COUNTY COUNCIL OF DUMFRIES ANNUAL REPORT ON THE HEALTH AND SANITARY CONDITION'S OF THE COUNTY 1 95 5 DUMFRIES ; ROBERT DINWIDDIE & Co. Ltd.. PRINTERS and LITHOGRAPHERS STAFF, 1955 (1) Medical Staff. County Medical Officer and Chief Social Welfare Officer. SAMUEL KENNEDY DRAINER, m.b., ch.b., d.f.h. Depute Medical Officer of Health and School Medical Officer. JAMES DAVID RAMSAY, m.b., ch.b., d.p.h. Assistant Medical Officers and School Medical Officers. AGNES F. TURNER, m.b., ch.b., d.p.h. GORDON GRANT LINDSAY, m.b., ch.b., d.p.h. (Resigned 12/12/55). (2) Dental Staff. Chief Dental Officer. WILLIAM C. S. CHRYSTIE, l.d.s., h.f.p.s. (Glas). Dental Officers. AGNES J. DALZIEL, l.d.s., r.c.s. ROBERT CARSON, l.d.s., r.c.s. JAMES M. CRINGEAN, l.d.s., r.c.s. Dental Attendants. SUSAN R. BROWN. ISABEL M‘KNIGHT. MARION JOHNSTONE. RUTH MELVILLE (Appointed 10/1/55). (3) Laboratory Staff. Chemists. WILLIAM WILSON, f.r.i.c. (Public Analyst). JOHN PARK, b.so., f.r.i.c. (Additional Public Analyst). Laboratory Assistants. MARGARET CRAVEN. CAROL SIMMS. (4) County Nursing Staff. County Nursing Superintendent. JEMIMA EWART. Health Visitors. MARGARET B. LOCKHART. ELLEN JOHNSTONE. MARY MORRISON. Tuberculosis Health Visitor. JESSIE M. BERRY. School Health Visitors. GWENDOLINE BIGGAR (Appointed 1 P/9/55). ANNIE M'QUEEN (Appointed 19/9/55). District Nursing Sisters. JESSIE M. STEWART CHRISTINA MACDONALD JANE N. BOYD CATHERINE P. C. BANNERMAN HELEN BRINDLE (Resigned 15/3/55) ELSIE B. WOOD (Appointed 1/8/55) HELEN MACFARLANE ELIZABETH TELFORD (Resigned 2/7/55 MARTHA MOORE (Appointed 2/7/55) GEORGINA RANKIN (Appointed 2/7/55) SARAH R. YOUNG ... MARGARET GRAY ... ANNIE MACDONALD... ELLEN M'NEALL CATHERINE C. QUINN MARGARET M'KELVIE MARY J. NUTTER ... ISABEL CONNAL (Resigned 15/5/55) SARAH SCULLION (Transferred from Langholm) EMILY MURRAY MARY PAUL MARY J. MACDONALD MARY HARKNESS ... RUTH YOUNG MABEL JOHNSTONE ANNIE M‘QUEEN (Resigned 18/9/55) JESSIE S. MTVOR (Appointed 28/11/55) R. M'DOUGALL Annan. Annan. Canonbie. Carrutherstown. Dumfries Landward. Dumfries Landward. Dunscore. Eskdale. Eskdale. Eskdale. Glencairn. Hoddom. Kirkconnel. Kirkmahoe. Lochmaben. Lockerbie. Lockerbie. Eastriggs. Eastriggs. Gretna. Middlebie. Moffat. Penpont. Sanquhar. Thornhill. Tinwald. Tinwald. Wanloclchead. (6) Milk and Daisies Staff. Dairy Inspector. DONALD MACDONALD, Cert. Roy. San. Assoc. Scot. Milk Officers. STELLA M. BEATON. ELIZABETH M. HUTTON. DONALDA MACFARLANE. (6) Local Government Officers. ROBERT BELL ... ... ... Headquarters and Dumfries District. JOHN JACKSON, Cert. Roy. San. Assoc. Scot. ... ... ... Thornhill and Sanquhar Districts. HARRY W. BRYSON Annan and Gretna Districts. JAMES SIMMONS Lockerbie, Langholm and Moffat Districts. (7) Sanitary Inspectors. County Sanitary Inspector. GEORGE WILSON, Cert. Roy. San. Assoc. Scot.'C.R. (San.) I. Retired 15/8/55. WILLIAM A. DUNLOP, M.R. San. A., A.M. Inst. P.C. Appointed 1/8/55. Senior Assistant Sanitary Inspector. JOHN S. BERRY, Cert. Roy. San. Assoc. Scot. Sanitary Inspectors. WILLIAM HYSLOP, Cert. Roy. San. Assoc. Scot. ROBERT MARCHBANK, Cert. Roy. San. Assoc. Scot. JAMES MAIR, Cert. Roy. San. Assoc. Scot. WILLIAM MOLLISON, Cert. Roy. San. Assoc. Scot. IAN TAIT, Cert. Roy. San. Assoc. Scot. Meat Detention Officer. ROBERT WEIR (Appointed 24/1/55). (8) Office Staff. (a) Health Department. JANET COLLOW, Supervisor. MAISIE BOGLE, Typist. CHRISSIE MURRAY, Typist. Mrs H. STEELE. Mrs D. RICHARDSON, Typist. Mrs M. BURGESS, Typist (Resigned 16/12/55). JESSIE NEWALL, Typist. Mrs M. M'DOWALL, Typist (Resigned 15/11/55). MARGO ANDERSON, Typist. LORRAINE GUMMING, Typist (Appointed 15/11/55). DOROTHY DICKSON, Typist (Appointed 16/12/55). Welfare Foods Distributor. Mrs J. BIRRELL (Resigned 1/5/55). DOREEN GARDINER (Appointed 2/5/55). (Resigned 15/10 55). GRACE DRYSDALE (Appointed 15/10/55). (b) Social Welfare Department. MARGARET M'KINNELL, Typist. (c) Laboratories. Mrs J. SCOTT, Typist. To The Department of Health for Scotland. The County Council of Dumfries. Ladies and Gentlemen, I submit herewith the Annual Report on the Health and Sanitary Conditions of the County for year ended 31st December, 1955. There is included a Report on the School Health Service for the year ended 31st July, 1955, and Reports by the County and Burgh Sanitary Inspectors. I should like to record my gratitude to members of the County Council for their continued interest and to the staff of the Health Department for their loyal service during the year. 1 am, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, S. K. DRAINER, Ccmnty Medical Officer. County Buildings, Dumfries, Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 with funding from Wellcome Library https://archive.org/details/b28649825 INDEX. Vital Statistics Medical Services— Tuberculosis ... National Health Service Act, 1947— Care of Mothers and Young Children Domiciliary Midwifery Health Visiting Home Nursing Vaccination and Immunisation Prevention, Care and After-care ... Mental Health National Assistance Act, 1948— Social Welfare Blind Persons Milk Supplies Chemical Laboratory School Health Service School Dental Service Page ... 1 ... 5 ... 6 ... 8 ... 10 ... 10 ... 11 ... 11 ... 13 ... 14 ... 14 ... 15 ... 18 ... 20 ... 36 Sanitary Department— Page Housing ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 42 Housing Acts ... ... ... ... ... ... 44 The Housing (Scotland) Acts, 1950 and 1952 ... ... 47 Plans ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 47 Housing (Repairs and Rents) (Scotland) Act, 1954 ... 48 The Provision of Sanitary Facilities ... ... ... 49 Water Supplies ... ... ... ... ... ... 49 Drainage ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 50 Tents, Vans, and Sheds ... ... ... ... ... 50 Seasonal Workers ... ... ... ... ... ... 50 Factories Acts, 1937-48 ... ... ... ... ... 51 Meat Inspection ... ... ... ... ... ... 51 Public Slaughterhouses ... ... ... ... ... 51 Private Slaughterhouses ... ... ... ... ... 52 Unsound Food ... ... ... ... ... ... 53 Meat Stores ... ... ... ... ... ... 54 Offensive Trades ... ... ... ... ... ... 54 Verminous Persons and Houses 55 Dirty Houses ... ... ... ... ... ... 55 Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949 56 Nuisances 56 Ice Cream (Scotland) Regulations, 1948 ... ... ... 57 Small Burghs— Annan ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 58 Lockerbie ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 59 Langholm ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 61 Lochmaben ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 63 Moffat ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 66 Sanquhar ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 67 REPORT VITAL STATISTICS. Dumfriesshire Scotland 1954 1955 1955 Population . . . 60,976 60,397 — Marriage rate ... 7.0 9.5 8.4 Birth rate 17.1 16.5 18.0 Illegitimate births 4.3 5.9 4.3 Still birth rate 18 28 24.6 Death rate 11.1 11.1 12.0 Infant mortality rate 29 24 30 Tuberculosis death rate 0.05 0.13 0.19 Infectious Diseases death rate 0.07 0.03 0.05 Population. The Registrar-General’s estimate of the population in the County Landward and Small Burghs at the middle of 1955 is as follows :— (a) County Landward ... 44,675 (b) Small Burghs—Annan 4,929 Sanquhar ... 2,498 Lochmaben 1,180 Lockerbie 2,651 Moffat 2,086 Langholm 2,378 Total 60,397 This is a decrease of 597 as compared with the estimate for 1954. Marriages. Five hundred and seventy-six marriages were registered, giving a marriage rate of 9.5 per 1,000 of the estimated population. 2 Births. The births, corrected for transfers, were :— Total Male Female Illegitimate (a) County Landward (b) Small Burghs :— 734 358 376 51 Annan 88 40 48 2 Sanquhar... 57 34 23 3 Lochmaben 22 10 12 1 Lockerbie 40 26 14 1 Moffat 27 18 9 — Langholm 31 21 10 1 Total 999 507 492 59 The birth-rate of 16.5 is 0.6 lower than the figure recorded in 1954. The decennial averages since 1900 have been :— 1901-1910 23.43 1911-1920 22.04 1921-1930 21.50 1931-1940 15.96 1941-1950 17.99 1951 16.7 1952 16.6 1953 16.4 1954 17.1 1955 16.5 Illegitimate Births. The illegitimate births amounted to 5.9 per cent, of the total number of births. Still Births. There were 29 still-births, giving a still-birth rate of 28 per 1,000 total births. Deaths. There were 735 deaths (357 males, 378 females) during the year. The death rate, adjusted for age and sex distribution, was The decennial averages since 1900 are as follows :— 1901-1910 15.24 1911-1920 13.09 1921-1930 12.0 1931-1940 12.6 1941-1950 11.6 1951 11.3 1952 10.2 1953 10.0 1954 11.1 1955 11.1 The causes of death in the various age groups are shown in the following table :— Cause of Death Respiratory tuberculosis Meningococcal infections Other infectious diseases Cancer, malign ant tumours Tumours, non-malignant Diabetes mellitus Anaemias Other general diseases ... Cerebral haemorrhage Other diseases of nervous system Chronic rheumatic heart disease Arteriosclerotic and degenerative heart disease Other diseases of heart ... Hypertension with heart disease Hypertension without heart dis- ease Other circulatory disease Influenza Pneumonia Bronchitis... Other respiratory diseases Gastric and duodenal ulcer Appendicitis Intestinal obstruction and hernia Gastritis Diarrhoea Cirrhosis of liver ... Nephritis and nephrosis Hyperplasia of prostate Other diseases of genito-urinary system Diseases of skin and organs of locomotion Congenital malformations Birth injuries, post-natal asphyxia and atelectasis ... Pneumonia of new-born Other infections of the new-born Other diseases peculiar to early infancy Senility Causes ill-defined and unknown Suicide Motor vehicle accidents Other road transport accidents Other violence All Ages Under 4 wks. 4 wks. to 11 mths. 1- 5- 10-15-25-35-45- I LJ 55-65-,75- 1 85 and over 8 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 ] 3 1 ... 1 ... 1 128 2 i 1 ... 3 9 17 16 41 31 7 3 1 1 1 9 ... 2 7 ... 1 3 3 5 1 1 2 1 115 8 38 46 16 10 1 1 1 1 ... 1 1 3 1 10 1 1 2 3 2 1 227 ... 1 2 1" 30 70 74 33 10 9 5 1 9 19 9 1 4 10 2 8 1 l o , 31 9 1 8 11 9 1 1 28 3 1 "l i 2 ... 5 13 2 16 ... 1 5 5“ 9 3 5 ... 1 i 9 1 4 ::: ... 1 i i 1 3 i i 1 5 1 1 i 9 1 1 1 1 2 i i 10 i 1 i 1 o 9 2 4 i i 1 i 6 ... 1 1 2 i , J 2 ... 1 ... 1 2 1 i ... 1 1 1 1 " j 5 5 8 3 1 , 3 3 12 1 2 1 3 3 i 1 1 17 i 3 i 2 1 3 3 3 735 15 9 5 3 5 6 12 22 58 91 199 223 87 Deaths from all causes ... Infantile Mortality. Of the 735 deaths, 24 were of children under the age of one year. This gives an infant mortality rate of 24 per 1,000 live births. Fifteen of the deaths took place during the first month of life. The decennial averages of the infant mortality rate in Dumfriesshire since the beginning of the century are as follows :— 1901-1910 94 1911-1920 83 1921-1930 72 1931-1940 69 1941-1950 51 1951 45 1952 24 1953 22 1954 29 1955 24 Deaths from Tuberculosis. Eight persons (3 males, 5 females), died of respiratory tuberculosis during the year. There were no deaths from non- respiratory forms of the disease. The decennial averages for Dumfriesshire since 1900 are as follows :— 1901-1910 1911-1920 1921-1930 1931-1940 1941-1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 Deaths from Cancer. There were 128 deaths from cancer (58 males, 70 females), as compared with 115 in the previous year. 2.76 1.38 0.99 0.59 0.47 0.17 0.10 0.15 0.05 0.13 General. It is inevitable that there will be some variation from year to year in an area of the size of Dumfriesshire because of the relatively small numbers involved. Nevertheless, although the figures given are in some instances less favourable than the corresponding figures for the previous year, it may be concluded that the health of the population in Dumfriesshire during 1955 was most satisfactory. NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE (SCOTLAND) ACT, 1947. Part III. 1. Care of Mothers and Young Children. (a) Expectant and Nursing Mothers. Ante-natal care was given in domiciliary cases by the district nursing sisters under the general supervision of the family practitioner. Ante-natal care was afforded to 208 mothers, and 729 visits were paid to them by the district nursing sisters who subsequently attended the births as maternity nurses. The ante-natal clinics continue to be well attended and, as in previous years, all the mothers attending had elected to be confined in hospital. The numbers of attendances at the various clinics are shown in the following table :— Ante-natal Post-natal First visits Subsequent visits Total First visits Subsequent visits Total Annan ... 152 429 581 68 6 74 Langholm ... 