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TO THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF
THE LEYTON URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to submit my Annual Report for the year
1925. This year it is ordained by the Ministry of Health that
the Report shall be a survey report relating to the past five years
—it is therefore of a considerably more voluminous character than
those of its four predecessors When I look over the nineteen
years during which I have had the honour of serving as your
Medical Officer of Health I am astounded at the changes and the
additions to my duties which have evolved during that period.
The School Medical Service and Maternity and Child Welfare
work which are ever expanding were then scarcely dreamed of.
And so it is all along the line of Public Health developments.
It is encouraging to find that in results as shown by the deathrate,
infant mortality rate, and all except the birth-rate, Leyton
can be congratulated.
I think the feature most disturbing to one's optimism is the
housing problem. Although not yet reflected in our vital statistics
one cannot doubt that this blot on our administration obstructs
the path of progress towards that standard of national health to
which we would attain, and nullifies the effect of many of our
otherwise well directed schemes. It certainly profoundly affects
the happiness and comfort of thousands. Let us hope that the
Government enquiries into the exaggerated prices charged for
necessary commodities may be extended to the various items that
result in the present high rentals, and in that way assist in making
it possible for all classes of the community to be decently and
hygienically housed. I fear that this report will not rank as an
entertaining work, the statistics, etc., which are necessary for
reference purposes are very dull and dry and preclude any aspiration
of that sort, but I hope it will serve its purpose as a record of
the present position of Leyton regarded from a health standpoint.
In conclusion I desire to thank all Councillors, Officials and
others for their kindly assistance at all times.
I am,
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J. FRANCIS TAYLOR.