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The number of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis
notified during the year, 1949, is, 46 as compared
with 31 in 1948, and the Death Rate increased from 0.29
per 1,000 of the population in 1948 to 0.62 per 1,000 in
1949. I have no doubt that this increase is directly
related to the inadequacy of hospital accommodation foi
chronic cases and the inability to provide for early admission
to hospital of newly discovered cases. No improvement
can be expected until proper isolation (inter
alia) can be provided for all open cases, especially where
there are small children and overcrowding is rife.
The tendency of acute anterior poliomyelitis (infantile
paralysis) to assume epidemic form in the Country
is a disturbing feature of present day public health administration
and it is recorded that six cases occurred
in Crayford during 1949 ; happily however, there were
no deaths.
One case only of diphtheria was notified during
the year, which is a matter for satisfaction when one
bears in mind the severe epidemics of not so many years
ago.
During the year, following a report to the Council
that the result of bacteriological examinations of swimming
bath water at their Martens Grove Pool wore
generally speaking unsatisfactory, action was taken to
review the existing arrangements for sterilization. It was
found that although the existing ozonization plant was
adequate for a normal use of the swimming pool it became
to some extent, ineffective when its use was greatly
extended as it was during the hot summer months. It
was accordingly decided to instal break-point chlorination
as well and results) have since been eminently satisfactory.
The care of old people has exercised the Health
Department considerably during the year. Although no
statutory action had to be taken under section 47 of the
National Assistance Act, 1946, many cases occurred of
old people who depended for the necessities of life on the
good will of neighbours and friends. Some of these old
people urgently required removal to hospital and, as is
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