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8
SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF THE AREA.
With regard to the employment of the population of Romford,
circumstances have not altered—the majority being employed in
business or professional duties, either in the town itself or in
London. A certain number is engaged in agricultural pursuits.
For those who work in London, there is no doubt that the
time taken in travelling, and the conditions under which such travel
is accomplished are not conducive to the high standards of public
health at which we aim at the present day, and it is, therefore, all
the more essential that the Public Health Services of Romford, and
in this I include facilities for Recreation and Physical Training,
should be of such a character as to counteract any injurious effects
that may appertain.
As opposed to the train and 'bus services, many of the working
classes find it more economical to travel the 12 or 15 miles to Town
by bicycle, and. in spite of periodic attacks of Rheumatism, Sciatica
and Lumbago, with occasional Bronchitis due to exposure to bad
weather especially during the winter months, heroically pursue their
daily avocations.
Regarding particulars of the extent of unemployment in the
district, I once more gratefully acknowledge thanks for the following
details supplied by Mr. P. C. Eversfield, Manager of the Local
Employment Exchange, and would again point out that the figures
relate not only to Romford, but also to adjacent areas supervised by
the Romford Branch of the Exchange.