26 72 98 34 1 35 Kelloholm ... j 125 491 616 98 4 102 Totals for 1955 30.1 992 1295 200 11 211 Totals for 1954 1 1 324 965 1289 203 49 252 During 1955 the County Council accepted financial responsi- bility for the maintenance of 4 unmarried mothers who were admitted for confinement to a Mother and Baby Home in Glasgow. Maternity outfits were issued free of charge to all women being confined at home. (b) Child Welfare. There was no change in the arrangements for child welfare. The attendances at the various clinics are shown in the following table :— CHILD WELFARE CLINICS. Clinic First visits Subsequent visits Total Town Hall, Annan 116 1052 1168 Episcopal Hall, Gretna 63 522 585 Nelson Institute, Eastriggs 72 853 925 Thomas Hope Hospital, Lang- holm. 86 965 1051 Masonic Hall, Lockerbie 104 784 888 The Institute, Sanquhar 55 600 655 *St. Conal’s Church Hall, Kirk- connel. 10 80 90 Shopping Centre, Kelloholm ... 301 1354 1655 Catherinefield School, Dumfries 55 268 323 Totals for 1955 ... 862 6478 7340 Totals for 1954 ... 756 5787 6543 *Kirkconnel Clinic discontinued—June, 1955. It was not possible during the year to make any arrange- ments for the dental care of expectant and nursing mothers, or for pre-school children. (c) Distribution of Welfare Foods. Two more distributing centres were begun during the year, so that now welfare foods are obtainable at 31 points throughout the County. Except at three centres, distribution is made by voluntary workers and, as before, considerable quantities of welfare foods are dispatched by post from the County Buildings. The amounts of foods distributed during the year, were as follows :— National dried milk ... ... 39,498 tins Cod liver oil ... ... ••• 4,842 bottles Vitamin tablets ... ... ••• 1,181 bottles Orange juice ... ... ••• 21,112 bottles Much credit is due to the voluntary workers who undertake the distribution of welfare foods. Were it not for their industry and patience, this very important service would cease to be conveniently available to a large proportion of families in the County. No developments have taken place that would require the comments made in the Report for 1954 to be altered. 2. Domiciliary Midwifery. Domiciliary midwifery continues to be practised by all the Council’s district nursing sisters and in Wanlockhead by the district nursing sister employed by Lanark County Council and residing at Leadhills. In terms of the Midwives (Scotland) Act, 1915, the county nursing superintendent acts as non-medical supervisor of mid- wives, responsible to the County Medical Officer. Official inspection of records, equipment and conduct of cases of each midwife was made during the year. No infringement of the rules of the Central Midwives’ Board was noted. There were no cases in which medical aid was summoned during the year under Section 14(1) of the Midwives (Scotland) Act, 1951. The number of births occurring in the area was 369. Of these 264 took place at home and 105 in hospital or nursing home. The following table shows the nature of attendance at the domicil- iary confinements :— O .2 CD $d ® 5.2 § 08° O rd CO CO co <M © 9 ^ O o '—- ^ -P TJ ® O © £.2 g> ‘g gP | o d 73 a © 73 -£ t § d d § * a 73 rj © §S,8| Q cj id y &b ^ q a p-8 © CO CO co co Ol K^i A .13 © o ■ (7 © 73 .© <J cS fl © O 5 73 © 73 © © CD >> O O r£ s bo.® §5 s ©o ® >.g s 73 © > 73 .3 .2 43 o CO 2 cO > ’E pH GQ w 43 o H Seventy-three per cent, of the 999 births assigned to Dum- friesshire took place in hospital and 27 per cent, were domiciliary births. All the district nursing sisters are qualified to administer gas and air analgesia. Dining the year gas and air analgesia was administered to 102 women in labour, and analgesia by pethidene to 55 others. During the year three district nursing sisters attended a refresher course for midwives and district nurses held at Edinburgh. 3. Health Visiting. There was no alteration during the year in the arrangements for health visiting. Home visitations made by the health visitors are classified as follows :— Expectant mothers :— First visits Total visits Children under 1 year First visits Total visits Children 1-5 years :— First visits Total visits Patients over 65 years :— First visits Total visits 208 729 1,230 12,295 1,498 14,008 430 1,298 4. Home Nursing. The details of home nursing visits are shown in the following table :— Number of cases attended by Number of home nurses visits paid Home nurses employed directly 2848 32207 5. Vaccination and Immunisation. (a) Vaccination against Smallpox. The following table details the vaccinations reported during 1955 :— Age No. vaccinated for the first time Re-vaccinations Typical No reaction Typical No reaction Under I year 338 9 4 1—4 years 263 13 3 ... 5—15 years ... 10 6 15 years and over 13 62 10 (b) Immunisation against Diphtheria. During the year 1,053 children were fully immunised against diphtheria and 1,307 received maintenance inoculations when they entered school for the first time. (c) Vaccination against Whooping Cough and Tetanus. All children fully immunised against diphtheria during the year also received whooping cough prophylactic and tetanus toxoid. 6. Prevention, Care and After-care. Infectious Diseases. During the year 203 notifications of infectious disease were received. Particulars of these notifications are given in the accompanying table, together with the corresponding figures for the past nine years. The year has been quite remarkable for the low incidence of infectious disease. Two persons died of the principal epidemic diseases, one from cerebro-spinal meningitis and one from dysentery. The relative freedom from infectious diseases which Dum- friesshire, along with all other areas in Scotland, has enjoyed for some years, can be appreciated by comparing the position with that obtaining only twenty years ago. In 1935, 28 persons died of the principal epidemic diseases and 41 from tuberculosis. Infectious Diseases. 'Rox i* co h r. :i r, r. c n 10 q to ci r. o r: r. x c w fi -r «r « ic :ki •q^noo-Smdooq^w c* t*- x , X C •jqag^ ^uBfnpUjQ •J0A9^ piOqcLfy'BJB(J •j0A0jj pioqd^x * A j'BUOitqnd-nojsQ;—sisoj n o Joqnj, 'M 'M —I — < —< •iCjBUOiiqnj;—siso{noj0qnx -f t' O M O X t' M -« ?1 lOaxOiO’T^'^CX •J0A0X ^0{JBOg « M X t- X f C O X t' ^co^xic-'C'i^cr: ^BJ0dj0nj *j0A0jj {Bjodjonj •0^noy—si^poiCmopox . ^ •Xjbuitjx 0^noy—'Biuoran0u<j OOH-OiC^OC'j1 CC W «« N N - •['Bzuongui 0^noy—Biuotxmouj O Tf ^ — <N •uinjo^Buoo^; 'Binq'Bq^qdQ *0Aicj.00jiij o^noy—ooipuriBf* *SBI0dlS^Jg[ xxxwco^oicc:. *,BDi8jBq^0rj si^qBqdoou^ *Xj0^U08^Q -'rfHWTtTj'NCCC <N t"» CO CO CO fN I CO 00 00 «-H •BUoq^qdtQ I r* ~ •joaojJ iT?indg-ojq0j03 CS o »-0 C50C5C3C5C0C5C5C5 There were no less than 674 notifications of infectious diseases, including 376 of scarlet fever, 79 of diphtheria and 119 of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis. The striking feature in regard to tuberculosis was the low incidence of the disease as shown by the number of notifications received—and this in spite of the fact that increasingly active measures were employed to seek out cases of tuberculosis, especially amongst the contacts of those found suffering from the disease. M. F. Total. Number of cases notified as suffering from respiratory tuberculosis ... 19 13 32 Number of cases notified as suffering from non- respiratory tuberculosis ... 2 6 8 21 19 40 Cases admitted to hospital (respiratory) 14 14 28 Number of deaths (respiratory) 3 5 8 Number of respiratory cases on register 175 242 417 Number of non-respiratory cases on register 17 33 50 Patients visited by Health Visitor ... ... ... ... 268 Patients re-visited by Health Visitor ... ... ... 1076 The practice of offering B.C.G. vaccination to certain groups of the population was continued during the year. The particulars are given in the following table :— Group Tuberculin Tested Negative Reactors Vaccinated during 1955 M. F. M. F. M. F' Nurses ... 3 2 2 Contacts ... | 28 30 22 26 23 18 School leavers 312 347 245 276 245 276 7. Mental Health. During the year 8 persons were admitted to mental hospitals at the instance of the authorised officers. There is one boarded- out lunatic in the area supervised by officers of the County Council as agents of the Regional Hospital Board. Three mental defective patients were admitted to certified institutions during the year. Seven defectives are boarded-out in Dumfriesshire, and one is under guardianship outwith the County. Twenty-four mental defectives whose ordinary residence is in Dumfriesshire, are presently cared for in certified institutions. NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948. 1. Social Welfare. The following table shows the particulars of persons afforded residential accommodation during the year :— Rowantree Not wen Benreay House House M. F. C. M. F. C. M. F. Number of residents at 1/1/55 Number of admissions during the 15 14 15 12 ... 4 6 year 21 12 1 7 10 ... 4 7 Number of discharges during the year 19 8 1 ii 9 ... 3 3 Number of residents at 31/12/55 ... 17 18 11 13 ... 5 10 2. Blind Persons. During the year 9 new cases of blindness were certified. The total number of blind persons on the register at the end of the year was 84 (40 males, 44 females). These cases may be classified as follows :— At school in a Blind Institution ... 1 Employed in Workshops for the Blind 2 Employed as “Home Workers” ... 4 Undergoing industrial training ... 1 Not available for employment, i.e., housewives, etc. ... ... ... 53 Not capable of work ... ... ... 23 Total ... ... ... 84 MILK SUPPLIES. 1. Milk and Dairies (Scotland) Act, 1914. The total amount of milk produced in the County during the year was 20,413,391 gallons. Of this amount 98.94% was “Tuberculin Tested” milk. The percentage last year was 99.13%. The slight drop this year is probably due to the “Tuberculin Tested” dairies which ceased milk production during the year. Twenty-eight plans were examined in connection with the construction of new dairy premises and reconditioning of existing ones. Twelve entirely new dairy farms were registered, and fifteen “Tuberculin Tested” dairies ceased milk production during the year. The total number of producing dairies in the County at the end of the year was 850, made up of 4 “Certified” dairies, 835 “Tuberculin Tested” (five less than last year), and 11 “Ordin- ary.” The “Ordinary” dairies, which amount to 1.29% of the total dairies in the County, all comply with the requirements of the dairy bye-laws. There are now 141 producing dairies using mechanical coolers, as against 137 last year. Most of these coolers are of the chilled water type, although there are also quite a few direct expansion coolers in use. The real benefit of using a mechanical cooler is appreciated by most dairy farmers, but unfortunately the high cost of such plant seems to be the main factor in pre- venting their general use. 1,871 visits were made to dairy farms during the year, as follows :— Milk (Spec. Des.) Scottish Milk Routine Structural Orders Testing Scheme Miscellaneous 502 283 645 280 161 The three creameries in the County operated satisfactorily, but much is left to be desired in the sterilising of road tankers. The final hypochlorite rinse appears to be, in most cases, merely a token attempt at sterilising. 2. Retail Milk Samples. Eighty-nine samples of retail milk were taken during the year and 13 (15%) of these proved unsatisfactory bacteriologically. Ten retailers were concerned with these unsatisfactory samples. There are 33 retailers in the County, 4 of whom hold ‘‘Certified” licences. Sterility rinses taken of milk bottles in use at retail premises all proved satisfactory. 3. Milk in Schools Scheme. Two hundred and sixty-five samples of school milk were taken and 52 (20%) were found to be unsatisfactory bacteriolo- gically. Six retailers were concerned with these unsatisfactory samples, and investigations following each unsatisfactory sample showed in practically every case that it was unsatisfactory incoming milk from the farm that was the cause of the trouble. 4. Scottish Milk Testing Scheme. The number of notifications from creameries as to milk supplies failing tests under the scheme was 519. Last year the figure was 175. The long, warm summer no doubt had a bearing on the rise in the number of notifications this year, but lack of uniformity in the rejection by creameries of unsatisfactory incoming milk, could also have had some bearing. The number of notifications in their various categories from each creamery is shown in the following table :— Creamery Weekly Tests Platform Tests Total 2nd 3rd 4th Carnation Milk Factory 182 71 32 25 310 Lockerbie Creamery 30 6 92 128 Sanquhar Creamery ... ... 