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Since 1904 this kind of paving has been carried out in 52
streets, mostly situate in the most crowded and insanitary parts
of the Borough. That the innovation has proved successful there
can be no manner of doubt. In the parts of the Report dealing
with vital and morbid statistics it will be noted that a great
decrease has taken place in the mortality rates both general and
infantile, in those districts in which most of this work has been
carried out, and to which, to some extent at least, this desirable
result may be attributed.
It is, of course, not difficult to anticipate that a result of a
beneficial character must accrue from the use of impervious
material in streets in the poorer parts of the Borough, forming
as they do the playgrounds for the children living in them. They
are much less likely to harbour offensive matter which would
prove injurious to the health of children playing therein. These
streets are, moreover, more readily scavenged than ordinary
macadam roadway, and at the same time, in dry weather, less
dust accumulates, to be blown into the open windows and doors