H THE URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL OF ABERDARE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH FOR THE YEAR THE URBAN DIS T RI CT C O U N CI L O F ABERDARE ANNUAL REPORT MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH FOR THE YEAR 1959 BY J. LI. WILLIAMS, M.R.C.S, L.R.C.P., D.P.H. (Lond.) PHILLIPS BROTHERS (Prlnt«r«) Ltd., 17 Cardilf Str»»t, ABERDARE. Page Health Committee. Public Health Officers 4 General Statistics. Vital Statistics. Deaths 6 Infant Mortality and Neo. Mortality. Still Births .... .... 7, 8, 9 Causes of Death Live Births. Illegitimate Births H 1 9 Notifiable Diseases Prevention and Control of Infectious and other Diseases .... 13 Annual Report of Food Poisoning Notification (Corrected) Admission to Mardy Isolation Hospital. Public Health Act, 1936 13 Tuberculosis Water Supply *5 Swimming Baths and Paddling Pool .... .... .... •••• 16 Bacteriological and Chemical Analysis (Water Supply) .... 17, 18, 19 River Pollution .... .... .... .... •••• •••• 19 Atmospheric Pollution .... .... .... ■••• •••• 19,20 Clean Air Act, 1956 .... .... .... .... •••• •••• 21 Measurement of Atmospheric Pollution .... .... .... 22, 23 Cinemas. Licensed Premises—Hygiene. Public Cleansing .... 24 Rodent Control .... .... .... .... .... •••• —• 25 Sewer Treatments. Slaughterhouse. Slaughter of Animals Act 25, 26 Unsound Food. Condemned Food. Bacteriological and Chemical Examination of Food. Food and Drugs Authority 27 Food and Drugs Act. Milk Regulations 28 Ice Cream. Food and Drugs Act - Section 16 .... .... 29 Food Hygiene. Central Council for Health, Education. Medical Examination of Council Employees .... .... .... .... 30 National Assistance Act. General Health and Welfare Services of the District .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 31,32,33 Housing Statistics .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 34 Local Authority Dwelling-Houses .... .... .... .... .... 34 Allocation of Council Houses .... .... .... .... .... 35 Housing Repairs .... .... .... .... .... 36 Rent Act, 1957, Moveable Dwellings .... .... .... .... 37 Summary of work done by the Public Health Inspectors .... 38, 39 HEALTH COMMITTEE. DATE OF MEETING Third Tuesday in each month at 7 p.m. CHAIRMAN : Councillor J. M. POWELL. MEMBERS : Councillor Clifford Edwards W. S. Jones E. Geake J. E. W. Williams Thomas Jones O. D. C. Davies Councillor Mrs. L. G. Lynch W. H. Lewis E. Jones Mrs. S. Morgan I. W. Evans Ex-Officio Members :-Councillor G. R. Pritchard, B.E.M., J.P. Councillor R. T. Rees. PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICERS, 1959. Medical Officer of Health J. LI. Williams, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.P.H. (Lond). Senior Public Health Inspector Daniel Richards, A.R.S.H., M.A.P.H.I. (to 31.3.1959) Trevor Walters, A.R.S.H., M.A.P.H.I. (from 9.2.1959) Public Health Inspectors Trevor Walters, A.R.S.H., M.A.P.H.I. (to 8.2.1959) John F. Jones, C.R.S.H., M.A.P.H.I Evan P. Evans, M.R.S.H. Bernard C. Taylor (from 28.7.1959). Mansel Hughes (from 28.7.1959) Pupil Public Health Inspectors .... Bernard C. Taylor (to 27.7.1959). Mansel Hughes (to 27.7.1959) Housing Assistant David R. Williams, A.I.Hsg., M.R.I.P.H.H. (from 9.2.1959) Clerical Staff. Chief Clerk .... David R. Williams, A. I. Hsg., M.R.I.P.H.H. (to 8.2.1959) David E. Davies (from 1.4.1959). Second Clerk Emrys S. Evans Clerk .... William J. Bureau Shorthand Typist .... .... Mrs. Stella H. Lloyd Public Health Department, Tel. No. : Aberdare 2441. Rock Grounds, Aberdare. 7th September, 1960. TO THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE ABERDARE URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honour to submit for your consideration my Annual Report on the Public Health and Sanitary Conditions of the district, and of the work carried out by your Officers of the Public Health Department, together with the vital and other statistics for the year 1959. This Report has been prepared on the lines laid down in Circular 1/60 (Wales) of the Welsh Board of Health. I would like to express to the Council my appreciation of the interest shown by the Members in matters affecting Public Health. I wish, also, to express my sincere thanks for the help I have received from Mr. D. G. James, the Clerk of the Council, and the Council’s Chief Officers, the Senior Public Health Inspector Mr. Daniel Richards (to 31.3.59) and Mr. Trevor Walters (from 9.2.1959), the Public Health Inspectors, to Mr. D. R. Williams (to 8.2.1959) and Mr. David E. Davies (from 1.4.1959) Chief Clerk, and the Clerical Staff for their loyal support and assistance to me during the year under review. Yours sincerely, J. LI. WILLIAMS, MOH p- «. Mescal Officer of Health. M.O.H. Private Address Tel. No. : Aberdare 2980. GENERAL STATISTICS. Area of District (in acres) .... .... Census Population (1951) Registrar’s estimated population Number of inhabited houses (31st December, 1959) Rateable value (New Valuation List at 1st April, 1959) . Sum represented by a penny rate .... VITAL STATISTICS. Live Births Live birth rate per 1,000 population (crude) Illegitimate live births per cent of total live births Stillbirths Rate per 1,000 total live and stillbirths .... .... Total live and stillbirths .... .... .... .... Infant Deaths (deaths under 1 year) Infant Mortality rate per 1,000 live births - Total Infant Mortality rate per 1,000 live births - legitimate .... Infant Mortality rate per 1,000 live births - illegitimate .... Neo Natal mortality rate per 1,000 live births Early neonatal mortality rate Perinatal mortality rate .... .... .... .... Maternal mortality (including abortion) Maternal mortality rate per 1,000 live and stillbirths DEATHS. Deaths that actually occurred in the district Local residents who died outside the area Residents of other districts who died in the Aberdare Area .... Corrected number of deaths Five hundred and seventy five deaths occurred among local residents giving a death rate of 14.96 per 1,000. Death rate for 1958 Death rate for England and Wales for 1959 per 1,000 (crude) For Glamorgan (Administrative County) For Urban Districts For Rural Districts 15,183 40,932 39,610 12,721 £285,191 £1.028 554. 13.99 3.43 19 33.15 573. 15 27.08 28.03 19.86 16.24 48.86 Nil. Nil. 462 135 597 22 575 14.3 11.6 13.86 13.93 13.54 INFANT MORTALITY AND NEO MORTALITY, 1959. Infant Mortality Neo Natal Mortality Deaths Rate per Deaths Rate per under 1,000 under 1,000 Source one live four live Year births weeks births England and Wales 16,471 22.0 — — Glamorgan County 341 28.13 255 21.04 Urban Districts 251 28.78 188 21.56 Rural Districts 90 26.46 67 19.69 ABERDARE 15 27.08 11 19.86 Some larger Glamorgan Districts : Barry .... 17 21.20 13 16.21 Bridgend 4 14.44 3 10.83 Caerphilly 24 37.68 17 26.69 Maesteg 13 37.25 9 25.79 Mountain Ash .... 14 26.92 14 26.92 Neath Borough.... 