13 1 30 44 Cowhill Creamery 21 5 1 27 Murchie’s Creamery ... 2 O Edinburgh and Dumfriesshire Dairy Company 5 1 •> 8 Other Creameries ... Totals 251 84 33 151 519 5. Milk and Dairies (Scotland) Order, 1934. The attention of a number of producers was again drawn do the defective and unsatisfactory condition of lids on their milk churns used for the consignment of milk for sale. 6. Milk (Special Designations) (Scotland) Orders, 1951-52. Sixty-two producers’ “Tuberculin Tested” licences were granted during the year. Of these, 18 were new farmers taking over farms where the previous producer had held a “Tuberculin Tested” licence, and 29 were merely changes in the name of the licensed producer. One “Certified” licence was given up and a “Tuberculin Tested” licence issued in its place. Thus 14 entirely new “Tuberculin Tested” licences were granted. These were made up of 2 “Ordinary” dairies upgraded to “Tuberculin Tested” and 12 new dairies which, after complying with the required conditions, went on to “Tuberculin Tested” milk production. Four thousand six hundred and fifty-nine milk samples were taken during the year, of which 33 were qualifying samples from producers applying for licences under the Milk (Special Designations) Orders, and 4,626 were of “Tuberculin Tested” milk. The number of unsatisfactory samples was 819 or 17. 5% of the total number taken. The number of farmers concerned with the unsatisfactory milk samples was 531, of which 226 had only one unsatisfactory sample. Three hundred and twenty-two producers had no unsatisfactory samples. The number of samples which failed owing to the presence of coliform bacteria only was 499. Sixty-six sterility rinses of dairy utensils were taken during the year. These rinses prove very useful and in many cases pin- point the trouble in connection with unsatisfactory milk samples. The following table shows the samples taken during each month and the samples which proved unsatisfactory. Month Samples taken Samples unsatisfactory' January 426 50 February 323 27 March 507 46 April ... 405 50 May ... 378 42 June ... 406 74 July 342 173 August 345 145 September ... 315 72 October 364 62 November ... 413 48 December 435 30 Sixty-two producers were reported in connection with unsatisfactory milk samples and methods of production. Each case was considered by the appropriate committee of the County Council. The licence of one producer was suspended for a period of one month. The others were warned that, in the event of further unsatisfactory milk samples being obtained or other evidence of unsatisfactory methods of production, their licence would be suspended or revoked. 7. Biological Testing of Milk. This testing is confined mainly to milk which is used for retail purposes, and for school milk. The milk is examined for the presence of tubercle bacilli, and all 56 samples examined during the year gave negative results. CHEMICAL LABORATORY. During the year a total of 3,184 samples were submitted for examination at the chemical laboratory. Details of the nature- and sources of these are given in the following table :— o E-* CO o TH <M o 02 o o 00 co CO CO CO (M 1—1 '“H CO S o X w © c3 2 > c © * 02 © bC C a © £ £ © £J~ 02 w .g c3 o CO £ § uo rt< <M CO 00 CO S rp 73 f S S 5 £ o 00 *2 CC C3 tt O 1 CO SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE Report for Year ended 31st July, 1955. 1. List of Staff. See beginning of this Report. 2. General Statistics. Population of the County and Small Burghs Population of the Burgh of Dumfries Number of Schools :— (a) Primary schools ) „ , •. ' ' . , , - under Education Authority (b) Secondary schools J (c) (i) Special schools ... (ii) Special classes in ordinary schools (d) In receipt of grant from Education Authority (e) Nursery schools ... ... ... (f) Occupation Centre ... (g) Barony Farm School Number of children on the registers Number of children in average attendance 60,976 26,320 86 0 3 1 2 1 1 14,576 13.169 3. Sanitary Conditions of Schools. The following improvements have been carried out during the year:— Tarmacadam has been laid on ten play-grounds. Electricity has been provided in one school. One school has been provided with a shelter. Terracing has been removed from three classrooms. Water closet pans have been renewed in one school, and modern wash-hand basins fitted in two schools. Central heating has been installed in one school and renewal of heating boiler in another. During the past five years all one-teacher schools have been refurnished with modern seating. 4. Organisation and Administration. The organisation and administration have not altered from last year, except for the introduction of B.C.G. vaccination which will now be offered each year to school children of the 13-years old age group. 5. The Findings at Medical Inspection. A total of 8,856 children were medically examined during the school year, as follows :— Systematic examination of age groups ... 3,996 Other systematic examinations 285 Special cases seen at routine visits 230 Special cases seen at special visits 126 Re-inspection of children found to have defects at previous examinations ... 4,219 Systematic examinations of age groups numbered thirty fewer than last year, but there were forty-five more children examined under the heading “other systematic examinations.” Attendance of parents. 1954-55. 1953-54. Entrants 79.36% 80.0% 2nd age group 19.38% 17.7% 3rd age group 1.12% 1-2% 4th age group — — Other systematic examinations 11.23% 9.3% Colthing—unsatisfactory :— Boys ... 1 (0.05%) 1 (0.05%) Girls ... 4 (0.20%) 2 (0.1%) Footgear—unsatisfactory :— Boys ... 2 (0.10%) — Girls — — Uncleanliness :— (a) Head (dirty) :— Boys .. 14 (0.70%) 2 (0.09%) Girls .. 1 (0.05%) — Head (verminous) :— Boys .. 5 (0.25%) 11 (0.52%) Girls .. 37 (1.86%) 60 (3.11%) (b) Body (dirty) Boys .. 5 (0.25%) 6 (0.28%) Girls .. 2 (0.10%) 2 (0.10%) Body (verminous) :— Boys — — Girls — — While two of the categories under the heading ‘Uncleanliness” show figures which are worse than those of the previous year, the total number of children in all categories (64) compares satis- factorily with the previous total (81). This finding is in keeping with the slow but steady improvement which is taking place in the matter of personal hygiene. Skin. {a) Head :— Ringworm ... ... Boys 1 (0.05%) — Girls — — Impetigo ... Boys 4 (0.20%) 4 (0.19%) Girls 3 (0.15%) — Other diseases ... Boys 4 (0.20%) 15 (0.72%) Girls 4 (0.20%) 8 (0.41%) i(b) Body :— Ringworm ... ... Boys — 2 (0.09%) Girls 1 (0.05%) 1 (0.05%) Impetigo ... Boys 3 (0.15%) 3 (0.14%) Girls 1 (0.05%) 3 (0.15%) Scabies ... Boys — — Girls 1 (0.05%) 2 (0.10%) Other diseases ... Boys 32 (1.60%) 42 (2.01%) Girls 35 (1.76%) 42 (2.18%) As the term “Other Diseases” embraces a multiplicity of skin conditions, some of a trivial nature such as warts and some of a chronic nature such as psoriasis, no major importance can be attached to the figures concerned. In the infectious conditions (ringworm, impetigo and scabies), the numbers remain low and •comparatively static. Nutritional State :— Slightly defective ... Boys 141 (7.03%) 150 (7.16%) Girls 168 (8.44%) 142 (7.38%) Bad ... ... Boys — 1 (0.05%) Girls — — There is no yard-stick by which a child's nutritional standard ■can be assessed, and the figures given above are merely a reflection of what each individual medical officer visualises as the norm. The percentages of children estimated as having slightly defective nutrition have been fairly constant during the last five years, fluctuating between 7% and 10%. Mouth and Teeth :— Unhealthy ... ... Bovs 6 (0.30%) 16 (0.75%) Girls 8 (0.40%) 10 (0.51%) These figures apply to conditions, other than dental caries, which require treatment. Naso-pharynx. (a) Nose :— Obstruction requiring observation :— Boys 47 (2.33%) Girls 25 (1.26%) Obstruction requiring operation :— Boys 24 (1.20%) Girls 22 (1.10%) Other conditions ... Boys — Girls 2 (0.10%) ^b) Throat :— Tonsils requiring observation :— Boys 79 (3.94%) Girls 98 (4.92%) Tonsils requiring operation :— Boys 34 (1.70%) Girls 37 (1.86%) (c) Glands :— Requiring observation :— Boys 5 (0.25%) Girls 8 (0.40%) Requiring operation :— Boys — Girls 2 (0.10%) Eyes. (a) External Diseases :— Blepharitis ... ... Boys 14 (0.70%) Girls 16 (0.80%) Conjunctivitis ... Boys 5 (0.25%) Girls 5 (0.25%) Corneal opacities ... Boys — Girls 2 (0.10%) Strabismus ... ... Boys 39 (1.95%) Girls 60 (3.01%) ... Boys 13 (0.65%) Girls 8 (0.40%) 52 (2.49%) 38 (1.97%) 56 (1.87%) 36 (2.05%) 6 (0.28%) 10 (0.51%) 144 (6.87%) 142 (7.38%) 63 (3.01%) 56 (2.90%) 7 (0.33%) 6 (0.31%) 13 (0.61%) 11 (0.57%) 4 (0.19%) 5 (0.25%) 3 (0.14%) 1 (0.05%) 40 (1.91%) 46 (2.38%) 7 (0.33%) 7 (0.36%) Other diseases (b) Visual Acuity :— Fair ... . Boys 423 (20.81%) 487 (23.26%) Girls 443 (22.69%) 482 (25.03%) Bad ... . Boys 66 (3.25%) 34 (1.67%) Girls 51 (2.61%) 55 (2.85%) Recommended for refraction :— Boys 91 (4.48%) 65 (3.10%) Girls 95 (4.86%) 95 (4.93%) Observations regarding sight-testing are contained in Appendix 1. Ears. (a) Diseases :— Otorrhoea ... . Boys 2 (0.10%) 6 (0.28%) Girls 5 (0.25%) 4 (0.20%) Other diseases . Boys — 2 (0.09%) Girls 2 (0.10%) 4 (0.20%) (b) Defective hearing :— Grade I. . Boys 2 (0.10%) 5 (0.24%) Girls 4 (0.20%) 4 (0.20%) Grade Ila. ... . Boys — 1 (0.05%) Girls 1 (0.05%) — Grade lib . Bovs — 1 (0.05%) Girls — 1 (0.05%) Grade III . Boys — — Girls — — Remarks on the ascertainment of deafness are contained in Appendix II. Speech. Defective articulation Boys 7 (0.35%) 14 (0.66%) Girls 4 (0.20%) 5 (0.25%) Stammering . Boys 3 (0.15%) 6 (0.28%) Girls 2 (0.10%) — The incidence of speech defects among the school population is without doubt higher than the above figures would indicate. The only practical way of dealing effectively with these cases would be by the services of a full-time speech therapist. Mental and Nervous Conditions. During the past year sixty-six mental tests were carried out on individual children by the school medical officers. The number of children who attended the Child Guidance Clinic was 432. Circulatory System. (a) Organic heart disease :— (1) Congenital Boys 2 (0.10%) 2 (0.09%) Girls 9 (0.45%) 3 (0.15%) (2) Acquired Boys 5 (0.25%) 5 (0.24%) Girls 5 (0.25%) 4 (0.20%) (b) Functional conditions :— Boys 28 (1.40%) 29 (1.43%) Girls 23 (1.16%) 44 (2.28%) (c) Anaemia Boys 4 (0.20%) 2 (0.09%) Girls 4 (0.20%) •2 (0.10%) No comment is necessary on the figures for heart conditions. Lungs. (a) Chronic bronchitis :— Boys 3 Girls 3 (b) Suspected tuberculosis :— Boys 5 Girls 2 (c) Other diseases ... Boys 19 Girls 7 Deformities. (0.15%) (0.15%) (0.25%) (0.10%) (0.95%) (0.35%) 4 (0.19%) 4 (0.20%) 1 (0.05%) 36 (1.72%) 25 (1.45%) Congenital ... ... Boys 11 (0.55%) Girls 11 (0.55%) Acquired (infantile paralysis) :— Boys 4 (0.20%) Girls 3 (0.15%) Acquired (probably rickets) :— Boys 6 (0.30%) Girls 3 (0.15%) Acquired (other causes) :— Boys 10 (0.50%) Girls 4 (0.20%) 14 (0.66%) 9 (0.46%) 3 (0.14%) 3 (0.15%) 8 (0.38%) 3 (0.15%) 9 (0.42%) 13 (0.67%) There has been a slight improvement in the figures for the sub-group “Other Causes.” The remaining figures show little change. Infectious Disease :— Boys Girls 4 (0.20%) 3 (0.14%) 3 (0.15%) Other Diseases or Defects :— Boys 41 (2.04%) 44 (2.0%) Girls 33 (1.66%) 46 (2.38%) No particular significance can be attached to these figures which include a variety of conditions not classified under the headings already listed. General Statement of Defects. In Table III. it will be noted that 69.22% of children examined systematically are classified as “free from defects." The comparable figure for the previous year was 63.67%, indica- ting that there has been a slight improvement in the level of well- being of children in attendance at school. STATISTICAL TABLES. Table 1. Total number of children examined at :— A. Systematic examinations :— Boys. Girls. Total. Entrants 786 800 1586 Second age group 577 563 1140 Third age group 588 570 1158 Fourth age group 54 58 112 2005 1991 3996 Other systematic examinations (i.e., children missed at age group but subsequently examined systematically) :— Boys. Girls. Total. 127 158 285 B. Other examinations :— (1) Special cases seen at routine visits ... ... 230 Special cases seen at special visits ... ... 126 Number of special visits ... ... ... ... 129 (2) Re-inspections by school medical officers :— For defects ... ... ... ... ... 4219 For uncleanliness ... ... ... ... 402 The number of individual children inspected at systematic examinations who were notified to parents as requiring treatment :— Entrants Second age group ... Third age group Fourth age group ... 