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December; February was the coldest month of the year, but the
three last months were somewhat colder than has been the case in
recent years, with the result that fogs were more frequent. The
temperature of the air of the third quarter of the year was 1.9 degrees
above the average of each of the 30 years, 1872-1901, July being
the hottest month of the year. Diarrhoea was, therefore, more
prevalent, and raised the death-rate above the average for two weeks
in August. The death-rate in London was above the average in
only six weeks altogether, the other four being in November, due to
cold and fog.
The Report is arranged for convenience in two parts—the first
dealing with the census and vital statistics; the second with
sanitary work generally, and in connection with the latter I have
included a report by Chief Inspector Strutt. Appended are returns
required by the Local Government Board. The housing of the
working classes has received much consideration during the past year,
and information on this subject is included. Special attention has
been devoted to consumption and tubercular diseases, and I submit
certain recommendations which I trust will be found valuable.
Much time has been taken up during the year organising the
work of the department, in harmonising the various systems in vogue
in the five original parts of the City, in the preparation of registers
of workshops, bakehouses, records of work, &c., but a good deal still
remains to be done.
So far as the staff has been concerned, the first year has been in
the nature of an experiment. I was of opinion that the number
proposed in both the clerical and inspectorial divisions would be
inadequate, and so it has proved. Their time has been fully
occupied, and there is still a considerable amount of work which
they have not been able to attempt.
Under these circumstances, and with the additional duties cast
upon the Council by the Factory and Workshop Act, I trust that the
Council will, during 1902, take steps to strengthen the staff, so that
this part of the Council's work may be carried out in a manner
worthy of the position and importance of the City of Westminster.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient servant,
FRANCIS J. ALLAN,
Medical Officer of Health..
May 20th, 1902.