View report page

viii.
inhabitants, and to-day is 17.4. In 1855 the death-rate of the old parish
stood at 22.8 per 1,000, being preceded in 1854 by a rate of 25.0, and
followed in 1856 by one of 21.7 per 1,000, which increased gradually
until in 1866 it rose to 28.0, and to-day it only reaches the very low
figure of 14.4 per 1,000, or 48.5 per cent. less than then, which is a truly
marvellous decrease, especially when it is considered in the light of the fact
that the population has all through the intervening period been gradually
changing from an upper class and good middle class to one that is a middle,
and most largely artizan, class. Such a fall in the death-rate is in itself an
infallible indication of the great improvement that has occurred in the sanitary
circumstances of Islington, and proves incontestably that modern sanitation
has added greatly to the health, and, therefore, the happiness, of the people,
who should not be unmindful of these great blessings, which have been
brought about by the incessant labour of men who have given their time
without fee or reward to the service of this great community, and to its
officials who piloted it safely on its course, which happily just now seems beset
with no danger either from within or without.
I would wish here to say that I have much appreciated the kindly manner
in which my reports and recommendations have been received by the Public
Health Committee, and yourselves, and particularly to thank the Chairman of
that Committee, Alderman Smallwood, for the support and assistance he has
invariably afforded to myself and to the staff of my Department.
I also desire to acknowledge the willing services that have been accorded
to me by my colleague, Mr. J. R. Leggatt, the Chief Inspector, and by
Mr. George King, my chief clerk, as well as by every member of my
staff, in carrying out the work of the Department which daily grows larger,
more important, and more onerous, and the vast amount of which, I am
afraid, is not generally known to the people, possibly because it has been, for
the most part, performed unobtrusively and without friction, and therefore
has not attracted attention.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Aldermen and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
Medical Officer of Health.
Town Hall, Islington, N.
June 1st, 1906.