Doddington. The disease has been prevalent at Rushden during the first four months of the year, and there have been a few cases during the last quarter. Some parents appear, to treat this disease with great carelessness, and take no precautions to isolate their children. They let them go about and give it to others as if it did not matter. This disease is really a serious one, both for its own dangers, and for the after effects which frequently follow it. It is highly infectious.
Typhus Fever—One death from this disease was registered as having occurred at Orlingbury. This disease is extremely rare in the country. It is my duty, however, to accept the returns that are made to me, and therefore I report the case.
Typhoid Fever— Thirteen deaths from this disease have been registered—seven at Irchester, two at Wollaston, and one at each of the following places, viz.,Wilby, Wymington, Rushden, and Great Harrowden. Of the seven deaths at Irchester, six belonged to the severe epidemic that took place in that village during the last quarter of 1881 and the first quarter of 1882. There had been one death and the disease had been in the village about six weeks before my appointment. The first cases were, I think, due to the drinking of water from a polluted well, which has since been closed. The rapid spread of the disease was caused by the general insanitary condition of things, and also by the large number of navvies who came to the village about this time, and caused overcrowding in many of the cottages. This overcrowding in several eases was extreme, outraging both the laws of health and morality. From September, 1881, to April, 1882, there were upwards of 80 cases of this fever. The first information of the outbreak of fever at Wollaston reached me through the death returns, five days after the death of the first case. I believe the first cause of the disease was due to contagion from a source outside the village. The disease, there is reason to believe, spread through the clothes of the first patient having been sent to a washerwoman's without being previously disinfected. This and the insanitary state of the yard where the clothes were washed caused it to spread in this yard. There were ten cases of the fever in all. Numerous cases of this disease have been reported to me from Rushden, and there was one outbreak of fourteen cases in Cave’s-row, particulars of which were laid before you at the time. Cases of this disease have occurred at Finedon and Wymington, due to various causes. At Wymington the cause was evidently polluted water. In¬formation of two deaths from this disease reached me through the death returns as having occurred at Wilby and Great Harrowden. I could find no cause to account for these two cases.
Diarrhoea—Eleven cases of death from this disease have been registered. Ten were in children below the age of five. Four deaths occurred at Rushden. Two at the Wymington Huts. Two at Earls Barton, and one at each of the following places viz., Bozeat, Doddington, and Great Harrowden.
In concluding this part of my report I must add that I consider that the school authorities in the various villages whenever infectious disease is known to be present should send back all children who come from an infected house until the medical attendants give their permission to go to school.
The following is a brief summary of the sanitary improvements that have taken place in your district during the year 1882:—
Scavenging—A system of sewage removal has been successfully carried out in Irchester, Rushden, Wollaston, and Earls Barton. The pail closet system carried out in the way it is now is likely to prove a success. I should never recommend your Authority to undertake the scavenging of the ordinary cesspool. To do that would certainly be no sanitary improvement. If every cottage in your district was required by law to have from eight perches to a rood of land attached to it, there would be no need for public scavenging. In the large and crowded villages in your district a uniform system of sewage removal is really required. I consider that you have adopted the simplest system and if it continues to be properly carried out it must prove conducive to the improvement of the public health. The success of the system depends entirely upon the way in which the various contracts are carried out, and for this the several Parochial Committees are responsible. I hope that the populous villages of Finedon and Irthlinghorough will soon follow the example of your other villages in adopting this system.
Drainage—The drains of Irchester have been cleaned out and some extent of new socket pipe drains have been laid down. Socket pipes should always be joined together by concrete or cement instead of clay. Five pairs of ventilating four inch iron pipes have been put into the drains of Wollaston which I think will improve the health of the village. When water rushes down a drain the sewer gas must go somewhere, and if no ventilators are provided the poisonous gas escapes into the houses. No reliance can be placed on the resisting power of traps, even the best must give way before a rush of water. This constitutes the great danger of the water carriage system of dealing with sewage, which is otherwise so convenient. Charcoal ventilators are of no use as they cannot deorderise sewer gas without impeding ventilation. Direct ventilation by means of shafts or pipes is really necessary for drains, more especially when they carry sewage matter. I look with some anxiety on two of your villages where the water carriage system of dealing with sewage is partly adopted. The drains connecting the houses with the parish drains are in many of your villages very imperfect.