13 27.43 8 16.88 Neath Rural 15 24.75 9 14.85 Pontypridd 16 27.12 12 [20.34 Port Talbot 24 25.70 19 20.34 Rhondda Borough 53 33.67 38 24.14 STILL BIRTHS. num^r °*.still-births registered was 19, of whic 10 females. The still birth rate per 1,000 registered live ; were males and stillbirths being The following table shows the Infantile Mortality a year rates per 1,000 births, since 1898 Mortality-Deaths under one Year 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 England & Wales. 160 163 154 151 133 132 145 128 132 118 120 109 105 130 95 108 105 110 91 96 97 89 80 83 77 69 75 75 70 69 65 74 60 66 65 64 59 Aberdare. 227 241 164 234 169 174 239 199 209 134 212 127 151 187 114 172 99 140 102 91 123 89 98 104 110 77 84 95 88 71 91 98 68 86 57 78 79 Year. 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 I.M. N.N.M. I.M. N.N.M. I.M. N.N.M. I.M. N.N.M. I.M. N.N.M. I.M. N.N.M. I.M. N.N.M. I.M. N.N.M. I.M. N.N.M. I.M. N.N.M. England & Wales. 57 59 58 53 50 55 59 49 49 46 46 43 41 34 32 29.8 29.6 18.8 27.6 18.9 26.8 17.7 25.5 17.7 24.9 17.3 23.8 23.0 16.5 22.50 22.0 Aberdare. 67 68 73 51 50 80 61 66 44 36 46 46 62 41 51 33.85 20.07 54.28 17.83 36.78 22.77 30.80 25.36 26.79 21.43 32.67 25.41 28.42 23.09 37.64 29.46 28.3 23.05 27.08 19.86 (I.M.—Infant Mortality. No. of Deaths under 1 year). (N.N.M.—Neo. Natal Mortality. No of deaths under 4 weeks). The following table gives the number of stillbirths per 1,000 live and stillbirths for the last ten years. 1950 40.14 1951 16.46 1952 24.5 1953 33.44 1954 36.1 1955 38.3 1956 44.9 1957 27.07 1958 29.26 1959 33.15 TABLE OF INFANTILE MORTALITY DURING THE YEAR 1959. CAUSES OF DEATH. All Causes Male ... 338 Female 237 Total 575 Tuberculosis—Respiratory 4 1 5 Other Forms — — — Syphilitic Disease 1 — 1 Diphtheria — — — Whooping Cough — — — Meningococcal infections. .. — — — Acute Poliomyelitis — — — Measles — — — Other infective and parasitic diseases .... 1 1 2 Malignant neoplasm —stomach 12 5 17 lung-bronchus .... 11 2 13 Breast — 6 6 Uterus .... — 2 2 Other malignant and lymphatic neoplasms 20 15 35 Leukaemia-aleukaemia .... 3 1 4 Diabetes 1 1 2 Vascular lesions of nervous system 43 49 92 Coronary disease—angina 68 28 96 Hypertension with heart disease 8 2 10 Other heart disease 55 58 113 Other circulatory diseases 7 10 17 Influenza .... 6 4 10 Pneumonia 8 3 11 Bronchitis .... —• 23 10 33 Other diseases of respiratory system .... 21 — 21 Ulcer of stomach and duodenum 6 1 7 Gastritis, enteritis and diarrhoea — — — Nephritis and nephrosis — 3 3 Hyperplasia of prostrate 3 — 3 Pregnancy, childbirth and abortion — — — Congenital malformations 2 5 7 Other defined and ill-defined diseases .... 20 24 44 Motor vehicle accidents .... 3 2 5 All other accidents 11 4 15 Suicide 1 — 1 Homicide and operations of war • • “ - The following table shows the number of deaths from cancer in the area during the past five years. 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 M. F. Total M F. Total M. F. Total M F. Total M. F. Total Stomach .... 12 5 17 13 8 21 8 5 13 10 9 19 10 7 17 Lung Bronchus 11 2 13 7 2 9 9 1 10 5 1 6 10 3 13 Breast — 6 6 — 6 6 — 4 4 — 4 4 — 7 7 Uterus — 2 2 — 5 5 — 5 5 — 3 3 — 4 4 Other 20 15 35 20 18 38 22 13 35 20 15 35 18 20 38 Totals 43 30 73 40 39 79 39 28 67 35 32 67 38 41 79 LIVE BIRTHS. Male Female Legitimate 277 258 Illegitimate .... 10 9 287 267 Birth rate per 1,000 home population being 1958 birth rate per 1,000 home population was The birth rate for England and Wales being (crude) The birth rate for Glamorgan (Administrative County) The birth rate for Urban Districts being.... The birth rate for Rural Districts being Total 535 19 554 14.41 14.57 16.5 16.08 15.94 16.49 ILLEGITIMATE BIRTHS. ^„cT,hei nUmt?er °! illeg1<;imate births registered was 19, of which 10 were boys and 9 girls and no deaths occurred amongst these children. NOTIFIABLE DISEASES. During the year the following notifications were received Scarlet Fever MALE 3 FEMALE 5 TOTAL 8 Measles .... .... 15 17 32 Pneumonia • ••• 13 10 23 Dysentery (Sonne) .... 21 30 51 Meningococcal Infection .... — 1 1 Food Poisoning .... — — — Puerperal Pyrexia — 11 11 Ophthalmia Neonatorum 3 1 4 The following table shows the incidence of notifications of confirmed Infectious diseases during the past seven years DISEASE. 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 Diphtheria — — — — 1 2 4 Scarlet Fever 8 15 5 47 26 16 1 Whooping Cough 6 — 41 13 9 2 44 Measles 32 78 352 39 500 9 340 Paratyphoid — 2 — — 1 1 — Dysentery (Sonne) 51 18 16 133 2 3 8 Food Poisoning — 1 9 5 12 1 1 3 Mengingococcal Infection .... 1 3 2 2 3 5 3 Erysipelas 2 — 2 3 4 2 3 Puerperal Pyrexia .... 11 8 11 14 5 15 7 Ophthalmia Neonatorum .... 4 2 1 — — 1 — Pneumonia .... 23 21 32 15 29 26 43 Poliomyelitis-Paralytic — — — 1 3 — 1 Encephalitis Lethargica .... (Infective) — — PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS AND OTHER DISEASES. During 1959, no case of Diphtheria was notified in the area. ANNUAL REPORT OF FOOD POISONING NOTIFICATION (CORRECTED). Food Poisoning Notifications (corrected) returned to Registrar General NIL OUTBREAKS. Total Outbreaks .... .... .... .... .... .... . NIL SINGLE CASES Total Number of known cases .... .... .... NIL ADMISSIONS TO MARDY ISOLATION HOSPITAL, MERTHYR TYDFIL, DURING 1959. DISEASE. No. of Cases Diphtheria (Unconfirmed) Meningococcal infection (Confirmed and Unconfirmed) Poliomyelitis (Unconfirmed) Mumps Enteritis Measles Dysentery Food Poisoning Paratyphoid (Unconfirmed) Whooping Cough Pneumonia .... Glandular Fever Ophthalmia Neonatorum .... Chickenpox .... Number of patients admitted during the year Aggregate number of days spent by patients in hospital Average number of days per patient 4 4 1 16 2 1 2 1 1 1 33 515 15.6 PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, 1936 (Section 167. Sub. Sec. 4.) Publ^Heilt^Act^qTfi^, L°Cf1 A£th°rities under the above Section of the beddlng SQded suspected of containing No such replacement was made in my district during 1959. TUBERCULOSIS. Public Health Act, 1936, Section 172. No action was taken under this section, which empowers the Council to apply for an Order for the removal to hospital of infectious persons suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis. The number of new cases notified in 1959 was Tuberculosis-Pulmonary .... .... .... .... 21 Meningitis .... .... _ Other forms .... .... 1 Total notified during the year .... .... .... .... 22 Cases of tuberculosis admitted to Sanitoria in 1959 .... 32 Cases of tuberculosis discharged from Sanitoria in 1959 .... 33 The following table gives the age and sex distribution of persons notified as suffering from tuberculosis and of those who have died from the disease NEW CASES NOTIFIED. DEATHS. Age Periods Respir- atory M. F. Menin- gitis M. F. Other Forms M. F. Respir- atory M. F. Menin- gitis M. F. Other Forms M. F 0 to 5 5 to 14 1 — 15 to 24 3 3 — 1 — - - - 25 to 44 3 2 — — — 1 45 to 64 1 3 — — 2 — — 65 and over 5 — — — 2 — — — Age unknown — — — — — — — — — — TOTALS .... 