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In conclusion, it is my privilege again to express my appreciation
of the kindness and consideration which has always been
shown to me by the members of the Public Health, and Maternity
and Child Welfare Committees, and the whole of the members
of the Council.
I gladly acknowledge also the valuable support I have at all
times received from every member of my capable and enthusiastic
Staff, and particularly the voluntary workers of the various
Maternity and Child Welfare Centres.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
E. G. Annis.
The Thames Flood, January, 1928.
During the night of Saturday, 7th January, 1928, the Thames
rose to a height of 18-ft. 5-in. above datum line, the highest
previously recorded tide being 17-ft. 6-in. in January, 1881,
and February, 1884, with the result that a considerable portion
of the Borough adjacent to the River Bank was flooded in many
cases to a depth of several feet. Happily in Greenwich, no
cases can be recorded of persons having been drowned whilst
sleeping in basements, as occurred in some other Boroughs, but
the sudden inundation of flood water occasioned a very considerable
amount of damage both to house property, furniture,
bedding, etc.
The areas affected were promptly visited by His Worship
the Mayor (Alderman R. F. A. Purkiss, J.P.), in company with
the Town Clerk, Borough Engineer and the Medical Officer of
Health, relief first being in the form of coal in order to assist
in drying out the soaked walls and floors. Four cwts. of coal
were eventually distributed to each house affected.
It was at once appreciated that a very great amount of
detail work would be necessary in order to deal adequately with