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TO HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR, THE ALDERMEN AND COUNCILLORS OF THE
BOROUGH OF PADDINGTON.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present to you the Annual Report for 1914.
Since the outbreak of war, some temporary changes in the Staff have occurred. In October
your Medical Officer of Health was granted a Captain's commission in the 1st London (City
of London) Sanitary Company, and undertook the duties connected therewith. In spite, however,
of the newly acquired duties he found time to attend daily at the Town Hall and to
transact the business of his Department until February, 1915, when you did me the honour
to elect me Acting Medical Officer of Health for the period of the war.
Sanitary Inspector S. W. Wingfield also joined the 1st London (City of London) Sanitary
Company, and his work has been distributed among the rest of the Staff.
Of the Clerical Staff, Mr. H. Ewings was enrolled a member of the 15th County of
London (Civil Service) Rifles, Mr. A. J. O. Sheppard. of the 1st London (City of London)
Sanitary Company, and Mr. R. I. Fisher, of the 6th Seaforth Highlanders (T.), and their places
have been filled by temporary clerks.
The decline in the birth-rate continues, but is slightly less than in 1913, and is lower than
the average for the last five years.
The death-rate is slightly above the average for the preceding five years, but less than
in 1913.
The infant mortality is low—96 per 1,000—the average being 105 per 1,000. This is due to
the absence of mortality from measles and respiratory diseases generally.
There was an epidemic of scarlet fever in the autumn, the heaviest on record, but the
fatality of which was much below the average.
Measles was, by order of the Council, made compulsorily notifiable on 16th March, 1914.
My thanks are due to the Staff for the loyal way in which they have co-operated, and for
the zeal they have displayed, in executing the orders of the Council and carrying on the work
of the Department.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your most obedient servant,
R. GALWAY MURRAY,
m.r.c.s. eng., l.r.C.p. lon., d.p.h. camb.,
Acting Medical Officer of Health.
Public Health Department,
Town Hall, Paddington, W.,
1st December, 1915.