View report page

The above figures followed the expected trend, namely, the
highest incidence of illness occurred during January and February,
the lowest level was reached in August, after which it began to
rise again.
Medical Examinations.
One hundred and forty-one examinations of members or
potential members of the staff were carried out during the year.
Unemployment.
1 am indebted to the Manager of the Orpington Employment
Exchange for the following information with regard to unemployment
in the area during 1958:
"The position in early January, 1958, showed a continuation
of a steady increase in the numbers unemployed which began in
August, 1957, and the January figures were the highest for nearly
two years.
As the year advanced so the numbers increased until April,
and then a slight improvement occurred which was maintained well
into September, and mainly due to the demands of the Building
Industry.
The last quarter began with a substantial increase again equal
to the April figures and a steady increase continued into early
December, when the demands of the Christmas trade and the extra
Post Office work provided a welcome if short respite, and the year
closed with the total 22% higher than that with which it opened.
The year over-all was one of fewer opportunities in local
industries and a consequent decrease in the turnover of labour."
Open Air Recreational Amenities.
Approximately 283*6 acres of land have been secured for
public recreational purposes within the Urban District, as under: —