House Construction—The general character of the cottages, especially those of older construction, are in many of the villages not altogether satisfactory. The newer cottages are many of them too slightly built. The builders of many of the cottages appear to have but little regard for drainage and excrement disposal. In too many houses the cottages have no ground attached to them, hence the cesspools are close to the houses and nuisances are created, with the result that the parish is called upon to remedy them, by the adoption of some system of sewage removal. Urban powers to regulate the building of new houses would be a great benefit to your district. For collections of houses having no ground for the disposal of their slops, &c., clause 15 of the Public Health Act imposes this duty on the Sanitary Authority. Neglect therefore to enforce for every new house means of disposal for its drainage recoils eventually upon the Parish. I should like to see more cottages in your district built like the cottages of Sywell, which are well constructed.
Water Analysis—In the course of the year I have analysed the water from 25 new wells, and authorised the granting of certificates to 23 of them, refusing certificates to two. There are some large arrears to be worked up, as my predecessor did nothing in this way during the last years of his hold-ing the office. I have also examined the water from 48 old wells with various results. The passing of a Bye-Law requiring wells to be dug at a proper distance from cesspools would be beneficial.
Vital Statistics—The deaths have been 369, and the births 849—males 448, females 401. Estimating the population at 23,610, will give a death rate of 15.6 per 1,000, and a birth rate of 35.9 per 1,000. The death-rate from the seven chief zymotic diseases is equal to a rate of 2.2 per 1,000. The rate of infantile mortality and children under five years of age is calculated at so much per cent, on the births or deaths. This gives the high rate of 19.0 per cent, on the births, and 43.9 per cent, on the deaths. The rate of infantile mortality is high, especially for a rural district, but it must be borne in mind that in the large villages where the people work in factories the conditions of life are much what they are in factory towns, where the rate of infantile mortality is always high. The diseases from which these children die are some of them the result of improper feeding, as marasmus, diarrhsea, &c. Others, again, die from what are probably hereditary causes, as debility from birth. This being the first annual report ever made of your district, I have no data with which to compare these rates of mortality with those of previous years. The district is divided into three sub-registration districts, viz., Higham Ferrers, with a population of 11,040; Earl's Barton, with a population of 7,315; and Finedon, with a population of 5,255. The following difference in the rates are noticeable. The death rate in the Higham Ferrers district is 17.3 per 1,000, and the birth rate 40.7 per 1,000. In the Earl's Barton district the death rate is 14.4 per 1,000, and the birth rate 32.6 per 1,000. In the Finedon district the death rate is 13.7 per 1000, and the birth rate 3.4 per 1000. The zymotic death rate in the Higham Ferrers district is 3 per 1,000; in the Earl's Barton district it is only 1.0 per 1,000; in the Finedon district it is 2.0 per 1,000. The rate of mortality in children under five years of age is in the Higham Ferrers district 20.0 per cent on the births; in the Earl's Barton district it is 17.1 per cent.; and in the Finedon district 19.3 per cent. The rate of mortality in people over 60 is 21.1 per cent. on the deaths for the whole district. For the Higham Ferrers district it is 18.3 per cent.; for the Earl's Barton district it is 26.4 per cent.; and for the Finedon district it is 20.8 per cent. There was one death above 90 years; viz., an old man of 92 years, who died at Finedon.
Enclosed are the tables of statistics required by the Local Government Board, together with the Inspectors report of the work done by him during the year. The Local Government Board also require some account of the sanitary state of the district. In the course of the past year I have had occasion to lay before you reports on the sanitary condition of Rushden, Wollaston, and Irchester. In this report I have therefore omitted these villages and have taken instead four others.
