Page:Transactions of the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association, volume 2.djvu/224



The water used for domestic purposes is raised by pumps; it is what is generally called hard, and contains a large quantity of carbonate of lime. The average depth of the wells is about 33 feet. There are two wells in the neighbourhood which are used when a purer water for domestic purposes is wanted; the water of these wells does not appear to contain any mineral impregnation.

About 100 persons are employed in an iron foundry; inflammation of the eyes appears to be the only disease to which they are liable, which can be attributed to their employment.

There is a small spinning mill, at which from 20 to 50 girls are employed; although they work in turn, occasionally night and day, they appear to be very healthy.

There are several benefit clubs in the town; the calculations are, in general, badly made, and there is much reason to fear that those members who may live to be old, will never derive any advantage from their contributions. Every now and then the box is said to be shut, or, in other words, there are no funds. None of the persons of influence among the men join the clubs, and there appears an objection among them to enrolment.

There are no endowed charities connected with the town, nor any charitable institutions of any extent, except the Sunday Schools.

There is a market on Tuesday and Saturday, and there are two fairs in the year.

By the late Reform Bill, this town was added to the borough of Bewdley, which unites with it in sending one Member to Parliament.