13 8 — — — 1 4 1 — — — — The following table shows the incidence of tuberculosis in the district for the past 20 years. CASES NOTIFIED. DEATHS NOTIFIED. Year. Respiratory. Other Forms. Respiratory. Other Forms 1940 68 15 30 4 1941 73 15 30 4 1942 60 17 20 6 1943 79 22 26 4 1944 85 14 30 5 1945 63 14 17 1 1946 64 13 24 2 1947 62 8 23 4 1948 57 9 17 1 1949 50 12 24 4 1950 51 12 22 2 1951 51 17 27 5 1952 44 2 11 1 1953 104 8 13 1 1954 74 10 9 5 1955 49 12 8 1 1956 25 5 6 1 1957 31 4 3 — 1958 28 4 9 — 1959 21 1 5 — WATER SUPPLY. The water supply of the Urban Area is derived from seven sources, six of which lie in the Urban Area. The seventh is derived from the Taf Fechan Water Board. CAPACITY RESERVOIR. IN GALLONS. AREA SUPPLIED NANTHIR .... .... .... 40,000,000 Llwydcoed, Ysguborwen, Situated on the mountainside Graig Place, Abernant, above Llwydcoed) .... .... Maesyffynon, Godreaman (West of Jubilee Road), Forge View area, North View Terrace, Cwmbach (part). NANTMOEL ' 67,000,000 (Situated on the mountainside above Llwydcoed) Hoovers, Cables, Trecy- non, Trefelin to Park Schools, Robertstown, part of Aberaman to Abercwmboi. BWLLFA (Graig Storage Ponds) (Situated in the Bwllfa, Cwmdare Village) NANTAMANFACH (Situated in the hollow of the Hafod Wen mountain, Cwmaman) PWLLFA (Situated at Ffyrnant in the hollow of the Ffaldau and Coedcae Mountains, Cwmaman) 7,000,000 Foundrytown, Davies- town, Town Centre, Maesydre, Gadlys (to Park Grove), Plasdraw Area, Sunnybank Street. 100,000 \ I Part of Aberaman, part 1 of Godreaman, Incline 300,000 j Row, Woodland Terrace I to Glynhafod Street. TAF FECHAN WATER BOARD. Upper Neuadd .... Lower Neuadd .... Taf Fechan (Cemetery Lodge to Park Lane), Llewellyn Street. 340,000,000 74,000,000 3,400,000,000 Croesbychan, Hirwaun, Penywaun, Hirwaun Rd., Cwmdare, Trecynon BLAENNANTYGROES TANK (Chlorinated only) 4,000 Blaennantygroes Road, Daniel Street, Waterloo Street, Pleasant Grove, Pond Place, Phillip Row, Morgan Row. t/i y—i ft O 0 ► (-1 3 cn nd a P ft 0 p •H bo P W <D rP -4-* >> rO Td 0 J .5 O S o ■g Ph P gs (—( TO J '-3 Q a) Q ft < £ x .3 Q ”§ £ d ^ .-§ m “ X o H ° < * QQ be M a O £ ■g I—I TO S * § s C o C/) rtf ft P TJ p P C/5 fec.2 .a > a a 5 o •S c k 3 M O «<-> <D 0 ft£ -M £ o ft rta S | £ a ■P 4-> HU p 04 0 O C/5 O nd ft d bp § 3 lH 33 O ft ft x d o o< O Qt ft w s 5 5 d ni PQ PQ fe a 4“ rt §g ere 05 a ftH A o V P N C/3 0 P 0 s c/5 PrP ft P rO P P-l r^-J 0 P 1-4 P 7 CD s a ^ 'H ^ m -M ^ d <3 43 <3 ft H-o § •3S 8 ft H 4-» P <D —' § d C o •43 P 0 ft o <15 - T3 Ph 0 P rP o P P bo .9 3 <p u o 0 o ft P o CO P PQ bo bo bo a p a £ £ £ in in in C/5 rP 4-> P PQ i-i 0 > o 0 bo p P A o S3 o rP o 1h o -M P p *c 3 o o cn Ow in ^ :|j i ft u co 88 Wg «w S3 u I 5* T3 O C/3 l-i o •4-J P p #S 0 1 o rP a p • H Td o CO aJ P I . p rt rj <C o s—I CO o 0) T3 •H fl P cd rP r& 3 CO T3 0 •4-* P 0 1-4 H ft ft P cn r—l 0 o 6 4-* s be fee 3 3 OO "S' S3 mpq m H . m ' W H hJ fe d °o o Ho w f£ w w f8H O < PQ a P 6 2 <e £> < M >4 O rt X Ph i in Vi •,'•{3 O ? rt tj W d ,g >, 3 o s 3 g b 43 o o w d o V of ^ 3 W « b « 8 ■3 b a 3 .2 b 4^ O w d *d! cn O o p in 0 u 1-. p o CO CO CO CO CO C\ C\ * i IO ^ CO O co o go ^ <N IO U-) VO vp -rj- O O VO VO ^ O O COCO N VO VO CN 04 CO CO o o d o o o Td in P _ gwg H ^ W < ° ^ O P8 >-) O O X o o o d d o o Id to •a C/) P3 = ft rt £ < < ft ft ft Q O < ft « ft C/2 S3 H <3 T3 PQ d _ ft •O Jz P ft o r5d ft < d £ PQ <3 43 £ as > O 0 d I d U r8 « O di <e C 1-4 0 -*ft 0 ’tJ ftl P <e 3 Xl O -*ft T3 P « ag fee d ° 'S oj ■° S3 C/5 ^ § » •2 44 ‘ 4 U O £ d nd P 0 0 SC/5 0 as oH o 0 1h 13 S? 0 P - 0 -2 6 'g p 0 05 ^ 1-4 0 4J ^ s ^•D 3 g 0 ^ O w p o d ft « Pi 05 o p p o CJ 0 5 >> rO T3 0 ft. 0 s "55 P o o bO P *0 rO 0 ft P 0 SP S^3 £.S d 9 lH ft u d 53 TO <U C to'3 o o d +" ft — TO ft O ±i d -ft d ■" g to C/3 T1 O -3 sl 3 § ft CJ o P C/5 Oi V? ft O O O Ph bo .5 'O nd p Pi 0 5 0 > o ft Pi 0 Rgfi Bacteriological and chemical analyses were made fortnightly on all sources of water supply. A table showing the results of bacteriological and chemical tests on the filtered supplies is given below : d >> u 4-> o o o in C'N in CO d Th fa O CO a w cn H in W C o H—I § W X o C/3 £ d C/3 d £ CO O o d u o 4-> o d 04 a* *7 d C/3 04 H 04 04 04 04 04 04 04 m 04 04 04 04 Un-Filtered . (1). Nanthir and Nantmoel Supplies. The waters from these two sources are soft, acid, of a peaty character, and frequently highly coloured ; and in spite of the fact that both waters receive chemical treatment with soda ash and alum, prior to mechanical filtration, chlorination and re-adjustment of the pH., the condition of the waters after such treatment frequently falls short of a desirable standard. Consideration of this problem has led the Council this year to take the initial steps towards the installation of contact coagulation tanks which it is confidently expected, will achieve the desired results. Parallel with this, efforts were made to affect improvements on the distribution side by means of a programme of cleaning and re-coating the mains. In addition, steady progress has been maintained in eliminating ‘‘dead ends" where possible, and forming ring distribution mains, for, within the distributing system, there are many ‘‘dead end” mains with very little take from them, resulting in conditions of semi-stagnancy. (2). Bwllfa-Graig Supplies. Unlike the waters from the various other sources supplying the district, the Bwllfa-Graig water is usually alkaline and considerably harder. It is naturally, a good quality water. Treatment consists of filtration by two slow sand filters and subsequent chlorination. The Council has agreed to a recommendation to increase the filtration capacity at this reservoir. (3). Amanfach and Pwllfa Supplies. Here again the waters from both sources are soft and acid and their treatment consists of chlorination and filtration by pressure filters. The Council has decided to abandon the Amanfach source as its yield is diminishing through mining subsidence, and to develop a supplementary source of water from the old Bedwlwyn Level, Cwmaman, the quality of the raw water from which, is better than either that obtained from Amanfach or Pwllfa. The water' from the Bedwlwyn Level is to be used to supplement the Pwllfa Reservoir. (4). Neuadd. Taf Fechan Water Board. Despite the fact that treated water is purchased by the Council from the Board, it has been found necessary to introduce secondary chlorination of the supply shortly after it enters this area. Very frequent chemical and bacteri- ological tests taken at the boundary over an extended period in 1955/56, gave results that were such as to lead this Council to make representations to the Taf Fechan Water Board in relation to the quality of the water. Since that time the Board has formulated proposals for the more efficient