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7
June, during which months there were 427 cases. Diphtheria and
Scarlet Fever were both mild in type and the Borough continues to
escape the ravages of Smallpox experienced in certain other Metropolitan
Boroughs.
The work of the Maternity and Child Welfare Service proceeded
normally during the year. The Infant Mortality rate was 54 and
Hampstead now occupies fourth place amongst Metropolitan Boroughs
For yet further progress in this, the most essential of all Social
Services, discussions between the Borough Council and the Voluntary
Bodies were taking place toward the close of the year.
At the end of the year arrangements had been completed for the
commencement of a detailed investigation and report on certain Clearance
Areas under the Housing Act, 1930. The number of tenement
houses on the Register in December, 1932, was 1,578. Invaluable
work continues to be done by my Inspectors in the enforcement of the
Tenement House Bye-laws of the London County Council, but unfortunately
this work is curtailed owing to the reduction in staff since
1932, and the large amount of voluntary work undertaken by property
owners which has to be supervised by the Sanitary Inspectors.
A new feature of the Annual Report for this year is the inclusion
of a brief Meteorological Survey of the Borough during the past
year. For this I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. E. L. Hawke,
M.A., F.R.M.S. The information recorded therein has, of course, a
direct bearing on the health of the Borough and proves a definite
addition to the value of this Report.
In conclusion I wish to tender my thanks to the Chief Officials
for their ready and invaluable co-operation, also to the members of
the Committees on which I serve for their unfailing support. In
particular, my best thanks are due to the whole staff of the Public
Health Department for their loyal work during the very difficult
period of taking up a new appointment.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
H. LESLIE OLDERSHAW,
Medical Officer of Health.