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4
It is satisfactory to record a further diminution in the infant
mortality rate, the figure for 1933 being the lowest yet recorded.
This rate is usually taken as being the truest reflection of the
general healthiness of a district, and Croydon has one of the
lowest infantile mortality rates among the large towns. In view
of the town's changing character from being largely residential
to industrialisation, the continued reduction in the loss of infant
life is gratifying.
The common infectious diseases showed an increase in incidence,
but their mortality remained as low as in 1932. Infectious
diseases exhibit more or less cyclical waves of incidence, and so
far as Scarlet Fever and Diphtheria are concerned there seem to
be definite indications of a commencement of a wave of higher
incidence. Measles exhibits a two-yearly cycle, and in 1933 the
peak of the wave occurred during the first half of the year.
Influenza was not troublesome.
The report, being divided into sections, presents the statistical
details of each phase of the work under the appropriate heading.
Additional information has been incorporated dealing with the
extensions contemplated and already commenced at Mayday
Hospital. The prominent place taken by Slum Clearance in the
public eye has warranted a statement of the Council's proposals
with respect to the five-years programme which was required to
be submitted to the Minister of Health in September. When
considering this programme it should be remembered that, with
certain of the areas which have not as yet been the subject of my
representation, the figures are only approximate. Additionally,
it may be found necessary to include areas not already included,
or, on the other hand, it may be found more expeditous to deal
with certain areas, or parts of areas, in a different manner to that
suggested. The great problem at the present is concerned rather
with the re-housing of displaced tenants, than with the representation
of Slum Areas or individual unfit houses. It is unpractical
to bring forward clearance proposals until adequate provision has
been made for re-housing persons displaced. Another of the