Higham Ferrers. Population 1468—Sewerage: Socket pipes drains for conveying the sewage of a number of houses. Two outfalls; one into a ditch by the roadside about 200 yards from the village, the other outfall into a narrow watercourse about 400 yards from the village. The sewers are flushed from four chambers by means of a watercart. One pair only of 4 inch pipes for ventilation. No pail closets. No scavenger. Privies. Water supply:- One public well, the water of which is doubtful. Number of private wells, the water of which is generally fairly good.
Finedon. Population 2,404—Part of village lies very low, the rest on rising ground. Sewerage; All drains empty into a narrow watercourse which runs through the village. This watercourse is arched over in part, and in part open. About 40 yards of it is made into a brick barrel drain. If this watercourse is not kept cleaned out, it becomes very stagnant in dry weather. The drains are the common stone drains. Privies with many cesspools close to the houses. A few pail closets. No scavenger at present no water closets known to exist. Water supply: 4 public wells. A number of private wells, many of them shallow. The water of some of the wells is very suspicious, but considering the site of the village is better than might be expected.
Irthlingborough. Population 2,736—Sewerage: Common stone drains. Of late years a good deal of socket pipe drains have been laid down. Five outfalls, all into the same watercourse. Privies. Many cesspools close to houses. A few pail closets. No scavenger. Water supply:—Four public wells. The water of two is good, the water of the other two is suspicious. Number of private wells.
Earl's Barton. Population 2,337—Most part of this village stands on rising ground. Sewerage: Drains. Brick barrel, and socket pipe, the latter comes from what is called New Barton, and runs right through the village. Numerous water-closets empty into this drain. No means of flushing. One pair of four inch pipes for ventilation in New Barton. Outfall into a narrow watercourse about 40 yards from houses. Other small outfalls into ditches for the drainage of small collections of houses. Number of pail closets, for which there is a scavenger. Privies. Water supply:—Four public wells in use, the water of which is good. Private wells, many of them shallow. No Artesian well in either of these villages. I believe there is not one in your district. Shoemaking is the chief trade in these villages, and there are several factories in each of them.
In concluding my report it is but right I should state that I have been indebted to your Inspector for much information concerning the sanitary state of your district. I consider your Inspector discharges his difficult duties in a thoroughly able manner. I have to apologise for the length of this report, but I could hardly make it shorter and comply with the rules laid down by the Local Government Board.
Gentlemen, I am, &c.,
J HOWELL THOMAS
Wellingborough, Feb. 19th, 1883.
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Wellingborough News, 19th May 1883, transcribed by Kay Collins
WELLINGBOROUGH RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY
The monthly meeting of this Authority was held at the Board-room of the Union Workhouse, on Wednesday last. There were present—Mr. T. S. Curtis (in the chair), Messrs. S. Shaman, W. J. Gross, J. Siddons, J. Austin, W. Maxwell, G. Wyman, J. H. Coales, H. Hutchinson, J. Parker, J. Burr, J. Ward, G. Fortescue, the Rev. T. Richards, and Mr. M. E. Sharman (clerk.)
MEDICAL OFFICER'S REFORT
The following report was submitted from Mr. J. H. Thomas, the medical officer for the district:
Irchester—On April 24th a death from diphtheria was reported to me as having occurred in this village on the 20th. I visited the house at once where this case had occurred, and found another child suffering from this disease. Diphtheria is a disease caused by drinking polluted water; also by foul smells from drains, &c. It occurs generally in damp, ill-ventilated houses.—Water Supply: This is from a surface well in the garden.
