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17
two other most important, apart from the number of children,
being the condition of the property and the presence of illness
such as Tuberculosis in the family.
The question may well be asked how it is that the death-rate
and infantile mortality rate should remain so comparatively
satisfactory in view of the fact that more than i22,000 families in
Hackney inhabit dwellings originally built for one family, that
is, not structurally separate, and that a large proportion of these
families are living in one or two rooms in dwellings constantly in
need of repair. There are many conditions helping to counteract
the deplorable state of much of the housing in the Borough.
Hackney is fortunate in its open spaces. Much of the housing
property built for single families and now housing several
tenants have gardens attached. Property like Nisbet Street,
well known to the Public Health Committee, and Middlesex Wharf
where more than 100 persons are living in houses condemned as
unfit for human habitation, have plenty of open space surrounding
where young children can enjoy healthy exercise in the fresh air.
The numerous agencies working towards the relief of suffering
and the amelioration of conditions of life, such as the Hospitals,
the Guardians, the Voluntary Associations and the Charitable
agencies, although many of them help with small matters in
themselves possibly, yet accomplish in the aggregate a very
great deal, and it should be remembered that the forces
tending to improve the public health are interacting; for instance,
the Welfare Centres by improving the stamina of the infant life
of the Borough are helping to reduce the Tuberculosis death-rate,
and the special measures directed against Tuberculosis help to
prevent infantile death and crippling.
The work of the Sanitary Inspectors and Health Visitors in
ameliorating the conditions arising from the housing shortage
cannot be over-estimated. If these services were inefficient,
choked and broken drains, leaky roofs, minor sanitary defects
B