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7. BIRTHS.
The net number of births registered in 1931 was 947, affording an annual
birth rate of 18.3 per 1,000 population, compared with 17.8 in 1930, 18.7 in 1929
and 19.7 in 1928.
Of all births, 21 were illegitimate, giving a percentage of 2.2 of the total births.
Notification of Births Acts, 1907-1915.—Daring 1931 there were 901 births
notified to the Medical Officer of Health, 696 being notified by midwives and 205
by parents and doctors. Twenty-three still-births were notified, 18 being notified
by midwives and 5 by doctors and parents. Five still-births were not notified.
8. SOCIAL CONDITIONS.
Barking has an industrial population, and this of course you will take into your
consideration when arranging for your social services.
The Industrial Exhibition held during the Charter celebrations showed the
diversity of industries which are carried on in Barking.
9. CAUSES OF SICKNESS.
With the exception that this year there have been ho cases of psittacosis,
(Parrots Disease) the causes of sickness with which I dealt in detail last year apply
equally truly for this year. There are considerable rheumatic affections in Barking ;
transport is so bad as to be a serious nuisance ; the passing of the Workmen's Compensation
(Silicosis and Asbestosis) Act, 1930, has not had time to make itself
seriously felt; we still have from time to time poisonous hydrogen sulphide wafted
into Barking from outside; overcrowding is still with us; and the public will not
be protected against small-pox.
Fortunately, what are commonly known as the ordinary infectious diseases
have been lighter during the year under review.
From time to time I have pointed out the deplorable condition under which
the people travel in the electric trains from Barking, and equally deplorable are the
conditions under which people queue up for 'buses, often in the rain, for long periods
of time.
The whole question of transport to and from Barking is one that does not
brook delay.
The arterial road can hardly be classed as one of the causes of sickness because
the dangers lurking on this road so often lead to sudden death, but I do fecl that no
report on the well-being of the people of the town would be complete if I did not
call your attention to the large number of accidents which occur on this road.