London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
London County Council 1938
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London County Council]
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The following is a record of admissions during 1938 and the two preceding years:—
| 1938 | 1937 | 1936 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of London | 12 | 32 | 21 |
| Hampstead | 16 | 21 | 10 |
| Islington | 306 | 342 | 341 |
| Lambeth | 253 | 325 | 295 |
| South wark | 291 | 325 | 255 |
| Caxton Hall | 179 | 157 | 169 |
| Stamford House | 287 | 303 | 308 |
| Toynbee Hall | 278 | 307 | 334 |
| Buckinghamshire and Berkshire | — | — | 2 |
| East Ham | 25 | 28 | 30 |
| Essex | 38 | 32 | 122 |
| Hertfordshire | 17 | 30 | 30 |
| Kent | 55 | 45 | 50 |
| Middlesex | 77 | 64 | 271 |
| Southend | 1 | 7 | 17 |
| Surrey | 16 | 26 | 57 |
| West Ham | 49 | 62 | 78 |
| Woolwich | 47 | * | * |
| Adult Courts | 121 | 132 | 117 |
| Education Act | 17 | 41 | 31 |
| Place of safety lodgers | 103 | 52 | 70 |
| Total | 2,188 | 2,331 | 2,608 |
* No court at Woolwich.
Subjoined is a record of the charges. In many cases this grouping is misleading, in
that so frequently the delinquency is found to be multiple in type. The increase in the
frequency of breach of recognizances may appear to imply a failure in the probation system;
but equally it may imply increased vigilance and zeal on the part of the probationer officers.
1938 1937 1936
Stealing 912 1,106 1,181
Breaking, entering and stealing 138 116 162
Breaking and entering 100 117 170
Burglary 4 2 13
Carrying firearms without licence — 4 —
Embezzlement 20 23 28
Forgery 4 6 7
Demanding money with menaces 1 2 1
False pretences 2 7 6
Travelling without ticket 8 9 11
Suspected person 37 54 102
Trespassing — — 1
Begging 5 2 2
Insulting conduct 7 9 6
Wilful damage 11 7 16
Assault 7 6 6
Malicious wounding 4 6 7
Sex offences 20 26 30
Absconding 7 7 7
Breach of recognizance 153 119 77
Beyond control 195 212 270
Education Act 17 44 31
Place of safety lodgers 103 52 70
Motor offences 82 68 80
Murder 1 1 1
Manslaughter 2 — —
Care or protection 340 311 309
Deserting from Army 4 1 —
Arson 2 2 —
Sacrilege 1 1 1
Drunk and incapable 1 4 -
Other offences — 7 13
Total 2,188 2,331 2,608