treatment and control of the water supplied by them. A contributory factor in the unsatisfactory reports on samples taken within the district can, in the opinion of the Engineer and Surveyor be attri- buted, as with other sources of supply, to the very old distribution mains. (5). Blaennantygroes Supply. This is a small source of supply and was for many years completely untreated. The water from the mountainside is now stored in a small storage reservoir pending distribution and is sterilized by a chloros drip feed at the inlet side of the storage tank. Variations in withdrawal from the tank would therefore, frequently show excess or too little chlorine since the rate of drip is not tied up in any way with the rate of take from the tank. The distri- bution mains are very old but have recently been scraped and recoated. The storage tank itself is flushed out, drained off and thoroughly cleansed at regular intervals. This source of supply will be abandoned when the scheme for improving the supply to Cwmbach is completed. This scheme is under way. River Pollution. Measured by its ability to sustain fish life, the condition of the River Cynon, where it passes through the District can now be described as satisfactory. Using the criterion of visual appearance, it can now be claimed that this, the secondary purpose of the work at the middle Duffryn settling ponds described in earlier reports, has also been, to a great degree, achieved, in that the river is now discoloured by the grey scum originating from the ponds much less frequently than hitherto. Here, as in the field of atmospheric pollution, the price of success is eternal vigilance, both on the part of the operating staffs of the installation concerned, and the responsible enforcement officers, and every effort continues to be made by the Council’s Officers to ensure this. Atmospheric Pollution. 1959 will never be regarded as a “vintage” year for developments in this field, and there is less than usual to report on this subject. For the sake of continuity, however, the practice adopted in previous years of treating the matter under the following heads has been maintained : (1) Industrial installations other than the Phurnacite Plant. (2) The Phurnacite Plant, Abercwmboi. (3) Clean Air Act, 1956, generally. (4) Comparative statistical information. (1). Industrial Installations. Middle Duffryn Power Station. The desire (referred to in last year’s Report), not to price this installation out of business precipitately, has rendered it impossible to press the National Coal Board either to install additional, more efficient, but also very expensive, dust trapping equipment, or, alternatively, to use a better grade fuel. Every effort continues to be made to ensure that the existing dust suppression equipment is used to its maximum efficiency. Aberaman Colliery. m ■ T*16 satisfactory outcome of this matter, reported last year, has been mamtamed, the emergency purposes” (see the last Report), for which it has been necessary to use the pulverised fuel boilers, which had been the immedi- ate cause of past difficulties at this installation, having proved to be very few, not involving any material degree of pollution. Aberaman Pipeworks. This installation continues to be kept under close surveillance, to ensure that its known deficiencies give rise to the least possible nuisance. (2). Phurnacite Plant, Abercwmboi. No significant work in the way of installation of new or improved suppre- ssion equipment was carried out during the year, but fresh impetus was given to the efforts made, over the past years, to measure the extent of the pollution caused by the Plant, by the consideration given, during 1959, to the possible establishment of a new large radio and television factory on land at Cwmbach situate about half-a-mile to the N.N.W. of the Plant. The fear entertained was that the fumes and dust produced by the Plant would have so adverse an effect upon the manufacturing processes of such a factory as to exclude the possibility of using this site for this particular purpose. What could at once be established from information already collected over quite a period, and immediately available in the Health Department, was that the degree of pollution by dust and sulphur dioxide at this site was no greater than that in many other industrial areas where similar processes were carried out, probably without thought of the consequences apprehended in this case. What could not be shewn, however, was that the "fumes” from the Plant, whose smell is characteristic of hydrogen sulphide, did not contain quantities of this gas, having a corrosive effect on the metal components of television and radio receivers, and which would possibly interfere with the technical processes of the construction of this equipment. The results of an interesting exercise directed towards the latter point, and an account of the various methods in which it was undertaken, will be recorded in next year’s Report. Even when the considerable difficulties of measurement have been over- come, however, there remains the problem of assessing the significance of the results obtained, by reason of the lack of any comparative statistical data, and the complete absence of any criteria for the appraisal of the resulting public health risks or industrial hazards. This last situation is all the more suprising when it is considered that hydrogen sulphide can arise, in the atmosphere, from a number of causes which cannot, themselves, be all that rare. Yet, quite considerable research has elicited only the most meagre written work upon this gas and its industrial and other effects. Should this Report come into the hands, therefore, of anyone knowing of literature, or possessing a fresh line, on this subject, their co-operation and advice would be genuinely appreciated. Quite apart from the above-mentioned investigation which proved in this, and the following year, of very considerable interest on a scientific level, the "bread and butter” work of keeping the Plant and its behaviour (which continued to give rise to local resident objection), under observation was continued by the Council’s own staff as well as the District Alkali Inspector, close and mutual contact being maintained with the local supervisory and operating staffs. 