HH62/45/355

Transcription

[Page] 8

The following Tables are given to show the Death-Rates from various causes in
the different Districts, as well as the Burghs of the County, during the past five
years:-

LANDWARD DEATH-RATES.

[Table inserted]

BURGH DEATH-RATES.

[Table inserted]

In connection with the Water Supplies which were referred to in last year's
Report as likely to be completed during 1897, none have attained completion, ex-
cepting that for the Burghmuir of Perth.

[Note] 354

[Page] 9

The Wester Errol Water District has now a fair prospect of soon enjoying its
much-needed supply of water, as the preliminary negotiations for securing rights
to the water (which were exceedingly complicated) have now been completed, and
the contracts fixed for executing the work, which is very considerable. The cost
of the works far exceeds the original estimate, but thanks to the generosity of one
proprietor in the District, the extra expense will not be borne by the ratepayers,
but by him.
The proposed water supply for Scone, after being favourably reported on by two
Engineers and remitted to a Special Sub-Committee to carry out the work, has
mysteriously been allowed to become dormant; it will be necessary to have it restored
to life, and that speedily, as the inhabitants of the village are urgently in need of a
pure water supply.
Bankfoot still clings to its wells, although these are becoming fewer, owing
to the action of the Sanitary Inspector in ordering the closing of those found
unsafe, so that it is hoped that the inhabitants may soon see the wisdom of requisi-
tioning the District Committee to form the place into a Special Water District.
The Madderty District has now been fairly well provided with water, through
the efforts of individual proprietors, and the inhabitants are now realising the benefits
of one of Nature's greatest blessings - pure water.
The water-supply of Dunkeld has received much attention. It was thought at
one time that it would be necessary to bring an increased supply from a distance,
but before doing so it was arranged that the present supply should be carefully
tested as to its capacity, and also that efficient filters should be erected, as the water
receives a considerable amount of vegetable debris which renders it unsightly as well
as somewhat dangerous to use for domestic purposes without filtration.
At Kinbuck frequent complaints have been made as to the inconvenience of the
present water-supply, which is derived from a single well. The water of this well
is of fair quality, but the situation of the well renders it liable to pollution. This,
coupled with the fact that the well, although "at or near" all of the houses in the
village, is still a long way from some of them, makes it desirable that a gravitation
supply should be introduced if possible. It is understood that water has been offered
from the Dunblane supply on very reasonable terms.
Burrelton and Woodside now enjoy the advantages of a very good and efficient
water supply, and although some perverse persons still prefer their old sink wells,
the great body of inhabitants are thankful for the water. The Rosemount
Water District, the procuring of a supply of water for which has been the cause of
much anxious thought, has now secured water from the Blairgowrie Burgh supply
on very reasonable terms. As the cost of laying pipes in the District has been
found to be reasonable, it is expected that the much-needed water will be available
during the coming summer.
In connection with Drainage, a very excellent system was proposed for Scone
by Mr. Copland, C.E. It was agreed that this should be acted upon, and the
Drainage Committee was empowered to carry out the works, but as yet there has
been no visible result. That the present water-supply and drainage of Scone are
notoriously bad has been often pointed out, and as the peeople who are to be
taxed for the introduction of a better condition of sanitary matters are demanding
the completion of the works, it seems somewhat mysterious that nothing has been
done in the matter, and the District Committee should call for an explanation at an
early date.

[Note] 355