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PREFACE.
To the Mayor. Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich.
Mr, Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I have the honour to present you with my 18th Annual
Report on the Health of Woolwich, including the 28th Annual
Report for Plumstead. The report is again abbreviated owing
to the high cost of printing and the usual tables are omitted.
They have, however, been prepared and are kept for reference.
The Borough, like the rest of England, experienced an
exceptionally high death rate due to the severe epidemic of
Influenza which visited London in October.
The infant mortality rose in 1918 even more than the
general death rate. In 1917, although for the first time
Woolwich had the lowest infant mortality of any Metropolitan
Borough, it was noticeable that the infant mortality had not
declined as much as the general death rate. In 1918 there
was a marked increase of the illegitimate birth rate, the
death rate of illegitimate infants, the deaths under one week
and the deaths from Puerperal Fever. I believe that sexual
immorality and illegitimacy—which is much greater than
appears from official returns—are a main cause that infant
mortality has not declined as much as might be hoped. Though
there has been a very great improvement in the Public Health
during my tenure of office there is ample room for further
advance, and the subject of illegitimacy is one which calls
for serious attention.
In presenting this, my last Annual Report, I have to
acknowledge with thanks the support which your Council has
given to my many proposals for improving the public health,
and hope that my successor may have your whole-hearted cooperation
in his efforts to further reduce disease and increase
the public health find welfare.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
SIDNEY DAVIES.