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it a complete success, although, of course, it is realised that unless
the Schick immunes are maintained above a certain percentage
(about 30 per cent.), the incidence of diphtheria in the Borough
will not be reduced.
The Borough has again been free from smallpox, although
146 cases occurred in the metropolis during the year. Reference
is made in the body of the Report to the high incidence of
vaccination in this Borough (page 113), and it is only fair to
assume that this has some direct relation to our immunity from
smallpox.
The Tuberculosis Medical Officer (A. J. Scott Pinchin, M.D.,
F.R.C.P.) reports that an exceptionally fine summer and freedom
from an influenza epidemic acted beneficially on his patients. The
hot summer, however, resulted in an increase of 50 per cent, in
the Tuberculosis death rate. Indiscriminate sun bathing had, in
several cases which were quiescent, resulted in their becoming
active.
It is pleasing to note that during the year under review only
five Dispensary cases died in their homes, and in each case the
home condition was satisfactory.
I am again indebted to Mr. E. L. Hawke, M.A., F.R.M.S., who
has provided me with a brief meteriological survey of the Borough
for 1934, which is of great interest and importance.
It is again my pleasure to express my sincere appreciation for
the valuable support of the members of the Committees which I serve,
and also to the chief officers of the various departments of the
Borough Council. The staff of the Public Health Department have,
as is their custom, worked loyally and well during a strenuous year.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
H. LESLIE OLDERSHAW,
Medical Officer of Health.