3). Clean Air Act, 1956. The view quoted in the 1958 Report as having been formed by the Council’s Officers, that little or nothing could be gained, in terms of practical results, by the creation of smoke control areas in this District, was accepted during 1959 by the Council, and on later being communicated to the Welsh Office, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, that Department did not dissent therefrom. This, then, represents the Council’s policy with regard to this matter. (4). Comparative Statistical Information. Included once more in this Report are tables shewing the results of the analyses made, during the year, of the deposits at the various atmospheric pollution measuring stations set up at various points in the Aberdare and Mountain Ash Urban Districts. As in previous years, these results continued to be submitted to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and National Coal Board, as well as being reported, periodically, to the two Councils concerned. If a desire is now felt to make comparisons with the results of previous year’s measuring, then reference should be made to the summarised 1956, 1957 and 1958 figures reproduced in the Report for that mentioned year. But anyone so doing, is reminded of the imperative necessity to exercise consider- able caution in attempting to deduce firm conclusions from any such figures. Finally, as a rough, and by no means scientific, guide, an approximation of the standards of pollution to be expected in the varying atmospheric conditions to be found in the country, a clean town and a "black” area of dense population and heavy industrial development, is given below, with the reiterated warning as to the dangers arising from effort to produce therefrom, scientific conclusions rather than, as is the intention, material of general interest value : Classification. Total Solids. A. Clean B. Fairly clean C. Dirty D. Very dirty. Clean rural atmosphere Heavily polluted atmosphere less than 12.5 tons per square mile. 12.5 to 37.5 tons per square mile. 37.5 to 62.5 tons per square mile. In excess of 62.5 tons per square mile. 0.25 m.g. of S.O.3 per 100 sq. c.m. per day. 5.0 m.g. of S.O.3 per 100 sq. c.m. per day. CO CM u V > < o <L> Q > o £ o P oJ .3 o Ph ho .3 4J o <D O CJ VO VO 00 OS 0 m os vO rH 00 '^* CO T—1 d tH d rH d d O T—( os CO CO Tt- q rH CO CO Os CO 0 rH d tH rH CM d rH VO CM T—1 tH co CO OS CM CO rH VO T—1 tH rH d CM rH d Os 00 00 VO CM os VO CM i> CM q 0 os rH d rH d d VO ON rH CO co t"* q 4 rH VO rH rH rH tH rH rH CM rH rH Dh 0 1 o o <« ~ u nl ■gS <u U c o S 5 a o nj CD OJ Ih CJ TJ rt o a^ < >, : h o <u S d a PQ £ o in u. V 0 cxi u< ft X4 o rt XI a & u ft o Pi & m p p X3 m 3 < u a •a C3 6 g flj o EC T) ft ai T3 <D X3 <-< ■o| o| 0 3 & p h H s B a cd u O X3 CA <P §0 o ^ § fl o 0) : —r 3 ;£§ “ is , 0 -5 a & | B O Ex CINEMAS. During the'year the Health Committee approved certificates of fitness submitted by licensees with regard to First Aid, Fire Fighting, etc., and electrical installations. The certificates showed a satisfactory position. This service is administrated by the Clerk of the Council. The greatest possible liaison exists between the Fire Prevention Officer of the Glamorgan Fire Service, and the Local Authority with regard to cinema supervision. Inspections are carried out periodically by the Shops Inspector The Public Health Inspectors continued their routine inspections of all cinemas in the district and on the whole, the sanitary conveniences were kept in a reasonably satisfactory condition. LICENSED PREMISES - HYGIENE. The Public Health Inspectors continued their routine inspections of all licensed premises in the district. Similar to past reports, I have to state that the greatest liaison exists between the Licensing Justices, the Superintendent of Police and the Public Health Department, with regard to the hygiene and inspection of licensed premises in the district. PUBLIC CLEANSING. The Council’s Engineer and Surveyor's Department is responsible for the scavenging and road cleansing service. Road gullies are emptied by a mechanical gully emptier and all refuse collected by mechanically propelled vehicles. The official tipping sites in the area were situated at Ynys Site, Aberdare. Rear of Gasworks, Aberaman. None of the above sites can be considered satisfactory and all have virtually reached their limit of use. Furthermore, the Council has now to face the difficult problem in this area of obtaining sites, but it is hoped that such a site will materialize in the near future on which modern control methods can usefully bfe employed. The indiscriminate dumping of refuse remains a real and very difficult problem to sustain, but every effort has been made by the District Public Health Inspectors to stop this practice. The public sanitary conveniences were maintained in a fairly good condition during the year, but wilful damage continued at several conve- niences in the outlying districts. RODENT CONTROL. PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949. During the year, work on the destruction of rats and mice was continued and two operators were employed full time by the Council. The operators also carried out two maintenance treatments of the sewers in the area during the year. Particulars of other treatments carried out during the year will be found below Number of treatments :— Dwelling-houses .... .... .... .... .... 612 Local Authority premises .... .... .... .... 2 Business premises (the total cost of which is fully recoverable) .... .... .... .... .... .... Ill Places of Worship .... .... .... .... .... 5 Total .... 730 Particulars of treatment using Warfarin RAT BAITS. MICE BAITS. Total Bait Laid. Total Bait Taken. Bait Laid. Bait Taken 7,418 07S. 3,216 ozs. 5,834 ozs. 3,730 ozs. Particulars of treatments using other poison .... NIL. SEWER TREATMENTS. *otvm treatments of the sewers in the area carried out during 1959 made up a* fohowf : manh°les twice at weekly intervals using l bait Para8nitroPphenoL0atinea1’ 5% MinCral 0il> 5% Sugar’ 5% Warfarin. 0.25% Some brief particulars of the treatments are given below FIRST TREATMENT. Number of Manholes Number Baited Number of Complete and Good Takes No. of Small Takes No. of No Takes No. of Manholes not baited 790 567 64 15 488 223 SECOND TREATMENT. 790 605 73 15 517 285 SLAUGHTERHOUSE. The Slaughterhouse which was under the management of the Fatstock Marketing Corporation Ltd., and served the Aberdare and Mountain Ash Areas was closed on the 1st of July, 1959, and all slaughtering ceased. The number of animals slaughtered during the six month period that the Slaughter- house was available was 12,725. All the carcases were examined and details of the inspections made are indicated below. CARCASES INSPECTED AND CONDEMNED. Cattle excluding Cows Cows Calves Sheep and Lambs Pigs. Number killed .... 697 219 109 9,034 2,666 Number inspected 697 219 109 9,034 2,666 All diseases EXCEPT TUBERCULOSIS _ 4 1 14 1 Whole carcases condemned. Carcases of which some part or organ was destroyed 104 99 — 466 52 Percentages of the numbers inspected affected with disease other than Tuberculosis .... 14.9 47.0 0.9 5.3 1.9 TUBERCULOSIS ONLY. Whole carcases condemned .... 1 1 Carcases of which some part or organ was destroyed 22 25 — — 65 Percentage of the numbers in- spected affected with Tuber- culosis 3.3 11.4 — — 2.4 CYSTICERCOSIS. Carcases of which some part or organ was condemned Carcases submitted to treatment bv refrigeration — — — — — Generalised and totally con- demned .