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4
There was a great increase in the number of deaths from
Diphtheria. The virulent outbreak of this disease which occurred
in the autumn is dealt with in another paragraph.
For the fifth year in succession there has been no death
from Scarlet Fever ; there has been no death from this disease
since 1915. There was an increase in the number of cases notified.
There was no death also from Enteric Fever. This disease
is becoming more and more rare, and with increasing knowledge,
it is not too much to hope for its complete extermination.
There was an outbreak of Measles in the Spring and Summer,
which is dealt with in a separate paragraph.
Nine deaths occurred from this disease.
General Character of the District, Social Conditions, Including
Occupations, etc.
A full description of the district was given in last year's
Report, and it is unnecessary to repeat fully the information then
given.
The district is divided municipally into four Wards:—
North East, North West, South East, and South West.
The most important industries are Laundry and Engineering,
and the most important change that has occurred has been
the depression and slackness of business in the engineering works
in the district. It was stated last year that the three engineering
works in the Vale employed between 5,000 and 6,000 persons.
It is probable that in the whole district there are about 5,000
people out of employment.
Unemployment made its appearance in the summer, and it
became very acute in the autumn and winter.
Unemployment affected the number of persons supplied
with free milk under the Council's Maternity and Child Welfare
Scheme, and this matter will be referred to under Infant Mortality.
Extent to which Hospital and other Forms of Gratuitous Medical
Relief are Utilised.
The only voluntary Hospital in the district is the Acton
Hospital, which was opened in 1898. The Hospital has 35 beds,
and it is for the treatment of Acton residents and of any persons
injured in the district.
Only a very small proportion of those who died in public
institutions received treatment in the Acton Hospital.