109 39 12 11 171 Total number notified for uncleanliness 23 Visits by Health Visitors and District Nursing Sisters. Every child in attendance at school in the education area was inspected on one occasion at least during the school year. The total number of children so inspected was 35,479. Visits to schools numbered 777 and a total of 1,456 home visits were made. Table II.—Systematic Return of Number and Percentage of Individual Nature of Defect. Total examined at all ages 3996 Entrants Boys 786 Girls 800 No. % No. % L. Clothing Unsatisfactory ... 1 0.13 1 0.13 !. Footgear Unsatisfactory 1 0.13 . Unoleanlinkss :— (a) Head—Dirty ... 9 1.14 ... Nits or Vermin ... 2 0.25 9 1.13 (b) Body—Dirty ... 3 0.39 ... ... ] Verminous ... ... ... j i. Skin :— (a) Head—Ringworm ... ... Impetigo 2 0.25 2 0.25 Other Diseases 1 0.13 i 0.13 (b) Body—Ringworm ... Impetigo 1 0.13 i 0.13 Scabies ... Other Diseases 19 2.42 14 1.75 >. Nutritional State :— Slightly defective 75 9.56 88 11.00 Bad ... ... 1 ». Mouth and Teeth Unhealthy ... 2 0.25 4 0.5 f. Naso-Pharynx :— (a) Nose— i. Obstruction requiring observation 40 5.07 22 2.75 ii. Obstruction (probably adenoids) requiring operation 23 2.93 21 2.63 iii. Other conditions ... 2 0.25 (b) Throat— i. Tonsils requiring observation 66 8.39 78 9.75 i ii. Tonsils requiring operation 29 3.70 32 4.00 (c) Glands— i. Requiring observation 3 0.39 5 0.63 ii. Requiring operation ... ... ... ... 3. Eyes :— (a) External Diseases— Blepharitis 3 0.39 7 0.8S j Conjunctivitis 1 0.13 3 0.38 j Corneal opacities Strabismus ... 28 3.56 37 4.63 Other Diseases 7 0.90 3 0.38 (b) Visual acuity— 3986 Fair ... 309 37.06 315 41.33 Bad 19 2.33 16 2.10 * Recommended for refraction 63 6.51 60 6.56 } Examinations. [Children in eaoh Age-Group Suffering from particular difhcts :— Second Aqe Group Third a ge Group Fourth Age Group All 1 1 1 | 1 « Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls 577 563 588 570 54 58 2005 1991 No-! % No. % No. % No. % No. 0/ /o No. 0/ /o No. O/ /o No. % ... 3 0.53 ... 1 0.05 4 0.20 1 0.17 1 — 2 0.10 4 j 0.69 1 ■ 0.18 1 0.17 | ... 14 0.70 1 0.05 2 1 0.35 20 j 3.6 1 0.17 8 1.40 5 0.25 37 1.86 2 | 0.35 2 j 0.36 - 5 0.25 1 2 0.10 — ... — 1 0.17 i 0.05 - I 0.35 1 0.17 ... 4 0.20 3 0.15 2 0.35 2 0.36 1 0.17 1 0.17 4 0.20 4 0.20 — 1 ... ... 1 0.17 1 0.05 2 i 0.35 ... ... 3 0.15 1 0.05 l — i 0.18 1 0.05 6 1.04 } j 4 0.72 5 0.87 14 2.45 2 3.7 3 5.2 32 1.6 35 1.76 47 8.14 ... 44 7.82 19 3.23 34 5.97 ... ... 2 ... 3.45 141 7.03 168 8.44 2 1 0.35 2 0.34 3 0.53 ... i 1.7 6 0.30 8 0.40 4 0.69 1 0.18 3 0.51 1 0.17 i 1.7 47 2.33 25 1. 1 0.17 1 0.18 1 ... | 24 1.20 22 1.10 ... ... ... | ... ... 2 0.10 110 | 1.73 13 2.31 3 0.51 7 1.23 79 3.94 98 4.10 2 0.35 3 0.53 3 0.51 1 0.17 ... | i j 1.7 34 1.70 37 2 ! 0.35 2 0.36 i 1.7 5 0.25 8 0.40 ... 2 0.34 ... 2 0.10 GO i 1.73 5 0.9 1 0.17 3 1 0.53 i! 1.7 14 0.70 16 0.80 8 1 0.52 1 0.18 1 0.17 1 | 0.17 5 0.25 5 0.25 1 0.18 1 | 0.17 o 0.10 7 1 1.21 13 2.31 4 0.68 10 1 1.85 39 1.95 60 3.01 5 j 0.87 1 0.18 1 0.17 4| 0.70 13 0.65 8 0.40 «')5 l 9.53 66 11.72 49 8.33 48 1 8.42 10 18.52 14 24.14 423 ' 20.81 443 !: 22.69 19 ! 3.30 13 2.31 21 3.57 19 3.33 7 12.96 8 ; 5.17 66 3.25 51 j 2.61 13 ' 2.25 23 | 4.08 22 3.74 13 2.28 31 5.56 9 15.52 91 1 4.48 95 | 4.86 Table II.—Systematic Return of Number and Percentage of Individual Nature of Defect. Total Entrants at all ages Boy3 786 Girls 800 No. % No. % 9. Ears 3996 (a) Diseases— Otorrhoea 2 0.25 1 0.13 Other Diseases 1 0.13 (b) Defective hearing— Grade I 2 0.25 ... j ... I Grade Il.a ... ... I Grade Il.b ... ! ... I Grade III. ... ... ] 10. Speech :— Defective articulation 3 0.39 3 0.38 Stammering ... ... I 11. Mental and Nervous Conditions :— Backward ... ... ... I Dull 5 0.64 ... Mentally defective (educable) ... 1 0.13 Mentally defective (ineducable) ... Highly nervous or unstable 2 0.25 Difficult in behaviour ... ... ... j 12. Circulatory System :— (a) Organic heart disease— i. Congenital 2 0.25 6 0.75 ii. Acquired 1 0.13 1 0.13 (b) Functional conditions 12 1.54 14 1.75 , (c) Anaemia 3 0.39 1 0.13 13. Lungs :— Chronic bronchitis 3 0.39 3 0.38 Suspected tuberculosis 2 0.25 2 0.25 1 Other Diseases 11 1.40 4 0.50 14. Deformities (a) Congenital ... 4 0.49 o 0.25 | (b) Acquired (infantile paralysis) 1 0.13 ... 1 (c) Acquired (probably rickets) 3 0.39 1 0.13 (d) Acquired (other causes) 2 0.25 15. Infectious Disease ... 4 0.50 16. Other Diseases or Defects 18 2.29 16 2.0 Examinations (continued). Children in each age Group Suffering from particular defects Second Age Group Third Ag e Group Fourth a ge Group All Ages Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls 577 563 588 1 570 54 58 2005 1991 No. o/ /o No. 0/ AO No. % No. % No. % No. 0/ /o No. % No. % 4 0.72 2 0.10 5 0.25 1 0.18 ... 2 0.10 3 0.53 1 0.17 2 0.10 4 0.20 ... 1 0.18 1 0.05 .1 0.69 1 0.17 7 0.35 4 0.20 *7 I 0.35 2 0.36 1 0.17 3 0.15 2 0.10 1 0.17 -3 0.51 4 0.70 ... 9 0.45 4 0.20 3 0.52 7 1.24 10 1.7 4 0.70 13 0.65 12 0.60 2 0.35 ... 2 0.10 ... 2 0.10 2 0.35 2 0.10 3 0.53 2 0.10 9 0.45 2 0.36 3 0.51 1 0.17 1 1.85 1 1.7 5 0.25 5 0.25 6 1.04 5 0.90 8 1.36 4 0.70 2 3.7 28 1.40 23 1.16 1 0.17 2 0.36 1 0.17 4 0.20 4 0.20 3 0.15 3 0.15 3 0.51 5 0.25 2 0.10 5 0.87 3 0.51 3 0.53 19 0.95 7 0.35 2 0.35 6 1.06 5 0.87 3 0.53 11 0.55 11 0.55 1 0.17 3 0.53 2 0.34 4 0.20 3 0.15 1 0.17 1 0.17 2 0.34 1 1.85 6 0.30 3 0.15 4 0.69 4 0.72 3 0.51 1 1.85 10 0.50 4 0.20 ... ... ... 4 0.20 12 2.08 8 1.47 I n 1.87 6 1.05 3 5.2 41 2.04 33 1.66 Table III.—Systematic Eni FRANTS. Second ACE Geocp. Classification. Number of Children. Per- centage. Number of Children. Per- centage. I. Children free from defects 1036 65.32 792 69.47 II. Children (otherwise free from defects) who suffer from— (a) Defective vision not worse than 6/12 in the better eye with or without glasses 81 7.11 or (b) Conditions of mouth and teeth requiring treatment 3 0.19 (c) Both (a) and (b) 9 0.17 Total 3 0.19 83 7.28 III. Children suffering from ailments (other than those mentioned in II.) from which complete recovery is anticipated within a few weeks ... 242 15.26 85 7.46 IV. Children suffering from (or suspected to be suffering from) defects less remedi- able than defects specified in II. or III. distinguishing cases— (a) Where complete cure or restoration of function (in the case of eye defect, full correction) is considered possible 289 18.22 150 13.16 (b) Where improvement only is con- sidered possible, e.g. without com- plete restoration of function 16 1.01 30 2.63 Total 305 19.23 ISO 15.79 Total number of children examined 1586 100% 1140 100% Mbdioai, Examinations. Third Age Group. Fourth Age Group. Total. Number of Children. Per- centage. Number of Children. Per- centage. Number of Children. Per- centage. 861 74.35 77 68.75 2766 69.22 101 8.72 10 8.93 192 4.80 3 0.08 ... 2 0.05 101 8.72 10 8.93 197 4.93 61 5.27 10 8.93 398 9.96 110 9.50 10 8.93 559 13.99 25 2.16 5 4.47 76 1.90 135 11.66 15 13.40 635 15.89 1158 100% 112 100% 3996 100% Table IV. Return of at,t, Exceptional Children of School Age in the Area. Disability At ordinary schools At special schools or classes Athospitals At no or other school or Total institutions institution 1. Blind 2 1 ... 2 2. Partially sighted—■ (a) Refractive errors in which the curriculum of an ordinary school would adversely affect the eye condition 18 IS (b) Other conditions of the eye, e.g., cataract, ulceration, etc. which render the child unable to ready ordinary school books or to see well enough to be taught in an ordinary school 23 3. Deaf— Grade I. ... 28 | Grade II.a 10 Hr Grade Il.b 2 ... ... 2” Grade III. 8 S- | 4. Defective speech— (a) Defects of articulation re- quiring educational special measures 26 26- (b) Stammering requiring special educational measures 11 11 5. Mentally defective (children be- tween 5 and 16 years)— (a) Educable (I.Q. approx. 50-70 “educationally sub-normal”) 28* 84 3 ... lift- (b) Ineducable (I.Q. generally less than 50) 4 5t & I 6. Epilepsy— (a) Mild and occasional ... 17 2 nr (b) Severe (suitable for care in a residential school) ... 7. Physically defective— (a) Non-pulmonary tuberculosis (excluding cervical glands)... 10 1 ... 11 (b) General orthopaedic condi- tions 101 4 7 112 j (c) Organic heart disease 49 2 51 1 (d) Other causes of ill-health— Asthma 10 1 ... H Hronchiectnsis 6 1 ... 7 Pulmonary tuberculosis ... 6 6 Diabetes (mellitus or insipi- dus) ... 5 5 1 Other conditions ... 12 1 12 * 4 awaiting transfer to special school, t Dumfries Occupation Centre. X Only those for whom the Education Authority has responsibility. Table IV. (continued). Disability At ordinary schools At special schools or classes At hospitals or other institutions At no school or institution Total Multiple defects— (a) Educable mental defective : deaf grade Ila. 1 l (b) Educable mental defective ; hemiplegia ; deaf grade I. ... 1 1 (c) Speech defect and deaf grade Ila. 1 1 Table V. Average Heights and Weights at School Medical Inspection. BOYS Age Groups Entrants 2nd 3rd 4th Number measured... Average age (in years) Average height (in inches) 534 5A 43.1 245 9tt 52.4 433 13 A 60.0 40 16 A 67.4 Number weighed ... Average age (in years) Average weight (in lbs.) ... 557 5fV 43.3 281 9t'7 66.6 392 13 A 93.6 40 16 A 135.6 GIRLS Age Groups Entrants 2nd 3rd 4th Number measured... Average age (in years) Average height (in inches) 533 5* 42.8 248 9 A 52.5 412 13 A 60.1 38 16 A 64.8 Number weighed ... Average age (in years) Average weight (in lbs.) ... 572 5 A 42.1 327 9y 5 64.0 369 13A 100.8 38 16A 129.8 6. Medical Treatment. A. Minor Ailments :— 1. Cuts, bruises, sprains and minor injuries, etc. 2. Diseases of the ear 3. Diseases of the eye, excluding defective vision ... Ringworm (scalp) ... Ringworm (body) ... Scabies Impetigo Other diseases Pediculosis ... B. Defective Vision and Squint :— 1. Number of retinoscopies performed by school medical officers 2. Number of children referred to consulting ophthalmologist 3. Number of spectacles provided through the school health department Squints are treated by provision of glasses, by total or intermittent occlusion, and by operation. C. Nose and Throat (operative treatment) ... D. Orthopaedic and Postural Defects :— Figures not available. 7. School Dental Service. Report by Chief Dental Officer Staff. There were no changes in the numbers of the dental staff during the year. The staff consists of a chief dental officer, three dental officers, and four dental attendants. As it is impossible for this staff to give complete dental treatment annually to all those accepting treatment, it is re- commended that the staff be increased by at least one dental officer. At present each dental officer’s allocation of schools takes 16-17 months to treat. Premises and Equipment. The mobile dental clinic was in use during the whole school year, mainly at junior secondary schools which had no other accommodation available. Where there was a room for use as a surgery, semi-permanent equipment was used in the junior secondary and larger schools and portable equipment was used in the smaller schools. 4 31 0 650 981 1314 411 69 364 161 It is hoped next year to overtake most of the treatment in the mobile dental clinics, another one being on order. The clinic at County Buildings was in use all the year. Inspection. 8,853 children were inspected in the schools. While this number compares unfavourably with the numbers inspected during the past two years, it was decided that there was little point in inspecting children and being unable to olfer them treatment. Of the 8,853 inspected, 7,206 (81.3%) required treatment, and of these 3,897 (54%) accepted treatment. Treatment. 3,746 children were treated during the year. The number of attendances for treatment was 6,790, an average of 1.9 visits per patient. 4,698 permanent teeth were filled and 554 were extracted. 1,865 temporary teeth were filled and 3,348 were extracted. Orthodontic appliances were fitted in twenty-three cases and partial dentures in nineteen cases. There were 1,647 other operations—scalings, dressings and orthodontic adjustments. Sessions. A total of 120 half-days were devoted to inspection. The average number of children inspected each day was 148. Treatment sessions numbered 1,188 and, on average, 11.4 patients were treated each day. 344 sessions were spent on clerical work, emergency treat- ment sessions and non-routine work. Scope of Treatment. Complete treatment was given to all children treated and this slowed the work as did the acceptance of treatment of a number who had refused treatment in previous years and so required more than the normal number of visits. On average, each dental officer did eleven fillings per day plus 6.5 extractions per day. An innovation this year was the treatment of the children in the Dumfries and Annan nursery schools. Seventy-two of them were inspected, twenty-nine required treatment, and fifteen of their mothers accepted and had them treated. 