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Alcoholism. In 1901 there were 13 deaths directly due to alcoholism
or delirium trements(of which 7 were women) and many others indirectly
attributable to this cause including 22 (13 women) from cirrhosis of
the liver.
In 1963 there were no deaths directly the result of alcoholism and
probably none in which it played a major role and cirrhosis of the
liver has all but disappeared. Though the debilitating effects of
chronic alcoholism are occasionally encountered, they are of insufficient
general importance to be specially mentioned in the Annual Report.
Cancer. In 1901 there were only 72 deaths recorded from cancer, whereas
in 1963 there were 88 deaths. It must be remembered however that
the number of elderly in the Borough has not decreased, and these numbers
are broadly comparable without adjustment for the diminished population.
Coronary Disease. In 1901 deaths from this cause were so rare that the
few that probably occurred were classed generally as from Heart disease,
whereas in 1963 there were 77 deaths.
Accidents. In 1901 there were 67 deaths from accidents and in 1963
there were 2 deaths from motor vehicle accidents and from other accidents
making a total of 14 deaths.
Suicide. In 1901 there were 14 cases of suicide all under 65 years of
age, and in 1963 8 cases including 2 over 65 years.
FOOD
Meat
In 1901 there were 7 slaughterhouses in the Borough and the second
largest dead meat market in London, namely the Extra-corporation meat
markets in the vicinity of Smithfield. There were of course no cold
meat stores, and the total amount of meat handled in the market area,
although very considerable must have been much less than that in 1963.
There were a large number of butchers shops and market stalls selling
meat in the Borough.
Inspection was carried out by a full time meat inspector assisted
as necessary by other sanitary inspectors. Surrender of unsound and
diseased meat by the owner was accepted by the Council. But if such
meat was discovered by the inspector the matter was reported to the
Medical Officer of Health, who, if he regarded the case as serious
seized the meat and submitted it to the magistrate for condemnation,
and reported the fact to the Public Health committee. Co-operation
with the trade was sought rather than prosecution, except in the more
flagrant cases, nevertheless legal proceedings were instituted in 24
instances.
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