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The birth rate for the year was 15.35, while the crude death
rate was 6.77. With regard to the infantile mortality rate, the
figure over a period of 5 years is 41.25, while the maternal
mortality rate over the similar five-year period ending 31st
December, 1938, was 1.468—both figures being considerably less
than those for the country as a whole.
The story told in the Report is one of continuous development
and expansion with a constant endeavour to consolidate;
and the best propaganda regarding Public Health is an efficient
Health Service itself.
While the Circular of the Ministry of Health does not
specially ask that reference be made to the Air Raid Precautions
services, it must be mentioned that for one or two years prior
to the crisis, A.R.P. had been growing gradually in momentum,
and since then an extraordinary call has been made upon the
Department which has been readily answered by every member
of the staff.
Again during the year the staff has been augmented— one
additional Assistant Medical Officer of Health has been
appointed, together with one additional Health Visitor and four
Clerical Officers.
The Report is a record of a busy year. I gratefully
acknowledge the constant help I received from both the
technical and executive officers of the Department while, in
addition, regarding a year so full of activity and unusual
responsibility I desire to express my appreciation of the
encouragement I have received from the Council.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
A. G. MORISON,
Medical Officer of Health.
15th July, 1938.
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