Examined it last year, and advised that it should be boiled and filtered before drinking. This is done, but there is no doubt the children drink the water from the well direct. The water is not pure, but is not so polluted as by itself to cause diphtheria or fever.—Mode of Excrement Removal: I advised last year an earth closet for this house, but it was objected to as inconvenient. A water closet, with a tank, was constructed. The tank is well-built, and is emptied once a week. I remember pointing out last year that the soil pipe which conveys the sewage from the water-closet, which is in the house, to the tank in the garden, should have a ventilating shaft. The tank also should be freely ventilated in at least two or three places. In the absence of ventilation, there must be some escape of sewer gas, however slight, into the house. Of course, there is no strong smell like there was last year, when the tank, or cesspool, had not been emptied four years. The sink pipe from the scullery leads into a drain which runs into the common slop water drain of the village. This pipe ought to fall on to an open grating outside. All drains should be trapped. In determining the cause of the first case of diphtheria in this house, I consider that it was not due to one cause, but to a variety of causes, among which the low-lying situation of the house would count. Disinfectants have been freely used. The second child is doing well. There has been no fresh case. The question of improving the water supply in the village should not be lost sight of. It would be a benefit to the village if a good spring well could be discovered in its higher part, from which water could be conveyed in iron pipes to certain places in the low-lying part of the village, where the people could go and get it. An Artesian well just outside the village, so that people who wanted pure water could go and get it, would be an improvement. In a report dated February 21st, 1882, I pointed out that the result of the water analysis of ten of the wells in the lower part of this village was unsatisfactory. I should like to see in every village one good public Artesian well just outside the village, so that it would be in no danger of pollution. Shallow surface wells in a village and near cesspools and drains, are always in danger of pollution. The number of cesspools in Irchester that have been filled up will prevent the future pollution of wells near them, but the soil has been so saturated with sewage matter that it will be some time before it gets free from it. The drains, too, will always remain a source of pollution to the wells near them.
Farndish—Several cases of measles having occurred here, I have instructed your inspector to write to the schoolmaster at Wollaston, where the children go to school, directing him to send back all the children from this small village. I hope in this way to prevent the disease from spreading to Wollaston.
NUISANCE AT IRCHESTER
In connection with the Medical Officer's report, the Sanitary Inspector (Mr. Packwood), stated that the nuisance complained of was on the vicarage premises, occupied by the Rev. E. W. Sandys-Reed. The matter first came under his (the Inspector's) notice some 12 mouths ago when fever was prevalent in the village. He then advised Mr. Sandys-Reed to have a pail closet, but a water closet, with a cess¬pool only seven or eight yards from the house, was constructed instead. He had further recommended to the rev. gentleman the advisability of discon¬necting the sink-pipe in the scullery with the drain, thus preventing any offensive smell in the house. It was resolved that Mr. Sandys-Reed be ordered to abate the nuisances complained of at once.
SCAVENGER'S CART
Communications on this subject were presented from Higham Ferrers, Rushden, and other parishes in the Union.—After a long conversation, the matter was adjourned till next meeting for further consideration. The Clerk in the meantime was asked to get reports from the Parochial Committees who had not already sent them in.
HIGHAM BOARD SCHOOLS
With reference to a nuisance alleged to exist at the Higham Ferrers Board Schools, Mr. Wyman in strong terms condemned the practice of parties making connections with the main sewer without the sanction of the local authorities. He considered that the conduct of Mr. Marriott (Highway Surveyor) in meddling with the sewer without consulting the Rural Sanitary Authority was "monstrous". Mr. Gross believed that the Highway Board was the proper body to sanction the opening of the main sewer. After some further consideration of the question, and against a warm protest from Mr. Wyman, it was resolved on the motion of Messrs. Coales and Gross to refer the matter to the consideration of Mr. Marriott, Mr. Packwood, and the Higham Ferrers Parochial Committee.
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Wellingborough News, 9th February 1884, transcribed by Kay Collins
WELLINGBOROUGH POLICE COURT
Friday, Feb. 8th.—Before Mr. F. U. Sartoris (in the chair), Mr. N. P. Sharman, Mr. C. J. K. Woolston.
CLOSE QUARTERS— Francis Collins, shoe finisher, Rushden, was charged with a breach of the Nuisances Act, at Rushden, on the 12th ult. Mr. William Packwood, inspector to the Wellingborough Rural Sanitary Authority, stated that he found the defendant, with his wife and five children, living in a shop containing only 512 cubic feet. There ought to be at least 300 cubic feet for each person. They used the room as a living, working, and sleeping room. Defendant said he had tried to get another place before, but had failed. He had now abated the nuisance and removed. The Bench inflicted a fine of 1s, and 15s. 6d. costs. If not paid in 14 days he would be sent to prison for a fortnight.
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