London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Merton and Morden 1920
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Merton and Morden]
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Report.
NATURAL & SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE DISTRICT.
At the 1911 Census the population for District amounted
to 14,140. My estimate for the middle of 1920 is 18,200.
The District is somewhat flat, having a slight rise towards
the Southern or Morden aspect. In the Northern or Merton
portion of the District the sub-soil merges into the underlying
clay in the East, West, and in the whole of the Morden portion.
The area is about 8,237 acres, only a portion of which is built
upon. The surface is drained by the River Wandle, and the
Pyl and Beverly Brooks.
The population is mainly composed of the better type of
the working classes, and there is no particular occupation
which can influence public health.
The Clerk to the- Croydon Union Guaidians, Mr. Walker, has supplied me with following figures relating to Poor Law-Relief:—
| Men. | Women. | Children | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merton | 2 | 5 | 14 | 21 |
| M orden | 1 | 4 | 4 | 9 |
| 30 | ||||
| TEMPORARY RELIEF OWING TO UNEMPLOYMENT. | ||||
| Men. | Women. | Children. | Total. | |
| Merton | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 |
| 37 | ||||
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DISTRICT.
water is supplied by the Metropolitan Water Board
and the Sutton Water Company.
Rivers and Streams are under the supervision of
your Inspector of Nuisances.