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It is interesting to relate that during the year there
were only 82 cases of scarlet fever, compared with 117 in 1939
and 238 in 1938. There were only 54 cases of diphtheria,
compared with 102 in 1939 and 156 in 1938.
The death rate from the principal infectious diseases,
based on the estimated population, is the lowest in the history
of the borough.
The infant mortality rate of 58 is the lowest on record
for the borough.
The scheme of holding infant welfare sessions at the
first aid posts was continued throughout the year. Her Majesty
the Queen paid a special visit to inspect this feature of the
Counoil's work, and graciously conveyed to Hie Worship the Mayor
her approval.
The deputy Medical Officer of Health, twelve clerical
assistants, four sanitary inspectors, one woman health officer
and four other officers in the department had joined His Majesty's
forces before the end of 1940. The remaining members of the
permanent staff and the temporary officers have worked hard in
an effort to maintain the public health and the efficiency of the
A.R.P. casualty services throughout the year, and in this work
they are all grateful for the support and encouragement they
received from the Mayor, the Emergency Commitee and the Public
Health Committee.
SUMMARY OF STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR 1940.
Comparable figures for the last full year of peace - 1938
appear in brackets.
The Registrar-General's estimate of population in mid
1940 is 123,860 (174,100)
Area of borough in acres 2,291.
Density of population per acre 54 (76).
Rateable value £3,203,927 (£3,427,044).
Product of a 1d. rate £7,948 (£14,279).
No. of inhabited houses 28,310 (37,519).
Total
M.
F.
Live births (legitimate) 1,514 (2,009) 754 (1052) 760 (957)
illegitimate 160 227) 81 (111 79 116)
Birth rate 13.5 (12.8)
Total
M.
F.
Stillbirths 53 (62) 32 (31) 21 (31)
Stillbirths rate per 1,000 total births 31.6 (27)
Total
M.
F.
Deaths 2,269 (2,049) 993 (952) 1,276 (1,097)
Death rate (after adjustment) 17.4 (10.9)
Deaths from puerperal cause:-
Deaths
Rate per 1,000 total
(live and till)births
Puerperal sepsis 5 (2) 3.1 (0.9)
Other puerperal causes 2(3) 1.2 (1.3)
Total 7 (5) 4.3 (2.2)