MUD-PSYCHOSIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23225, 24 June 1937, Page 9

MUD-PSYCHOSIS

PLIGHT OF AN ENGLISH VILLAGE

" Mud-psychosis,” a nervous disorder brought on by the discomforts of primitive road conditions in this part of rural Essex, is becoming an epidemic in Billericay (said a Sunday Chronicle special correspondent recently). This was the allegation of‘Mr F A. Rnmsey, a member of Billericay Council, one of the leaders of the campaign for better roads in the council's area. Hundreds of bungalows, built in the middle of fields and with only rough tracks towards them, are virtually isolated by churned-up mud. ■ 44 People of Billericay are living a life of banishment” said Mr Rumsey in a vigorous attack at a meeting of the council.

“ They have got mud-psychosis. Some of them are going mad through it. “One man of 8? was taken off to Brentwood Asylum only last week muttering, Mud, mud, mud. . . .” “Months of ploughing through the mire have upset neoplo’s nerves." he said.

44 They cannot wear decent clothes, and only heavy rubber boots are of any use for their legs.” At Pitsea a horse which sank into the mud could not be freed, and was shot.