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a good augury for the future. The population has increased by
roughly 3,000, and at 226,600 is well above the number 215,000
envisaged in the County of London Plan. Both the birth rate and
the death rate have fallen, maternal mortality is down almost to
vanishing point at 0.23, while the infantile mortality at 27, shows
in dramatic fashion how times have changed since the "temporary
female health visitor " was appointed in 1906.
Great changes always cast additional burdens upon the shoulders
of those responsible, and the staff of the Public Health Department
responded cheerfully to the challenge. My best thanks are again
due to them as well as to the other chief officers, to the Public
Health Committee, and to many other members of the Council.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) A. G. G. THOMPSON.
July, 1949