(Catalogue ref: MH 13/138)
Sir,
I appreciate you taking the time to read my letter, and now send
you a petition from the people of Ormskirk that has been signed
by 164 ratepayers requesting the adoption of the terms of the Heath
of Towns act. According to the last rate book the number of ratepayers
was over 1100, so it is clear that people are very keen to adopt
the new law, indeed, more would have signed, but it seemed unnecessary
to add their names to the list.
I have put off sending the petition in the hope that the Epidemic
Disease Act and the order of the Commissioners might have helped.
However, I realise there is no power in law to deal with the Irish
lodging houses which have become quite a problem in our town as
Liverpool is not far away.
The people of the town want sewers and a sufficient water supply.
It is impossible to carry out any effective health reforms without
them. In the meantime, it is vital that you send us a health officer.
As Chairman of the Sanitary Committee (working under the Poor Law
Guardians) I will be Healthy to publicise the plans for a health officer
and would be glad to help him in his work. Perhaps you will let
me know if he will conduct his own inquiries or expects the people
of the town to provide him with information.
Yours faithfully,
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