HH62/45/377

Transcription

[Note] 376

Western District.

The population of the Western District, estimated to the middle of 1897, was
10,017. During the year 1897 there were 223 Births (104 males and 119 females),
and 155 Deaths registered, giving a Birth-Rate of 22.2 and a Death-Rate of 15.4, as
compaired with a Birth-Rate of 22.5, and a Death-Rate of 14.4 in
1896. The Natural Increase of the population during the year was 68, as against
87 in 1896. There were 67 deaths in persons over 60 years of age during 1897, as
compared with 69 in 1896, and 14 deaths occurred in children under 1 year, of which
5 were attributed to Developmental Causes, giving an Infant Mortality of 62.7 as
against 71.1 in 1896.
The number of deaths from Zymotic Diseases was 9 as compared with 6 in
1896, and the Zymotic Death-Rate .898 as against .601 in 1896.
During the past year the health of the Western District has been very good,
and although at times considerable anxiety was caused by outbreaks of Scarlet
Fever, in some of which the nature of the disease had not been recognised until a
number of childen had been infected, still there were few cases of Enteric Fever
and Diphtheria.
No large number of men have been employed during the past year on
contracts, but as the raising of the level of the water in Loch Katrine by the
Glasgow Corporation is to be proceeded with during 1898, the huts necessary for the
accommodation of the large number of navvies likely to be employed will entail a
good deal of supervising.
The water-supply for the Village of Kinbuck received some attention during the
year. Complaints had been received as to the inconvenient situation of the only well
in the place, but as the quality of the water is good and the well is quite within the
statutory "at or near" all of the houses, it is more a matter to be settled between
landlord and tenant than by the Local Authority, unless a requisition be lodged for
the formation of the place into a Special Water Supply District. A good supply of
water for the place is understood to be available on reasonable terms.
The Killin sewage system was completed during the year, and the works are
giving great satisfaction to all concerned. The International sewage purification
process is yielding excellent results, and the purified effluent from the filters comes
out as clear as rain water. During the progress of laying the new drains many
defects in the old system were discovered, which fully accounted for the former pre-
valence of Diphtheria in the village. The absence of this disease is an ample reward
for the expenditure involved in making the drainage one of the most perfect in the
country, as well as one of the best certificates that could be held out to attract
summer visitors.
As it is understood that the Burgh of Doune is about to proceed with Drainage
Works, it will be necessary that the District Committee be assured of the proper
purification of the effluent before it enters the Teith.
2. General enquiries have been made to ascertain the sanitary condition of the
District, and special enquiries have been made in connection with complaints as to
alleged nuisances, insanitary conditions of houses, and investigation of outbreaks of
Infectious Disease.

[Note] 377