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TO HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR, THE ALDERMEN AND COUNCILLORS OF THE
METROPOLITAN BOROUGH OF PADDINGTON.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present to you my Annual Report for the year 1928 as required by the
Statutes and Orders applicable to my office.
During the year the health of the Borough continued to be good, the death-rate showing
a decrease from last year's figure.
In the first half of the year there was an extensive epidemic of measles which caused
much mortality amongst the young. Such epidemics have occurred in the past with some
regularity and at intervals of two years or so. It is evidence of the interest taken in every
detail of the health of the community that the Public Health Committee devoted much
time to a special consideration of the problem of preventing future epidemics of measles.
As regards the infantile mortality the rate recorded was intrinsically a low one, being
85 per thousand births. This compares favourably with rates obtaining in this Borough
before the Great War. In making comparison with the infantile mortality rates of other
metropolitan boroughs it will, however, become evident that we cannot remain as we are,
but must continue to press forward in an effort to further reduce the risks incidental to
infant life in Paddington.
It is not possible to record any substantial improvement in housing conditions.
Paddington largely consists of houses which are occupied by several families, although they
were originally constructed for the use of one family. It is difficult to see how this condition
of things can be improved until there is an ample supply of houses available in the suburbs
of London together with cheap and convenient means of transport.
I have again to express my appreciation of the loyal help of the staff of the Public Health
Department of the Council and to thank the members of the Public Health, Maternity and
Child Welfare and Special Housing Committees for the support and kind consideration which
they have extended to me during the past year.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
M.D., M.R.C.P., D.P.H.,
Medical Officer of Health.
Town Hall,
Paddington Green, W. 2.
June, 1929.