— — — — — — UNSOUND FOOD. Food of the above description condemned as unfit for human consumption amounted to 5 tons, 18 cwts., 42 lbs. The amount condemned at the Slaughterhouse was 8,888 lbs., which consisted of Beef .... Beef Offal Veal .... Veal Offal Mutton Mutton Offal Pork .... Pork Offal 2,814 lbs. 3,415 lbs. 20 lbs. 3 lbs. 423 lbs. 1,305 lbs. 693 lbs. 215 lbs. 8,888 lbs. Miscellaneous articles of food condemned in stores, shops, etc. .... 4,370 lbs. 13,258 lbs. CONDEMNED FOOD. Condemned and diseased carcase meat and other inedible offals were disposed of to bona fide dealers in this kind of material where it is properly processed for various purposes. Other condemned foodstuff which could not be returned to suppliers or used for processing purposes was disposed Of with proper care in the local authority's refuse tips. The tips are under regular inspection by the Public Health Inspectors. BACTERIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL EXAMINATIONS. I must again express my gratitude to Mr. D. Evans Jones, Public Analyst, and to Dr. R. W. S. Harvey of the Public Health Laboratory for the advice and assistance I have had from them in connection with the wide variety of chemical and bacteriological analysis and investigations which they have carried out on behalf of the Local Authoruty. Their readiness to help in a diversity of problems has been of very great assistance to me in carrying out my duties as Medical Officer of Health. Public Health Laboratory Service, Cardiff. the year, 41 specimens were sent by the Health Department and local General Practitioners. These included throat and nose swabs, faeces ATP 1 * FOOD AND DRUGS AUTHORITY. The Council is the Food and Drugs Authority for the District, and during the year, the number of samples taken and submitted to the Public Analyst appropriated to one sample per 176 members of the population. FOOD AND DRUGS ACT, 1955. The number of samples taken during the year for qualitative analysis was 225, comprising 70 milks and 155 other foods H Y Of the 225 samples examined, 1 was found to be adulterated unsatisfactory, being 0.44 per cent of the whole. or otherwise The report on the unsatisfactory sample and the result of the action taken is indicated below No. of Sample. Commodity Formal or Informal Nature of adulteration or irregularity. Action Taken. 6a. Sausages Informal Contained excess suphur dioxide Retailer and Manu- facturer advised. Subsequent samples were satisfactory. MILK (SPECIAL DESIGNATION) (PASTEURISED AND STERILISED MILK) REGULATIONS, 1949. Number of licences issued to Sterilizing Plants .... 1 Number of licences issued to Pasteurising Plants 1 Number of Dealers’ Licences authorising the use of the Special Designation “Pasteurised” .... .... 20 Number of Dealer’s Licences authorising the use of the Special Designation “Sterilized” .... 7 MILK (SPECIAL DESIGNATION) (RAW MILK) REGULATIONS, 1949 Number of Dealers’ Licences issued authorizing the use of the Special Designation “Tuberculin Tested Milk 22 REPORT ON BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF MILK. Forty-six samples of pasteurised milk and one of tuberculin tested milk were taken for bacteriological examination, during theyear, and all were found to be satisfactory. MILK AND DAIRIES REGULATIONS, 1949. Number of Dairies registered previously Number of Dairies registered during 1959 Number of Dairies closed during 1959 .... Total 12 1 13 1 12 ICE CREAM. All the shops and premises where Ice cream is sold and prepared for sale were inspected by the Public Health Inspectors during the year. Vehicles used for the sale of ice cream were also inspected and kept under observation. The Ice Cream (Heat Treatment) Regulations prescribe the method by which ice cream is manufactured and the occupiers of all registered premises within the district are aware of the requirements of these regulations, and I am pleased to report that any suggestions made have readily been complied with. During the year, it has been noticed that there appears to be a tendency towards the increased sale of pre-packed ice cream in the area. During the year, ten new applications were received for the registration of premises for the purpose of the sale of ice cream and all were granted. Eighteen samples of ice cream were taken during the year for qualitative examination. FOOD AND DRUGS ACT - SECTION 16. Number of premises registered for manufacture of ice cream .... .... 17 Number of premises registered for manufacture of ice cream during 1959 17 Number of premises or vehicles registered for the sale of ice cream prior to 1959 , Hg Number registered during 1959 .... .... .... .... 10 128 The Public Health Inspectors continued in their work of education in Food Hygiene, together with the inspection and supervision of premises involved in the handling, preparing, and the storage of food. During the year the Public Health Inspectors continued to give advice to food trade employers and employees. SUMMARY OF FOOD PREMISES IN THE AREA. Grocers General Provisions Greengrocers Cake and Confectioners | Public Restaurants / Butchers .... .... .... Total 89 99 32 63 40 323 TYPE OF SHOP. Lock-up shops Parlour Shops Other shops 149 61 113 Total 323 New shops opened during the year 2 Shops closed during the year — Number of inspections of food premises carried out during 1959 .... 260 As in previous years, I have to report that the general standard both of the lay-out and maintenance of the shops within the area is on the whole satisfactory and all the larger shops are provided with adequate facilities for the maintenance of a good standard of hygiene. CENTRAL COUNCIL FOR HEALTH EDUCATION. An annual contribution is made to the Central Council for Health Education whereby the services of this organisation are made available and utilised. MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF COUNCIL EMPLOYEES. During the year, fifty-three persons have been medically examined. The examinations were for the purposes of the Council’s Superannuation Scheme, applications for Breakdown Pensions and the Council’s Sick Scheme. NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948 to 1951. (a) Care of the Aged. I have to report that similar to past years, the Department continued to co-operate with Family Doctors, Hospital Medical Officers and the Stall of the Divisional Health Office, the Assistance Board and the Aberdare Old People’s Welfare Committee, which is a voluntary organisation, in furthering the welfare in general of elderly people in the area. Through the agencies of the Welfare Committee, a Chiropody Service has covered the needs of the whole district. (b) Removal to suitable premises. (Section 47). No action was taken by the Council under this provision of the Act, during the year. (c) Burial of the Dead. (Section 50) No action was taken under this Section during the year. GENERAL HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES OF THE DISTRICT. 