The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1876-12-02 00:00:00

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE.

REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH.
—Number of deaths reported in the township from
October 23 to November 16, is 10 viz: seven
males and nine females, six of the deaths are
over 50 years and upwards, the death-rate is 2047.-
The officer roports as the cold weather approaches
the death-rate increases but in a very gradual
degree. The health of the town compares very
favourable with other towns of the same size in
England. Two cases of diphtheria are reported,
and one of whooping-cough in the last five weeks.
It is to be remarked that during the past summer
no deaths from scarlet-fever or measles have taken
place, and that the only zymotic disease that at
all prevailed was whooping-cough from which
the deaths were very few. Number of births
registered in the same period 24, viz: 14 males
and 10 females, the birth-rate is 30-71.
The Medical Officer's journal was laid before
your committee. Premises in Birmingham Street,
Angel Street, the Cliff, Beauty Bank and High
Street have been visited and instructions given to
the Town Officer for the removal of nuisances
found there. With two exceptions the instruc-
tions have been complied with. Two cases of
overcrowding fLre reported.
TOWN OFFICER'S REPORT.—Nuisances removed
from last month, 20; reported during the month,
88 ; total, 98; removed, old, 18; new, 80; total,
78; removed, 10. Night-soil :56 privies, 3 ash-
pits, and one cesspool belonging to 93 houses have
been emptied and cleansed and the contents re-
moved;
and
number kof loads 117.repoThretedslatuoghheteiru-
good sanitary condition.
The Clerk reported that three tables are re-
quired for the Corn Exchange and other rooms
and advise that they be procured.
PRICE OF GAS.

Your committee considered that this ques
tion referred to them by your Board at the last,
zi,nd passed tun following resolu-
tion, yiz :—" That the Commissioners be advised
to instruct their Clerk to write to the Director,

of the Stourbridge Gas Company, calling their
attention to the fact that two years ago a deputa-
tion from your Board waited upon them in
reference to the price of gas supplied to con-
sumers, and that the Directors held out no hope
of a reduction before Lady-day. 1875. It is there-
fore the opinion of the Commissioners that the
time has arrived when a reductiou of price
should be made."

_
The Chairman moved that the report be re-
ceived.
Moved by Mr. Perkins, and seconded by Mr.
Stringer and carried, "That three tables be pro-
cured for the use of the Exchange and other
rooms." .

Mr. Kelley said that some two years ago a
deputation waited upon the Gas Company and
they thenlheld out hopes that in May, 1875, they
should drop the price of gas. They have not
done so and he thought the time had come when
the company should be called upon to reduce the
price of gas. It ought to be lower now the coal
is lower, and he should propose that the Clerk do
write to the Gas Company, asking them to reduce
the price.
This was seconded by Mr. Edwards.
The Chairman said he should advise the Clerk
to write to them strongly, and call their attention
to the fact that they promised to reduce the price
and they had not done so, and if they did not
reduce the price they should do something in the
matter themselves.
The Clerk said he would write to them as re-
quested.