1. Number of children inspected Systematic examina- j tions Special cases Total Age 2 years 5 ... 5 3 26 ... 26 4 „ 42 ... 42 5 997 2 999 6 „ 1084 3 1087 7 1144 8 1152 8 „ 1081 8 1089 9 „ 874 4 878 10 941 8 949 11 „ 880 5 885 12 „ 577 5 582 13 „ 524 5 529 14 „ 538 17 555 15 „ 63 1 64 16 „ 5 1 6 17 2 2 4 18 „ i 1 Total ... 8784 69 8853 2. Requiring treatment 7137 69 7206 2a. Accepting treatment 3828 69 3897 3. Number of children treated 3677 69 3/46 4. Attendances made for treat- ment 6607 183 6790 6. Fillings :— (a) Permanent teeth 4660 3S 4698 (b) Temporary teeth 1860 5 1865 6. Extractions :— (a) Permanent teeth 546 8 554 (b) Temporary teeth 3316 32 3348 7. Orthodontic appliances 23 23 8. Partial dentures 19 19 9. Other operations :— (a) Permanent teeth 1370 106 1476 (b) Temporary teeth 170 1 171 10. Half-days devoted to :— Inspection 1201 Treatment 1188 [ 1652 Office work 344' 11. Number of children refusing treatment 3127 12. Number of forms not returned ... 182 13. Number of children treated under private arrange- ment ... 623 8. Special Schools and Classes. There are no special schools in the county. Handicapped •children are provided for as follows :— {a) Physically Defective Children. Three children are at East Park Home, Glasgow. Two children have been, during the year, at the Trefoil School, Edinburgh. Several children are known to be undergoing hospital or convalescent home treatment. Other severely handicapped children attend the ordinary school if at all possible, and transport is arranged. For those unable to travel to school, home tuition is provided. (b) Blind Children. Two children were in residence during the year at the Royal Blind Asylum, Edinburgh. Partially sighted children attend the ordinary schools and are given a favourable position in the classroom where this is indicated. (c) Deaf Children. Two children are at Donaldson’s Hospital, Edinburgh. Three children are at St. Vincent’s School, Glasgow. Three children are at the Glasgow School for the Deaf. Children who are hard of hearing are educated in the ordinary Schools and are given a favourable position in the classroom. (d) Mentally Defective Children. There are three special classes for children with an intelligence quotient approximately 50-70. The roll at June, 1955, was as follows :— Dumfries Class (two teachers) ... 41 Annan Class ... 19 Lockerbie Class ... 16 Total ... 76 An occupation centre is in operation in Dumfries. Appendix I. Testing of Vision. Pre-school children who suffer from squint or are suspected of having defective vision are referred to the consultant ophthal- mologist or the school medical officer by the health visitor, parent or family doctor. In most cases treatment is given by the ophthalmologist. In school children, vision is tested by the school medical officer at the age of seven years as a routine procedure, and at each routine examination thereafter. Snellen’s type cards are used. All who are suspected of having any eye defect are specially tested by the school medical officer or referred to the consultant ophthalmologist at Dumfries or Cumberland Infirmary. School children who are suspected of suffering from eye trouble before the age for routine examination or between successive routine examinations are referred to the school medical officer by the parent, teacher or, in a considerable number of cases, by the family doctor. Infant teachers are now referring children more frequently during the early school years. Appendix II. Early Ascertainment of Deafness. 1. Pre-school children. No systematic ascertainment of deafness is carried out. Children suspected by parents, health visitor or family doctor of being deaf are referred to the Ear. Throat and Nose Department of Dumfries or Cumberland Infirmary either directly or through the school health service. Arrangements for the institutional care of such children are usually undertaken bv the school medical officers. 2. School children. No systematic testing is now carried out. The routine testing of seven years old children was discontinued as no method was found to be satisfactory. Reliance is now placed on teachers and parents to bring forward for examination children suspected of impaired hearing, though the school medical officers endeavour to ascertain doubtful cases at each routine examination. All cases of suspected deafness are referred to the consulting ear, throat and nose specialist at Dumfries or Cumberland Infirmary. SANITARY DEPARTMENT County Health Office, County Buildings, Dumfries. To The Department of Health for Scotland. The County Council of Dumfries. Ladies and Gentlemen, I have pleasure in submitting the Annual Report of the work carried out by this Department during the year 1955. In doing so I wish to record my thanks and appreciation to the members of the County Council for their interest, and to the members of my staff for their collaboration and support. My indebtedness is also due to my predecessor, Mr George Wilson, for the co-operation which I received from him prior to his retiral in August, 1955. I am, Your obedient Servant, W. A. DUNLOP, County Sanitary Inspector_ HOUSING. The total number of houses erected and occupied for the first time in 1955 was 144, comprising 109 houses erected by the Council, 2 houses erected by Government departments and 33 houses erected by private persons. The distribution of these houses with their size and type are shown on the following tables. Table No. 1. Houses erected by the Local Authority. Type of House Situation No. of Houses of Total 2 apt. 3 apt. 4 apt. Permanent Traditional Beattock 6. Kirkconnel 14 Springfield o ... Thornhill 4 ... 4 Westerkirk 4 34 Permanent Traditional Keir ... 2 (Agricultural Population) •) Weir Brick Brydekirk 3 10 14 Carrutherstown 4 4 Kingholm Quay 2 10 14 Thornhill 6 6 73 Total ... 109 Table No. 2. Houses erected by Government Departments AND OCCUPIED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 1955. Department Type of House Situation (Parish) 2 apt. 3 apt. 4 apt. Total Forestry Commission Wooden Johnstone ... 9 Total 2 Table No. 3. Houses erected by Private Persons with assistance under the Housing (Scotland) Acts, 1950 and 1952, and occupied FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 1955. Type of House j Situation (Parish) No. of Houses of Total 3 apt. 4 apt. 5 apt. Permanent Traditional Annan ... 1 Caerlaverock ... 1 Closebum 1 1 Dalton ... 1 Dryfesdale 2 Dunscore i Kirkconnel . . 1 Lochmaben i Xon-Traditional... ... Mouswald 1 Total ... | ... 11 Table No. 4. Houses erected by Private Persons (unassisted) and occupied for the first time in 1955. Type of House Situation (Parish) No. of H □uses o : Total 3 apt. 4 apt. 5 apt. 6 apt. Permanent Annan 1 3 Traditional Canonbie 1 Closebum 1 Dalton 1 Dumfries 1 1 Gretna 1 Kirkconnel 2 Kirkpatrick-Fleming... i Lochmaben 1 Moffat 1 Torthorwald ... 1 1 Total 17 — Table No. 5. Houses erected with assistance under the Hill Farming Act, 1946, and Livestock Rearing Act, 1951, and occupied FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 1955. Type of House Situation (Parish) No. of Houses of 3 apt. 4 apt. 5 apt. 6 apt. Permanent Closeburn 1 Traditional Hutton and Corrie ... 1 ... ... Sanquhar ... 1 1 . . . Tundergarth ... 1 ... ... Total ... 5 HOUSING ACTS. The figures given below show some aspects of the work carried out under the Housing Acts during the year, particularly as regards unsatisfactory dwellings. Number of houses surveyed ... ... ... 80 Number of Official Representations made ... 36 Number of Demolition Orders served ... ... 22 Number of Closing Orders served ... ... ... 7 Number of Undertakings accepted ... ... 7 Number of houses demolished and sites cleared ... 3 Although progress continues to be made in re-housing the occupants of unfit houses it is regretted that many of the houses vacated become derelict, ruinous and unsightly. From the above table it will be noted that, of the twenty-two Demolition Orders served, in only three cases were arrangements made to have the houses demolished and the sites cleared. As required by the Housing (Repairs and Rents) (Scotland) Act, 1954, Section 1, the following statement was approved by the County Council and passed to the Secretary of State. Total number of permanent dwellings in the area of the Local Authority ... ... ... ... ... 12,317 Part I. The total problem in the area of the Local Authority.* 1. The estimated number of unfit houses, excluding temporary houses (either individual unfit houses suitable for action under *If any of the figures in Part 1 are the result of a physical survey, this should be stated. Part II of the 1950 Act or unfit houses which ought to be included in Clearance Areas and dealt with under Part III) classified as follows :— (a) Houses which should be demolished (houses which neither the owner nor the Local Authority can make fit at reasonable expense and which the Local Authority do not consider they should make more habitable under Part I of the 1954 Act). 571 (b) Houses which the owners cannot be expected to make fit at an expense reasonable to themselves, but which the Local Authority consider could be acquired and made more habit- able or fully fit under Part I of the 1954 Act (if desirable they could be modernised Under Part VII of the 1950 Act). As occasion may arise. (c) Houses in Clearance Areas already belonging to Local Authorities and retained under Section 2 of the Act, pending demolition. No clearance area. (d) Houses which owners might be expected to make fit at an expense reasonable to themselves, either because of a notice served under Section 7 of the 1950 Act, or because they might wish to qualify for a “repairs increase” under Part II of the 1954 Act. 4,394 2. The estimated number of new houses required in order to facilitate the re-housing of :— (i) occupants of houses that are to be demolished or closed (as in 1(a) above) ; and 450 (ii) any persons whom the Authority will remove because of serious overcrowding from other unfit houses to which works are carried out (houses in categories 1(b), (c) and (d) above). Nil. 3. The number of years which the Local Authority estimate will be necessary to deal with unfit houses under the procedure at 1(a), (b) and (c) above. (In the case of some larger authorities it may be virtually impossible to make any satisfactory estimate under 3 ; these authorities will not be expected to provide any estimate). >Six years. Part II Statement of programme for the three years :— 4. Number of unfit houses in Clearance Areas already covered by operative Clearance or Compulsory Purchase Orders, or owned by the Local Authority, which are to be dealt with within the three years, either by demolition or by retention under Section 2 of the Act. Xone. 5. Number of unfit houses to be included in Clearance Areas and (so far as not already belonging to the Local Authority) to be dealt with by agreement, within the three years sub-divided into : No clearance areas. (a) Houses already covered by resolution under Section 25(1) of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1950 (including those for which Clearance or Compulsory Purchase Orders have been sub- mitted to the Secretary of State but have not yet been confirmed). Xone. (b) Houses not yet so covered. Xone. 6. Number of unfit houses in Clearance Areas (under 4 and 5) which are to be demolished in the three years. None. 7. Number of individual unfit houses which are to be the subject of Demolition or Closing Order procedure in the three years under Section 9 of the Housing (Scotland) Act, 1950 (in- cluding houses under existing Demolition or Closing Orders which have not been enforced). 271 8. Number of unfit houses under 4 and 5 to be dealt with in the three years under Section 2 of the Housing (Repairs and Rents) (Scotland) Act, 1954 (houses retained for temporary occupation in Clearance Areas). None. 9. Number of new houses required during the period in order to facilitate rehousing as a result of action under 6, 7 and S above (including houses required for abating serious overcrowding in unfit houses which are to have works carried out on them). 