1. Services provided by the Glamorgan County Council. (a) Maternity and Child Welfare, Midwifery, Home Nursing, Home Help, Distribution of Welfare Foods, Issuing of Sick Room Requisites, School Medical and Health Visiting. These services are administered by the Divisional Medical Officer, Headquarters—Divisional Health Office, New Clinic Building, Rock Grounds, Aberdare. Tel. No. Aberdare 2497/8. (b) Mental Health Services. The duly authorised officers for this area are Miss H. B. Brown, 400 Grand Avenue, Ely, Cardiff. Tel No. Cardiff 71040 Mr. J. C. Seaman, 83, Newborough Avenue, Llanishen, Cardiff. Tel. No. Cardiff 52398 (c) Ambulance Service. The Ambulance Station for this area is situated at Hawthorn, Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd, Glam. Tel. No. Pontypridd 2522. (d) Welfare Service. Officers of the Welfare Service are available to offer advice and assistance to those in need of hostel accommodation, the blind and the handicapped. The local office for this area is at Area Office, Llewellyn Street, Trecynon, Aberdare, Glam. Tel. No. Aberdare 3018, (e) Children’s Department. The office of the Children’s Department of the County Council is at 33 to 36 Adam Street, Cardiff. Tel. No. 31696-31698. There is, however, working in this district, a Children’s Visitor Miss Payne, c/o Children’s Department, Courthouse Street, Pontypridd. Tel. No. Pontypridd 2275. (f) Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages. This area comes under the Pontypridd District and the Superintendent’s Office is at Courthouse Street, Pontypridd, Glam. Tel. No. Pontypridd 3122. The Local Registrar is Mr. Dilwyn Jones, Registrar’s Office, 21 Cardiff Street, Aberdare. Tel. No. Aberdare 2008. (g) Probation Officers. The address of the Principal Probation Officer is at St. Catherine’s Chamber, Mill Street, Pontypridd, Glam. Tel. No. Pontypridd 2157. For this area the Probation Officers are Mr. Emlyn Evans and Miss E. Parker, Probation Officers Office, 21 Cardiff Street, Aberdare. Tel. No. Aberdare 2901. (h) Youth Employment Bureau. The Youth Employment Officer for the area is Mr. W. V. McCarthy, Youth Employment Bureau, Wind Street, Aberdare, Glam. Tel. No. Aberdare 2795. 2. Hospital Services provided by the Welsh Regional Hospital Board. Hospital facilities for this area are administered by the Merthyr and Aberdare Hospital Management Committee. The office of this Committee is at St. Tydfil’s Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Glam. Tel. No. Merthyr 3401. The following is a list of the hospitals and clinics used by residents of the area Aberdare General Hospital, Abernant, Aberdare, Glam. Tel. No. Aberdare 2411. Fedw Hir Convalescent Hospital, Llwydcoed, Aberdare, Glam. Tel. No. Aberdare 2612. Mountain Ash General Hospital, Caegarw, Mountain Ash, Glam. Tel. No. Mountain Ash 2212. Mardy Isolation Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Glam. (For Infectious Diseases). Tel. No. Merthyr 3030. Pontsarn Chest Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Glam. Tel. No. Merthyr 2278. St. Tydfil’s Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Glam. Tel. No. Merthyr 3401. Merthyr General Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Glam. Tel.No. Merthyr 3651. Chest Clinic at Aberdare General Hospital, Abernant, Aberdare, Glam. Tel. No. Aberdare 2411. (This clinic is available on Monday and Thursday mornings). 3. Services provided by Government Departments. (a) Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance, Central Office (Wales), Government Buildings, St. Agnes Road, Gabalfa, Cardiff. Tel. No. Cardiff 62131. Local Office is at 4, Victoria Square, Aberdare, Glam. Tel. No. Aberdare 2541. (b) Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel The office is situated at the East Entrance, Prudential Building, Cathays Park, Cardiff. Tel. No. Cardiff 26161. (c) National Assistance Board The Area Office for this district is at Glanynys, Cwmbach Road, Aberdare, Glam. Tel. No. Aberdare 2343. (d) Ministry of Labour and National Service. Employment Exchange, Monk Street, Aberdare, Glam. Tel. No. Aberdare 2383. 4. General Practitioner Services. This service is provided by the Glamorgan Executive Council, (National Health Council), 47, Park Place, Cardiff. Tel. No. Cardiff 26216. HOUSING STATISTICS. Below are details of habitable dwellinghouses in the area at the 31st of December, 1959:- Pre-War Private houses in the area 10 523 Pre-War local authority houses in the area ’576 Pre-War local authority miscellaneous houses in the area 28 11,127 Post-War private (90) and Police (20) houses in the area 110 Post-War local authority houses in the area .... .... 1,484 Total .... 12,721 During the Post-War period to the 31st December, 1959, the number of dwelling-houses closed as unfit for human habitation-219 houses (73 during 1959). LOCAL AUTHORITY DWELLING-HOUSES. The number of houses on the Council’s pre-war estates are as follows :- Trefelin, Trecynon 140 houses. Trenant, Hirwaun 132 „ Tre Ifor, Llwydcoed .... .... .... .... 106 Treneol, Cwmaman .... .... .... .... 72 „ Wenallt Road, Abernant 40 Tre Telynog, Cwmbach 26 ,, Old Penywaun, Penywaun .... .... .... 24 ,, Cerdinen Terrace, Cwmbach 18 „ Trewaun, Hirwaun 18 „ 576 Local Authority Miscellaneous .... .... 28 604 houses. The number of post-war houses and flats occupied on the Council's Estates as at 31st December, 1959, is as follows :- Site Brick Steel Bung- alows Con- crete Corn- ish Unit Wool- away Flats Shop Flats Total Penywaun ... . 204 96 150 352 — — 68 6 876 Abernant .. . — — 6 — — — — — 6 Cwmbach .... 30 — — 242 112 42 — — 426 Ty Fry — — — — — 52 68 — 120 Moriah Place 10 — — — — — 46 — 56 Totals 244 96 156 594 112 94 182 6 1,484 One hundred and thirty-six council houses were erected during 1959. The number of council owned houses at 31/12/59, being Pre 1939 War estates ■ •••• •••• 576 houses Pre-War 1939 Miscellaneous 28 Post-War Estates .... • •••• •••• 1,484 ,, 2,088 houses ALLOCATION OF COUNCIL HOUSES. Below you will find a table of 951 applicants (divided into Tenants and Sub-tenants) for Council houses at the 31st December, 1959. Ward With 3 or more children With 2 children With 1 child over ten With 1 child Under 10 With No children T.B. Totals 1 13 26 11 12 34 6 102 2 4 9 7 11 28 — 59 3 9 9 10 4 24 1 57 4 15 29 25 8 21 1 99 5 30 14 25 7 22 5 103 Totals 71 87 78 42 129 13 420 SUB-TENANTS. 1 9 27 7 54 40 10 147 2 4 7 4 23 22 3 63 3 1 8 4 34 11 — 58 4 8 12 3 37 18 1 79 5 15 28 9 48 27 8 135 Totals 37 82 27 196 118 22 482 Tenants .... 420 Sub-Tenants .... .... .... .... .... .... 482 Total .... 902 Applications from outside A.U.D.C. Area .... 