View report page

3
first class. The second observation is that the infant mortality
rate has been reduced since 1944 from 44.8 to 25.7 deaths per
1,000 infants born—almost a 50% reduction.
During the year we have noticed much publicity in the daily
press concerning cancer of the lung.
In the year 1952 there were 28 deaths from cancer of the lung
or bronchus and in 1953 there were 23 deaths. The following table
shows the site of the affection.

No cases of diphtheria have been notified during the year. Our
campaign to immunise the child population is being continued with
vigour.
As over many years past the problem of old persons living on
their own still gives rise to difficulties, but with the co-operation of
the Geriatric Clinic, various Hospitals in the neighbourhood and
the County Council's Welfare Officer, most of the cases have been
settled without resort to legal process, either by admission to hospitals
or institutions or by the continuance of care by the old
persons' friends or relations. Unfortunately, however, legal
compulsion became necessary in two cases during the year, when
orders under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948.
were obtained for the removal of two old people to an institution.
I should like to take this opportunity of expressing to the staff
of the Public Health Department my appreciation of their cooperation
and loyalty throughout the year.
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
George E. B. Payne.