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I have to report again a reduction in the birth rate, which was
19.6 against 21.6 in the previous year. This is somewhat unexpected,
especially in a district like Bermondsey, which is almost
entirely inhabited by the industrial classes. When I first came
to Bermondsey, the birth rate was round about 28 to 30, but the
reduction has been specially marked since the War period. This
is looked upon askance by many persons, but I think that those
who are acquainted with the enormous difficulties that the working
class mother has to contend with, will not look upon the
reduction of the birth rate as an unmitigated evil.
There were several minor changes in the staff during the
year. We took over charge of the whole of the drainage, which
necessitated the appointment of a special drainage inspector.
The new Regulations for puerperal fever and puerperal
pyrexia came into force during the year 1926, and necessitated
the appointment of consultants who would be available for the
general practitioner requiring a second opinion, especially in
cases of puerperal pyrexia, and also facilities were provided under
the Regulations for bacteriological examination for these cases.
Before closing these general remarks, I would like to thank
first of all the Chairman of the Public Health Committee and the
Maternity and Child Welfare Committee for their unfailing courtesy
and support on all measures which were introduced for the
benefit of the public health. These measures always received
the unstinted support of the Committees and the Council. As
regards the way my staff have carried out their duties I have
nothing but praise. In my last year's annual report I specified
the heads of the various sections into which the Public Health
Department is divided, and I not only say generally that I do'
not believe that there is another Medical Officer of Health who
is better served, not only by the ladies and gentlemen in charge
of these various departments, but by the subordinate staff.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
R. KING BROWN.