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522
REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH
FOR THE YEAR 1924.
To the Mayor, Alder men and Councillors of the Metropolitan Borough
of Stoke Newington.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This short Report for the year 1924 contains little more than
the particulars suggested by the Minister of Health in Circular 269
of December 28th, 1921. The Annual Report for 1925 will be a more
extensive ''Survey Report."
The Vital Statistics of the Borough for the year 1924 were less
satisfactory than those for the preceding year; for both the general
death-rate and the rate of infantile mortality were somewhat higher.
The higher rates were largely due to the less favourable weather
conditions, which during the colder period of 1924 were responsible
for an exceptional number of deaths from Pneumonia among the
young and old. Nevertheless, of the 28 Metropolitan Boroughs there
were only 5 with general death-rates slightly lower than that of
Stoke Newington, and only 3 (Lewisham, Hampstead and Wandsworth)
with lower rates of infantile mortality.
The Infectious Sickness Rate for 1924 was also higher than that
for the preceding year. This was mainly due to a greater prevalence
of Diphtheria. The increased prevalence of this disease was common
to the whole of the Metropolitan area.