London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Chelsea 1929
Annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for Chelsea, 1929
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Analysis of the 1921 Census figures shows that there is a greater
proportion of unoccupied and retired persons in Chelsea than in any
other Metropolitan borough. There is, however, a considerable "working
class" population. Thus, of a total of 21,000 adult males, about
17,000 are occupied. The chief occupations are transport work (2,990),
personal service (1,971), metal work (1,144), and clerical work (1,017).
Nearly one-half of the 32,000 adult females are occupied. Of these,
domestic servants account for 9,900, dressmakers number 1,355, shop
assistants 1,900, and clerks 1,200.
There are no dangerous or offensive trades carried on in the Borough.
There is no evidence that any of the occupations of the inhabitants
exerts a deleterious influence on the public health.
VITAL STATISTICS. In accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Health, the following extracts from the Vital Statistics of the year are shown below:— TABLE No. 2.
| Births—Legitimate | 664 | |
| Births—Illegitimate | 72 | |
| 736 | Birth Rate | 11.7 |
| Still-births | 26 | |
| (a.) Legitimate | 22 | |
| (b.) Illegitimate | 4 | |
| Deaths | 983 | |
| Death Rate | 15.7 | |
| Number of women dying in, or in consequence of childbirth | 7 | |
| (a.) From sepsis | 8 | |
| (b.) From other causes | 4 | |
| Deaths of infants under one year | 52 | |
| (a.) Legitimate | 43 | |
| (b.) Illegitimate | 9 | |
| Infantile Mortality Rate | 70 | |
| Deaths from Measles (all ages) | 2 | |
| Deaths from Whooping Cough (all ages) | 12 | |
| Deaths from Diarrhæa (under 2 years) | 8 | |
| Zymotic Death Rate | 0.4 | |
| Deaths from the Zymotic Diseases | 28 | |
| Tuberculosis Death Rate | 0.86 | |
BIRTHS.
During the year 902 births were registered in Chelsea, 447 being boys
and 455 girls. Of these, births of non-parishioners account for 352,
(175 boys and 177 girls), and must be deducted. In addition, there were
186 births amongst Chelsea mothers in Lying-in Hospitals and elsewhere
outside the Borough, 99 boys and 87 girls. The total number
of Chelsea births for the year was 736 of which 371 were males and 365
females.
The following Tables are self-explanatory