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to this declining birth-rate, however, the infantile
mortality, 64 per thousand registered births during
the year under review, is equal to that in 1923, which
was the lowest recorded up to that time.
The general death-rate has risen very slightly,
being 10.8 per thousand of the population in 1926,
compared with 10.7 during 1925.
Nine hundred and thirty-eight, or 52.6 per cent.
of the total deaths, were caused by five diseases,
cancer, heart diseases, tuberculosis, pneumonia and
bronchitis. During 1926 cancer occupied first place,
whereas in 1925 heart diseases caused the highest
mortality.
During 1926 several changes took place in the
personnel of the staff of the Public Health Department.
The Council were fortunate in securing the services
of Dr. F. W. Hamilton as Tuberculosis Officer and
Assistant Medical Officer of Health. He was for many
years Assistant Tuberculosis Officer to the Boroughs
of Bethnal Green and Hackney.
Mr. J. A. H. Brownlow entered on his duties as
Sanitary Inspector in August, succeeding Mr.M. Canton,
and Miss R. Bowen commenced duty as Tuberculosis
Nurse in June on the resignation of Miss H. Turner.
I have to record with great regret the death of
ex-Councillor Booth, who was a member of the Council
for 13 years, and a past Chairman of the Public Health
Committee.
I wish to acknowledge with gratitude the capable
and strenuous work and help I have received personally
from all members of the staff of the department
since I entered on my duties.
In conclusion I desire to express my appreciation
of the kind consideration shewn to me by the Chairmen
and Members of the Public Health and Maternity and
Child Welfare Committees, and of the Council generally,
and also to my colleagues in other Departments.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
JOHN SULLIVAN,
Medical Officer of Health.