150 (No estimate is required of the number of individual unfit houses which will be acquired and retained under Section 8 of the 1954 Act). While this statement was of necessity an approximate one it, nevertheless, indicates the pressing need for the construction of a considerable number of additional new houses for allocation to the occupiers of unfit houses. HOUSING (SCOTLAND) ACTS, 1950 AND 1952. (a) New Houses for Agricultural Workers. Proposals for the erection of twenty-five new houses for agricultural workers were approved and grants promised by the Council in terms of Section 3 of the 1952 Act, during the year. Eleven new houses were completed and grants paid during the year. (b) Improvements to Existing Dwellings. Proposals for the improvement of 177 existing dwelling-houses were approved and grants promised during 1955. Improvement works at 147 dwellings were completed and qualified for payment of grant during the year. The following figures indicate the number of houses in the County improved with the aid of grant since the commencement of the Act :—1950—1 ; 1951—8 ; 1952—17 ; 1953 35 ; 1954 HO ; 1955—147. These improvements contribute greatly towards the attainment of a higher housing standard and every encouragement is afforded to the promotion of suitable recon- struction schemes. PLANS. Four hundred and forty-seven plans were submitted for examination during the year. Reports on these were prepared and submitted to the Council for consideration. In many cases the architects or promoters of proposals consulted with this Department prior to the preparation and submission of plans. In this way approval was recommended and the works carried out with a minimum of delay. The following table shows the type of plans dealt with :— Nature of proposed work. Number New Business Premises (excluding shops and factories) 15 Alterations to Business Premises (excluding shops and factories) ... ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• ^ New Factories Alterations to existing Factories Alterations to Shop Premises New Shops ... ••• ••• ••• ••• •" Carry forward ... 45 Nature of proposed work. Number Brought forward ... 45 New Buildings at Farms (excluding Dairy Farms) ... 4 Alterations to existing Farm Buildings (excluding Dairy Farms) ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 New Private Garages ... ... ... ... ... 44 New Permanent Houses (Private Enterprise) ... ... 62 New Temporary Houses (Private Enterprise) ... ... 5 New Permanent Houses (Government Departments) ... 5 Alterations to Dwelling-houses ... ... ... ... 287 New Halls and Public Buildings ... ... ... 4 Alterations to Halls and Public Buildings ... ... 11 Conversion of Premises into Houses ... ... ... 2 New Pigsties, Kennels, Poultry Houses, etc. ... ... 17 Others ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 Total 499 During the latter part of the year a considerable number of plans for varying projects were also submitted on behalf of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority pertaining to the rehabilitation of ex-Air Ministry buildings at Chapeleross airfield. Due to the extreme urgency of this project the work of recon- struction had, in many cases, commenced before plans had been submitted to the Council for approval. However, as a close liaison was maintained with the agents responsible for the execution of the work, this unorthodox approach presented no difficulty and the work was carried out satisfactorily. In addition to the above, all plans in respect of Council projects, including housing schemes, schools, etc., were forwarded to this Department for comment and adjustment. HOUSING (REPAIRS AND RENTS) (SCOTLAND) ACT, 1954. Two applications were received during the year from occupiers of dwelling-houses for Certificates of Disrepair under the above Act. Certificates were issued in each case. An application was also received for revocation of one of these Certificates of Disrepair. This was granted. THE PROVISION OF SANITARY FACILITIES. During the year improved sanitary facilities were provided in 256 houses. These installations varied from the provision of a sink only to a complete range of modern sanitary fittings. The undernoted table indicates the extent of the work carried out. Number of houses provided with complete range of modern sanitary fittings ... ... ... ... 175 Number of houses provided with W.Cs. and Sinks only 13 Number of houses provided with W.Cs. only ... 21 Number of houses provided with Sinks only ... ... 2 Number of houses provided with Bath and/or W.H.B. 45 Total number of houses with improved sanitary facilities 256 WATER SUPPLIES. A wholesome supply of piped water is now available in the greater part of the landward area of the County. Full advantage of this service, however, is not being taken in many cases and it would appear that, in the near future, it may be necessary to approach the owners of a considerable number of habitable houses which are without an internal water supply in an effort to provide this essential amenity. The following figures show a decreasing number of voluntary installations during the last few years. Dwelling-houses 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 Total To fittings within the house from Local Authority Supplies 70 76 99 64 48 357 To outside standpipes from Local Authority Supplies 14 10 14 10 9 57 To fittings within the house from Private Supplies 19 14 9 15 9 66 One hundred and eighty-three samples of water were pro- cured from public and private water supplies and submitted for chemical and bacteriological examination during the year. 01 these, one hundred and thirty samples were taken from the various Local Authority supplies. The remaining fifty-three samples wrere taken from existing private water supply systems and from proposed new sources of supply. In the case of samples from private supplies, the catchment areas were surveyed and the storage arrangements and piping examined so that the risk of pollution might be precluded. Twenty-three complaints of unsatisfactory water supplies were received, all of which were satisfactorily dealt with. Fifty-seven applications for permission to connect to the Council’s water main pipes were reported on during the year. DRAINAGE. All new drainage work was inspected and tested. 1.442 tests being applied to drains and plumbers’ pipes during the year. Thirty-six drainage plans were prepared for the guidance of architects and contractors. Twenty-three applications for permission to connect to the Council’s sewers were also reported on. The drainage from a large number of private houses in the County is treated in small septic tanks with the attendant diffi- culties of final disposal of the effluent. Since the formation of the Solway River Purification Board, proposals which incorporate a new or increased discharge to a stream or watercourse are referred to the Board’s inspector for his information. The initial difficulties which arose with the introduction of special requirements by the Board have now been overcome and a satis- factory system evolved for the design of small septic tanks. TENTS, VANS AND SHEDS. Two inspections under the Council's bye-laws were made of tents, vans and sheds used for human habitation. The bye-laws under which these inspections were carried out date back to 1899 and only apply to a few special districts in the County. In view of the inadequacy of these bye-laws to meet modern requirements it would appear that the time is now opportune to have them revised and re-drafted. In addition to the above, twenty-six inspections were made of caravans used by travelling showmen. Private caravan sites- were also inspected during the course of the year and. in each case, found to be free of nuisance conditions. SEASONAL WORKERS. Eleven visits were made to premises occupied by seasonal workers during the year. In one instance it was found that, the means of escape in case of fire, from a farm loft used as sleeping: accommodation, was inadequate. This was pointed out to the^ owner of the farm who provided an alternative exit from the premises. FACTORIES ACTS, 1937-48. The total number of factories on the register at the end of the year was five non-mechanical, one hundred and thirteen mechanical, and twenty-nine other premises in which Section 7 of the principal Act is enforced by the Local Authority. Plans were dealt with for six new factories and in respect of alterations to nine existing factories. Seven notifications were received from H.M. Inspector of Factories of contraventions of the Act as regards the lack or unsatisfactory nature of sanitary accommodation at factories. In each case the unsatisfactory conditions were remedied. During the year one hundred and ninety-six factory visits were made. In eighteen cases defects were found and notifica- tions sent to the owners. The dwelling-houses occupied by two outworkers were inspected and found satisfactory. MEAT INSPECTION. In the County (excluding the Burgh of Dumfries) during the year 258,758 animals were slaughtered, of which 2,4.11 were cattle, 191,991 were sheep, 35,987 were pigs and 28,349 were calves. The following tables show the various classes of animals slaughtered and the number of carcases wholly or partially condemned on account of disease and/or injury. PUBLIC SLAUGHTERHOUSES. Thornhill. Class of Animal Number of Animals Weight in lbs. Condemned Meat Weight in lbs. Condemned Offal Slaughtered Wholly Partially Condemned Condemned Cattle ... 647 15 12 4,684 2,092 Sheep ... 9,815 17 6 804 713 Pigs ... 270 1° 98 35 Calves... 1,156 5 | 149 51 Totals ... 11,888 37 28 5,735 2,891 Annan. Class of Animal Number of Animals Weight in Weight in lbs. lbs. Condemned Condemned Meat Offal Slaughtered . molly Condemned Partially Condemned Cattle ... 525 7 1 1,524 420 Sheep ... 4,525 21 1 665 335 Pigs ... 1,416 3 1 288 98 Calves ... 11,482 6 1 155 30 Totals ... 17,948 37 4 2,632 883 Lockerbie. Class of Animal Number of Animals Weight in lbs. Condemned Meat Weight in lbs. Condemned Offal Slaughtered Wholly Condemned Partially Condemned Cattle ... 1,195 7 4 2,427 3,109 Sheep ... 99,798 49 23 1,605 436 Pigs ... 413 1 4 119 20 Calves ... 13,874 39 4 1,440 209 Totals ... 115,280 96 35 5,591 3,774 PRIVATE SLAUGHTERHOUSES. Thornhill Bacon Factory. Class of Number of Animals Weight in Weight in lbs. Condemned Offal Animal Slaughtered Wholly Condemned Partially Condemned lbs. Condemned Meat Pigs ... 33,842 32 47 6,737 13,865 Racks. Class of Animal Number of Animals Weight in lbs. Condemned Meat Weight in lbs. Condemned Offal Slaughtered Wholly Condemned Partially Condemned Sheep ... 36,888 6 ... 242 1,578 Calves ... 10 ... ... ... Totals ... 36,898 6 ... 242 1,578 Dornocktown. Class of Animal Number of Animals Weight in lbs. Condemned Meat Weight in lbs. Condemned Offal Slaughtered Wholly Condemned Partially Condemned Sheep ... j 40,577 13 8 554 894 Calves ... 1,827 2 94 18 Totals ... 42,404 15 8 648 912 Langholm. Class of Animal 1 Number of Anim als Weight in lbs. Condemned Meat Weight in lbs. Condemned Offal Wholly Slaughtered Condemned Partially Condemned Cattle ... 64 46 Sheep ... 1 388 ... 38 Pigs ... 46 ... 5 Totals ... 498 89 Summarising the aforementioned tables, it will be noted that 45,577 lbs. of meat and offal were condemned. This com- prised 21,585 lbs. meat and 23,992 lbs. offal. UNSOUND FOOD. In the course of routine inspection, or on request, the food- stuffs, as shown on the following table, were examined in whole- sale and retail premises in the landward area of the County and seized with the consent of the vendors. Description Reason for Seizure Weight lbs. OZH. Canned Luncheon Meat Decomposition 493 ... , Fruit, etc. ... 99 338 H ,, Peas... 99 22 9 ,, Beans 99 25 121 ,, Soup 107 H ,, Evaporated & Cond. Milk 38 H ,, Ham 99 805 4 ,, Beef 99 828 10 ,, Mutton 99 57 ... ,, Fish . . 15 1 ,, Macaroni 99 i 8 ,, Jam 99 9 ... „ Egg Yolks 99 11 ... „ Vegetables 99 8 9i ,, Sausages 99 12 ... „ Morfat Whipping ... 99 2 12 Total 2,776 -3 The total weight of all foodstuffs condemned as unfit for food during 1955, was 21 tons 11 cwts. 5 sts. 11 lbs. The number of visits made in connection with the inspection of meat and other foodstuffs was 1,076. MEAT STORES. Public Health (Meat) Regulations (Scotland), 1932. No certificate in respect of storage accommodation, in terms of Article 15(1) of the above Regulations, was granted by the Local Authority during 1955. OFFENSIVE TRADES. Slaughterhouses.