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that, whereas in 1921 there were 187 houses of this class on the register there are
now only 95, and he adds, " it is, therefore, very pleasing to note that the number
of dwellings of this type in the Borough is gradually diminishing."
This same feature is true of London as a whole. As a result of enquiry it has
been ascertained that in 1909 there were about 800 houses, 4,000 rooms, and approximately
10,000 persons; in 1919, about 450 houses, 2,500 rooms and approximately
6,000 persons; in 1921, about 400 houses, 2,200 rooms, and approximately 5,200
persons.
Much the most important feature in connection with the enquiry is the
fact that only a very few of the rooms are now available for casuals. Most of the
keepers state that they do not have a room vacant perhaps in three months, so
that the population of these rooms is almost a fixed one, and it is open to doubt
whether they are now mainly of the class of the former occupants.
I have come to the conclusion that although they have become regular in their
habits, they are largely made up of people, who if they were turned out of their
rooms, would seek accommodation in the common lodging-houses, or what is more
likely, in the casual wards. If this assumption is correct there is obviously a raising
in standard, inasmuch as the population of the common lodging-houses is also on
the decline.
Other factors may be working to account for the change, viz., the unemployment
dole and the increased poor law allowances, making it easier for these people to
lead a regular and settled life, but I feel pretty sure that there has been a raising
of the morals of this particular class, especially as on the last night census there was
found only one woman of the " unfortunate " class in the streets.
The number of new cases dealt with by the hospitals during 1922 was 23,811,
of which 6,809 were syphilis, 10,632 gonorrhoea, and 321 soft chancre. Comparing
these figures with those of the previous year it will be observed that the total
number of new cases dealt with is 1,607 less than in 1921.
Venereal
diseases.
Year. Syphilis. Gonorrhoea. Soft chancre. Non-venereal. Total.
1921 8,188 10,709 471 6,050 25,418
1922 6,809 10,632 321 6,049 23,811
Decrease 1,379 77 150 1 1,607
With regard to the number of new cases of syphilis and gonorrhoea it is satisfactory
to note (a) the decrease in the number of cases of syphilis which is largely associated
with the disinfection of cases at a much earlier stage than was possible prior to the
establishment of the Clinics, and (6) the increase in the ratio of cases of gonorrhoea
to syphilis, showing that the number of cases of gonorrhoea in attendance at the
Clinics is gradually approximating to the relative figures, of 1 of syphilis to 3 of
gonorrhoea, hitherto held to be the ratio of cases in the community.
The total attendances were 529,003, and apart from the returns of the number
of new cases, this figure is one of the most satisfactory features to be noted in connection
with the statistical returns, inasmuch as it shows that the ratio of attendances
to new cases continues to increase from year to year. The following table shows
the total number of new cases and attendances for each of the six years since the
commencement of the Scheme.
New cases
Year. Total. Attendances.
Venereal. Non-venereal.
1917 13,025 2,360 15,385 120,659
1918 13,679 2,693 16,372 169,485
1919 23,147 5,118 28,265 307,722
1920 24,454 6,592 31,046 464,033
1921 19,368 6,050 25,418 496,209
1922 17,762 6,049 23,811 529,003