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of the year. All these houses, however, were built for sale and
did not alleviate the position for the poorer section of the community,
which is still only able to pay a small rent.
The School Medical Service has continued to carry out
efficient work. The most noticeable feature is that in November
I was able to report that for the first time for 17 years there was
no case of ringworm of the scalp in an Ilford school-child. A
few sporadic cases have arisen since (some imported from other
districts), but when medical inspection commenced in 1909 there
were 135 cases, and the result which has been achieved is a
testimony to the value of the School Medical Service and the work
of the X-ray operator, Mr. Golledge.
I regret to say that little progress has been made in the
provision of a special school for mentally defective children.
The plans for an open-air school are at present before the Board
of Education.
As far as the staff of the Department is concerned, an
additional Assistant Medical Officer was appointed during the
year to deal more particularly with the work at the Infant Welfare
Centres and the Maternity Home. This will enable a good deal
more medical assistance and supervision over the patients at the
Maternity Home to be rendered than previously, and will also
relieve a considerable amount of the congestion at the various
Infant Welfare Centres as well as at the Ante-Natal Clinic. Mr.
Haigh was appointed Deputy Senior Sanitary Inspector and Chief
Clerk. This appointment effects a very desirable co-ordination
in the work of the Department, and at the same time ensures
that a qualified Sanitary Inspector shall be available at all times
during office hours to deal with any sanitary matters which may
require urgent attention.
I have again to thank the Council for the support which I
have received, and the members of my Staff for the loyal service
they have rendered.
I am, Madam and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
A. H. G. BURTON,
Medical Officer of Health.