—In the County (excluding the Burghs) there are four slaughter-houses, one owned by the local authority, the others privately owned. Of the three privately owned, two are concerned mainly in the slaughter of sheep, principally for the London market, and the other with the slaughter of pigs. 1 lie one belonging to the local authority is in use for general purposes. When visited, these premises were found to be maintained iu a satisfactory state of cleanliness. As regards structure, although all of these slaughterhouses are not of modern con- struction, they are kept in a reasonable state of repair. It is anticipated that, with the return of normal conditions to the meat industry, reconstruction schemes and improvements will be forthcoming, where necessary. Other Offensive Trade Premises.—At the end of 1955, there were four firms carrying on one or more of the undernoted businesses defined in the Public Health (Scotland) Act, 1897, as 4‘offensive trades.” Blood Boilers ... 1 Knackers ... 1 Bone Boilers ... 1 Tripe Cleaners ... I Tallow Melters ... 3 Manure Manufacturers ... 1 Skinners and Hide Factors 1 — Total ... 9 During the year routine and pre-licence inspections of the premises were carried out. The conduct of these businesses, for the most part, was satisfactory and no nuisance was caused nor was any complaint received. VERMINOUS PERSONS AND HOUSES. Visits to the accommodation occupied by persons selected for the tenancy of Local Authority houses continue to be made so that steps can be taken to preclude the transference of infested furniture and furnishings. Local Authority houses being re- let for a second or subsequent time were likewise examined. In all, 234 such inspections of houses and household effects were carried out. In instances where the selected tenants resided outwith this Local Authority area, the necessary inspections of their housing conditions were carried out by the Sanitary Inspectors of the areas in which these persons were resident. As a consequence of the aforementioned visits and following complaints, nine houses were found to be infested with insect pests. These infestations were treated by the Department with satisfactory results, twenty-one visits being made in connection with this work. DIRTY HOUSES. Four complaints were received necessitating five visits to houses not being kept in a clean condition during the year. It was not found necessary to take statutory action against the occupiers of such houses, improvement of the conditions being effected following the visits of the Sanitary Inspector. PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949. During the year six complaints of rat or mice infestation were received. The complaints were investigated and in all cases found to be justified. The owners or occupiers were instructed and assisted in the extermination of the pests. Twenty subsequent visits were made to the properties concerned. The action taken in each case was effective and no further complaints were received. NUISANCES. In the normal course of inspection, and following notifica- tions, one hundred and ninety-six complaints were dealt with during the year. The following table shows the nature of the complaints and the progress made in having these abated. Number Number Complaint Reported Abated (a) Choked and defective drains and defective sanitary conveniences ... 37 37 (b) Inadequate and unsatisfactory water supplies (c) Structural and other defects of houses in- 17 17 eluding dampness 69 35 (d) Overcrowding ... 5 — (e) Offensive Smells 11 9 (f) Accumulation of Refuse 9 9 (g) Infestation by Pests ... 15 15 (h) Pollution of Streams and Ditches ... 12 12 (i) Dirty Houses ... 4 4 (j) Unsatisfactory keeping of domestic animals 3 3 (k) Others ... 14 14 Totals 196 155 Two hundred and ninety-six visits were made in connection with the investigation of complaints. In only one case was it necessary to serve a statutory notice on the author of a nuisance. THE ICE CREAM (SCOTLAND) REGULATIONS, 1948. The following summary shows the number of registrations granted, cancelled, etc., in 1955 :— Seventy-five visits were made to ice cream premises during the year by way of routine inspections, in connection with new apparatus, etc. Thirty-two samples of ice cream were procured for bacterio- logical examination during the year. Twenty-eight of these proved satisfactory on examination and the remainder unsatisfactory— three on account of the presence of coliform organisms and one because of high bacterial count. In the case of unsatisfactory samples, inspections were carried out of premises, equipment, stores, etc., so as to eliminate faults in manufacture, storage, sterilisation and handling. Registrations in force at 31st December, 1954 Registrations granted during 1955 Registrations cancelled during 1955 Registrations in force at 31st December, 1955 Premises Vehicles 41 16 4 1 3 2 . 42 15 SMALL BURGHS. BURGH OF ANNAN. Vital Statistics. The number of births, corrected for transfers, was 88 (40 males, 48 females), of which 2 were illegitimate. During the year 99 marriages were registered. Deaths, corrected for residence, numbered 66 (32 males, 34 females). The chief causes of death were : Heart disease, 17 ; Cancer, 12 ; Apoplexy, 9. Two children died diming the first year of life. Infectious Diseases.—Nine notifications only of infectious disease were received — 1 of Scarlet Fever ; 2 of Whooping Cough ; 1 of Erysipelas ; 3 of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and 2 of Non-pulmonary Tuberculosis. Sanitary Condition of the Burgh. The following report has been prepared from information supplied by Mr James Rodger, Sanitary Inspector of the Burgh of Annan :— Water Supply.—No major works were carried out during the year. Samples of the supply were secured each quarter for bacteriological and chemical examination and, on each occasion, the results were satisfactory. Drainage.—The second development of new drainage works described in the Report for 1954 was completed early in the year and is now in operation. Housing.—The number of houses completed by the Town Council during 1955 is as follows :— Non-traditional and permanent houses ... 27 During the year 40 houses were completed by the Scottish Special Housing Association. In addition, 4 houses were completed by private builders and 10 houses were improved with the aid of grants. Offensive Trades.—The skin works and six shrimp peeling factories all operated satisfactorily. Slaughter-house.—Information as to meat inspection and condemnation at the Town Council’s slaughter-house is contained in the Report of the County Sanitary Inspector. Unsound Food.—The following articles of unsound food were seized and destroyed :— 60 tins cooked meat ... ... 417 lbs. 22 55 11 soup fruit milk fish 18 lbs. 86 lbs. 12 lbs. 356 lbs. Scavenging.—Household refuse is collected twice weekly and refuse from the main shopping area each day. The number of loads of refuse collected was as follows :— Household refuse ... ... ... 1088 loads. Special loads ... ... ... ... 19 Paper ... ... ... ... 154 loads. Schools.—The three schools within the Burgh are maintained in a satisfactory condition. Consideration might be given, however, to the improvement of W.C. accommodation at each school. Factories and Workshops.—No action was required in regard to factories and workshops in the Burgh. BURGH OF LOCKERBIE. Vital Statistics. The number of births, corrected for transfers, was 40 (26 males, 14 females), of which one was illegitimate. During the year 37 marriages were registered. Deaths, corrected for residence, numbered 37 (14 males, 23 females). The principal causes of death were : Cancer, 11 ; Heart Disease, 9 ; Apoplexy, 8. There were no deaths of children under the age of one year. Infectious Disease.—Five notifications of infectious disease were received—Whooping Cough, 2 ; Scarlet Fever, 1 ; Pulmonary Tuberculosis, 2. Sanitary Condition of the Burgh. The following report has been prepared from information supplied by Mr C. M‘Phail, Sanitary Inspector of the Burgh of Lockerbie :— Water Supply.—Plans and contract documents have still not been received from the consulting engineers for the proposed minimum remedial measures which are to be carried out at the reservoir, at an estimated cost of £12,000. After careful checking over a long period, it was found that there was considerable leakage at two of the slow sand filters. On inspection and report by Messrs Babtie, Shaw and Morton, Consulting Engineers, these filters were strengthened with a light steel reinforcing mesh and a U/' thick coat of cement mortar applied by “Guniting.” This work is now completed at a cost of approximately £1,000 and is entirely satisfactory. A waste water inspection was carried out by inspectors from Edinburgh Corporation Water Department during May, and they reported seventeen underground bursts and one hundred and seventeen defective fittings. Meter readings taken before and after the inspection showed that the night flow had been reduced by 1,145 gallons per hour, or a saving of approximately 27,000 gallons per day. The supply was well maintained throughout the year, and regular analyses by the Medical Officer of Health show the water to be suitable for domestic use. Drainage.—The drainage and sewerage system satisfactorily carried out its function without giving cause for complaints. Routine work of dragging and flushing was carried out and all new connections were inspected and tested. Sewage Purification.—Work on the complete reconstruction of the sewage works was commenced in June and this contract, the estimated cost of which is £36,000, is expected to last approxi- mately fifteen months. Cleansing.—Household and trade refuse is collected twice weekly and, during the summer months, special collections of garden refuse take place every month. Collection is bv means of a cleansing motor vehicle of ten cubic yard capacity. Disposal is by controlled tipping on a low-lying marshy site about a mile outside the Burgh boundary. The tip is kept in good order and has not given cause for any complaints. Slaughter-house.—The slaughter-house, which is under the control of the Town Council, was inspected regularly and was always found to be in a clean and satisfactory condition. Information as to meat inspection and condemnation is < ontained in the Report of the County Sanitary Inspector. Unsound Food.—The following unsound food was seized with the consent of the owners and condemned as being unfit for human consumption :— Cooked meat Ham... Fruit Other 152 lbs. 162 lbs. 103 lbs. 40 lbs. Nuisances.—Fifteen nuisances were investigated and remed- ied on verbal instructions to the authors. Factories.—There are 34 factories in the Burgh, 32 mechanical and 2 non-mechanical. Six minor complaints were rectified on verbal notification. Offensive Trades.—There are no offensive trades carried on within the Burgh. Schools.—There is only one school within the Burgh (Locker- bie Academy) and sanitary arrangements are of modern con- struction and are always kept in a clean and tidy condition. Burial Grounds.—No interments took place during the year at the old cemetery within the Burgh; all interments were carried out at Dryfesdale Cemetery which is adjacent to the Burgh and is administered by the County Council. Housing.—There are eighty applicants on the waiting lists for Council houses, and during the year ten houses were completed and occupied. Site preparation for twenty houses is in progress. BURGH OF LANGHOLM. Vital Statistics. The number of births, corrected for transfers, was 31 (21 males, 10 females), of which one was illegitimate. During the jrear 17 marriages were registered. Deaths, corrected for residence, numbered 33 (11 males, 22 females). The chief causes of death were : Heart Disease, 17 ; Apoplexy, 4 ; Cancer, 3. There were no deaths of children under the age of one year. Infectious Disease.—Five notifications of infectious disease were received—Whooping Cough, 2 ; Pulmonary Tuberculosis, 2 ; Non-pulmonary Tuberculosis, 1. Sanitary Condition of the Burgh. The following report has been prepared from information supplied by Mr A. Brebner, Sanitary Inspector of the Burgh of Langholm :— Water Supply.—As has been mentioned in previous reports, the capacity of the storage cistern is 250,000 gallons, and after a dry spell the margin between the intake from the springs and the consumption of water in the Burgh is slight. Consequently, during the prolonged period of drought in the summer, difficulty was experienced in keeping the storage cistern at full capacity, and on two occasions in July it was necessary to shut off the supply to the town overnight in order to conserve supplies. By constant inspection of distribution mains, service pipes and fittings, a supply to all parts of the town was maintained. Samples taken by the County Council Health Department indicate that the water is suitable for domestic purposes. Drainage.