49 951 Total Applications HOUSING REPAIRS. I have to report similar to past years that housing repairs during the year have not been without their unsolved problems of getting landlords to undertake repairs. Continued efforts by the Public Health Inspectors to improve the conditions of the older properties have resulted in a substantial number of houses being attended to, although it has been necessary to resort to formal action in some cases. The high cost of labour and material continues to make the task of enforcing housing repairs, especially in the case of the lower rented proper- ties a most difficult one to deal with. 1. INSPECTION OF DWELLINGHOUSES DURING 1959. (a) Total number of dwellinghouses inspected for housing defects under the Housing Act and Public Health Act 409 (b) Number of inspections made for the purpose .... 492 (c) Number of dwellinghouses found to be in a state of danger or injurious to health, as to be unfit for human habitation .... 80 (d) Number of dwellinghouses (exclusive of those referred to under the preceding sub-head) found not to be in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation .... .... 121 2. REMEDY OF DEFECTS DURING THE YEAR WITHOUT SERVICE OF FORMAL NOTICES 123 3. ACTION UNDER STATUTORY POWERS DURING THE YEAR. (1). Proceedings under Section 9, Housing Act, 1957. (a) Number of dwellinghouses in respect of which notices were served requiring repairs .... .... .... .... 87 (b) Number of dwellinghouses which were rendered fit after service of formal notice .... .... .... .... .... — (i) By Owners .... .... .... .... .... .... 18 (ii) By Local Authority in default of Owners 18 (2) Proceedings under the Public Health Act (a) Number of dwellinghouses in respect of which notices were served requiring defects to be remedied .... .... 101 (b) Number of dwellinghouses in which defects were remedied after service of formal notices. (i) By Owners .... .... .... .... •— 39l (ii) By Local Authority in default of the Owners .... I 4 PROCEEDINGS UNDER SECTIONS 16 ND 17 OF THE HOUSING ACT, 1957 79 5 PROCEEDINGS UNDER SECTION 18 OF THE HOUSING ACT, 1957 1 RENT ACT, 1957. Part 1. Application for Certificate for Disrepair. (1) Number of applications for certificates 17 (2) Number of decisions not to issue certificates Nil. (3) Number of decisions to issue certificates 17 (i) in respect of some but not all defects .... .... .... 4 (ii) in respect of all defects .... .... .... .... .... 12 (4) Number of Undertakings given by landlords under paragraph 5 of the First Schedule .... .... .... .... .... 2 (5) Number of undertakings refused by Local Authority under proviso to paragraph 5 of the First Schedule .... Nil. (6) Number of Certificates issued .... .... .... .... .... 16 Part II. Application for cancellation of Certificates. (7) Applications by landlords to local authority for cancellation of certificate of disrepair .... .... .... .... .... 24 (8) Objections by Tenants to cancellation of certificates .... 5 (9) Decisions by Local Authority to cancel in spite of tenant’s objection .... .... .... .... .... .... .... 1 (10) Certificates cancelled by Local Authority .... .... .... 20 IMPROVEMENT GRANTS, HOUSING (FINANCIAL PROVISIONS! ACT, 1958, AND HOUSE PURCHASE AND HOUSING ACT, 1959. I have to report that during 1959, applications for improvement grants had been received from 112 applicants. Since January, 1955, ^34,182 Is. 9d has been approved to 215 applicants up to the 31st December, 1959. ACTION ON HOUSES UNFIT FOR HUMAN HABITATION HOUSING ACT, 1957. During 1959. Demolition Orders served .... .... .... 42 Closing Orders served .... .... .... 32 Undertakings accepted Schemes Accepted 7 Occupants from fifty-six of the above properties have been rehoused by the Local Authority PUBLIC HEALTH ACT, 1936. SECTION 266. MOVEABLE DWELLINGS Occupied Caravans, etc., continue to make their appearance in different parts of the area and efforts are being made to ensure that they comply with the appropriate legislation. No caravan site has been approved by the Council J. LI. WILLIAMS, Medical Officer of Health. SUMMARY OF THE WORK DONE BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTORS DURING THE YEAR. Number of houses and premises inspected Number of houses and premises re-visited Number of notices served—preliminary Number of notices served—statutory .... Number of houses repaired Closets cleansed or repaired Flush tanks renewed New closets erected to existing buildings Yards paved or repaired Defective house roofs repaired .... Defective walls repaired Defective chimneys repaired Defective ceilings repaired Defective floors repaired Defective doors repaired or renewed Defective windows repaired or renewed Defective fireplaces repaired or renewed Defective ovens renewed New eaves gutters and downpipes fixed Accumulations of refuse removed Other nuisances abated .... Number of mik samples taken for examination Number of water samples taken for bacteriological examination Number of water samples taken for chemical examination . Number of verminous houses inspected Number of samples taken for food and drugs examination . Number of infectious disease cases investigated DISINFECTION. Number of houses fumigated after infectious diseases Number of articles disinfected Number of articles destroyed DRAIN TESTING Number of drains tested Number of drains found defective Number of drains relaid .... Number of drains cleansed or repaired Number of drains connected to sewer BAKEHOUSES. Number on Register .... Number of visits of inspection Number of defects remedied LODGINGHOUSES. Number on Register Number of visits of inspection DAIRIES AND MILKSHOPS. Number on register .... Number of visits of inspection Number of defects remedied 409 492 121 188 199 51 51 14 57 146 154 103 150 81 82 170 88 61 156 43 34 112 877 38 225 87 87 622 19 136 75 41 51 34 15 40 3 1 8 12 41 12 SLAUGHTERHOUSES. Number of visits Number of animals slaughtered Number of animals inspected Meat condemned at slaughterhouse Other foods condemned 229 ... 12,725 .. 12,725 8,888 lbs. 4,370 lbs FACTORIES. (1) Factories in which sections 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6 are to be enforced by Local Authorities (2) Factories not included above in which section 7 is enforced by the Authority (3) Other premises in which section 7 is enforced by the Local Authority (excluding out-workers Premises) Totals Cases in which defects were found Want of cleanliness Overcrowding Unreasonable temperature Inadequate ventilation Ineffective drainage of floors Sanitary Conveniences (a) Insufficient .... (b) Unsuitable or defective (c) Not separate for sexes Other offences against the Act (Not relating to Outwork) Totals Number of Outworkers.... No. on Inspec- Written Prose- Register tions Notices cu tions 65 54 4 — 57 47 — — 3 3 — — 125 104 4 — Referred Reme- by H.M. Prose- Found died. Inspector cutions 2 2 2 — 1 1 1 3 3 2 — 6 6 5 — ....Nil.. D. RICHARDS (Retired 31/3/1959) T. WALTERS, Senior Public Health Inspector