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and the Council's Centres came into operation on January 1st, 1928, and was continued
throughout the year. This co-operation is working smoothly and should prove of value to all
concerned.
In connection with this it may be mentioned that for the past year the rate of Maternal
Mortality, a subject to which considerable attention has recently been given, was only
1.8 per 1000 Births. This is the lowest maternal death rate hitherto recorded in the Borough.
A portion of the Housing Scheme in Somers Town initiated by the Borough Council
was completed during the year and was formally opened by H.R.H. The Princess Mary on
July 25th, 1928.
Progress was also made with the housing scheme of the London County Council in the
Ossulston Street area, and the first portion, in which the Borough Council have arranged for
the provision of a new Maternity and Child Welfare Centre, should be ready for occupation
during 1929.
There is still, however, a shortage of housing accommodation for the poorer members of
the community, those whose employment is irregular and uncertain and those who have very
large families. Such persons are unable to pay the rent that is necessary for the amount of
accommodation they require, and therefore the housing provision made by the London County
Council at Becontree, Downham, etc., is not available for them.
A cheaper type of accommodation is urgently required for families of this character,
which should ba centrally situated in order to lessen the cost of travelling to and from work.
I have once more to express my thanks for the consideration so invariably extended to
me by the Chairman and Members of the Public Health Committee, and to record my
appreciation of the cordial co-operation accorded by the staff of the Public Health Department.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Medical Officer of Health.