-—The drainage and sewerage system has been regularly maintained and continues to function satisfactorily. All new drainage works and connections to sewers were inspected before being put into use. The Solway Rivers Purification Board have intimated to the Town Council that the sub-standard effluent from the sewerage disposal works, consisting of detritus tanks and sedimentation tanks, is causing pollution of the River Esk below the point of discharge, and have called on the Council to take such action as is necessary to prevent this pollution. The matter has been referred to consulting engineers for examination and report. Cleansing.—There is no change in the system of collection and disposal of household and trade refuse. The tipping area at High Mill Tip has now been filled but additional space is being utilised which should serve the purpose for a few more years. Waste paper is collected once a week, and a total of 45 tons were despatched to the paper mills. Housing.—No new houses were erected by the Local Authority during the year. A survey was made in terms of the Housing (Repairs and Rents) (Scotland) Act, 1954, and 26 individual houses have been scheduled as unfit and subject to demolition or closing order. Factories.—There are 33 factories in the Burgh—6 non- mechanical and 27 mechanical. No cases of defects were dealt with. Nuisances.—Complaints of nuisances, of minor nature, were investigated and remedied on verbal intimation. Slaughter-houses.—There is one private slaughter-house in the Burgh. The premises are kept in very clean condition and in good repair. Information as to the number of animals slaughtered is contained in the Report of the County Sanitary Inspector. Offensive Trades.—The skin works is the only offensive trade in the Burgh. The premises are in as reasonable a state of cleanliness as the trade will allow. Unsound Food.—An assortment of canned foods, weighing 82 lbs. 8 ozs. were seized and destroyed with the owner’s consent. Burial Grounds.—There were no interments within the burial ground in the Burgh. Schools.—Langholm Academy and the Infants’ School are both maintained in clean and good order. BURGH OF LOCHMABEN. Vital Statistics. The number of births, corrected for transfers, was 22 (10 males, 12 females), of which one was illegitimate. During the year 13 marriages were registered. Deaths, corrected for residence, numbered 17 (10 males, 7 females). The chief causes of death were : Apoplexy, 5 ; Heart Disease, 4 ; Cancer, 2. There were no deaths of children under the age of one year. Infectious Disease.—Three notifications of infectious disease were received—Whooping Cough, 2 ; Cerebro-spinal Fever, L Sanitary Condition of Burgh. New Houses.—Ten dwelling-houses erected by the Local Authority were completed and occupied for the first time in the year ended 31st December, 1955. These were "traditional houses and comprised four houses of 4-apartments, four houses ol 3-apartments and two houses for old persons. Three private enterprise houses, each of 4-apartments, were completed and occupied during 1955. 54 Improvements to Houses.—Improvement works at five dwelling-houses were completed during the year and grants paid under the Housing (Scotland) Acts, 1950 and 1952. Alterations comprising the provision of a scullery, larder and bathroom were completed at one dwelling-house without the assistance afforded under the Acts. Proposals for the improvement of four houses were approved during the year. Grants were promised in respect of three of these. Provision of Sanitary Facilities in houses during 1955. Number of dwellings provided with new drainage systems ... 3 Number of dwellings at which the drainage system was improved to modern standards ... ... ... ... 3 Number of dwellings provided with w.cs. within the house (replacingoutsidew.es.) ... ... ... ... ... 5 Number of dwellings provided with wash-hand basins ... 4 Number of dwellings provided with baths 6 Number of dwellings provided with new or improved scullery accommodation ... ... ... .... 3 Number of dwellings provided with larders 4. Plans.—Seven plans were submitted during the year. These concerned proposed improvements to four dwelling-houses, alterations at bakery premises, the erection of a private garatre and the erection of a petrol-filling station. Reports on these were prepared and submitted to the Council. Minor Warrants.—1 hirteen warrants were granted during the year for minor works comprising, in the main, the erection of gieenhouses, garden sheds and private garages. Drainage.—Routine visits were paid to the sewage disposal works, particularly during the periods when the works were operating in a modified manner due to defects in the mechanism of the filters. Four samples of sewage effluent were taken so that the effect of de-sludging could be adjudged. Forty-nine tests were applied to drains and plumbers’ pipes during the year. All but a few of these tests were applied to new work. four drainage layout sketches were provided for the guidance of builders during the year, including the surface water drainage scheme for a part of the Back Road which was carried out during Water Supply.—Some shortage of water was experienced during the summer months. Samples of the water were taken quarterly and submitted for chemical and bacteriological analysis. On each occasion the analyses showed the water to be satisfactory. Demolition and Closing Orders.—No demolition or closing order was served during the year. Four dwellings were demolished during the year. Demolition orders in force in respect of two dwellings were recalled, these dwellings having been rendered fit for habitation to the satisfaction of the Council. Refuse Disposal.—Measures to improve the refuse tip by restricting the amount of open face in use at any one time were taken during the year. The principal difficulties in the satis- factory working of this tip are those of consolidation and blinding, both of which are made difficult by the restricted entrance from the roadway and, to a lesser degree, by the boggy nature of the tipping area. Complaints.—These were concerned with dampness and other defects of houses, flooding, infestation by insect pests, etc. In the cases of insect infestations, disinfestation measures proved satisfactory. In the cases of flooding, in the one instance this was remedied by the provision of a new surface water drainage system; in the other instance the complaint was referred to the Highways Authority. Some progress was made in having structural defects of houses remedied. Housing (Repairs and Rent) (Scotland) Act, 1954.—As required by this Act, a survey was made of the dwelling-houses within the Burgh and information appropriate to the rendition of returns to the Department of Health was furnished to the Council. The condition of the housing in the Burgh, as shown by this survey, is as shown below :— Total number of dwelling-houses Category I. houses :— Town Council houses... Other houses of modern standards Category II. houses :— Houses capable of improvement to Category I. Category III. houses :— Unsatisfactory houses 373 134 121 108 10 Factories Acts.—Seven visits were paid to factories within the Burgh during the year. No complaint was received as regards these premises. Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949.—Fourteen visits were paid to properties in connection with rat infestation. The treatment carried out in each case was successful in checking the infestation. Unsound Food.—Only one item of unsound food was seized from retail shops in the Burgh during the year. This was one 12 oz. tin of corn beef. BURGH OF MOFFAT. Vital Statistics. The number of births, corrected for transfers, was 27 (18 males, 9 females). There were no illegitimate births. During the year 13 marriages were registered. Deaths, corrected for residence, numbered 46 (16 males, 30 females). The chief causes of death were : Heart Disease, 23 ; Cancf 7 ; Apoplexy, 5. Two children died during the first year life. infectious Disease.—Two notifications of infectious disease were received—Scarlet Fever, 1 ; Pulmonary Tuberculosis. 1. Sanitary Condition of the Burgh. The following report has been prepared from information supplied by Mr A. M'Clune, Sanitary Inspector of the Burgh of Moffat Water Supply.—The town is supplied with spring water by gra itation from a covered collecting tank at Gran ton. which is app oximately three miles outside the Burgh. "lie supply is extended to serve several properties outside the urgh, including part of the Beattock area. le supply stood up very well and there was no complaint ol si ftage during the prolonged drought of the summer. Samples procured quarterly showed the water to be of good quality. Sewage Disposal.—The sewage works, comprising sedimenta- tion tanks, percolating filters and humus tanks functioned satis- factorily and no complaint in regard to these works was received. Considerable improvements were carried out at the works during the year. Sludge drying beds were erected and a petrol- driven sludge pump was purchased. Water was introduced to the works and a sink and w.c. apartment erected. Drainage.—The drainage and sewerage systems continued to work satisfactorily and gave no cause for complaint. Scavenging.—Household refuse is collected twice weekly and refuse from shops four times weekly. Disposal is by means of controlled tipping on a site approximately one-half mile outside the Burgh boundary. The tip is kept in good order and gave no cause for complaint. Salvage.—The collection of waste paper for salvage continues to be carried out, one day per week being allocated to this. Nuisances.—Eight complaints of nuisances were received during the year, but in no case was it necessary to take statutory action, all being abated as the result of verbal instructions. The complaints consisted mainly of dampness in houses and choked drains. Factories.—There are 17 factories within the Burgh. Routine visits were paid but no cause for complaint was observed . Unsound Food.—A varied assortment of foodstuffs, wetu.iing 428 lbs., was seized with the owner’s consent and destroyed as being unfit for human consumption. Schools.—There is one school within the Burgh and the sanitary conveniences are maintained in good order. Housing.—During the year the remaining two houses at the Holm Road housing site were completed and occupied. Three houses were reconstructed and received improvement grants under the Housing (Scotland) Acts, 1950-1952, during the year. BURGH OF SANQUHAR. Vital Statistics. The number of births, corrected for transfers, was 5 u(34 males, 23 females), of which three were illegitimate. During the year 14 marriages were registered. Deaths, corrected for residence, numbered 26 (9 males, 17 females). The chief causes of death were : Heart Disease, 11 ; Cancer, 6 ; Apoplexy, 3. Four children died during the first year of life. Infectious Disease.—Three notifications of infectious disease were received—Pneumonia, 1 ; Pulmonary Tuberculosis, 1 ; Non-pulmonary Tuberculosis, 1. Sanitary Condition of the Burgh. The following report has been prepared from information supplied by Mr J. F. Allison, Sanitary Inspector for the Burgh of Sanquhar :— Water Supply.—It was possible during the spring to increase- the amount of water reaching the reservoir and this, together with a supplementary supply from the County Council for a period of five weeks during the summer months, was sufficient to ensure- an adequate supply for the town. A water chlorinating plant was installed and extensive repairs to one of the filters were carried out. Drainage.—The drainage and sewerage system functioned satisfactorily. Flooding occurred at one point after heavy7 rain- falls, but this was remedied. The Town Council have instructed that plans be prepared and estimates made for necessary works at the sewage purification plant. Cleansing.—Household and shop refuse is collected twice weekly by arrangement with the Comity Council. A new site is now in use for the disposal of local trade waste. Factories.—There are twelve mechanical and one non- mechanical factories in the town. All were inspected and no- complaints were received. Nuisances.—Forty-five nuisances were investigated and. after notification, remedial measures were undertaken by the authors. Housing.—During the year six houses were in course of construction.