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9
The vital statistics of the year can be regarded as satisfactory
and show that the Borough is maintaining its position
as one of the healthiest London areas. Although there was
an increase in the general death rate to 11.0 and also in the
infantile mortality rate to 50, only two metropolitan boroughs
had a lower death rate and only one a lower infantile mortality
rate. The birth rate showed a slight increase, 16.1 compared
with 15.9.
The Registrar.General's estimate of the population is
141,100 civilians and 146.600 including the military. There
is, however, reason to believe that this is under.estimated
and my estimate exceeds his by 6,030. Such increase as
has taken place is most marked in Eltham parish, the population
of which is now estimated, on a conservative basis,
to be 38,655.
A general reference to the health services of the Borough
will be found in Section III., where they are set out more or
less in precis form, but in each case references are given to
the appropriate parts of the report where the subject is dealt
with in detail.
Possibly one of the most outstanding features of the
year's work is the realization of the important part health
propaganda is now taking in the day's work of the department.
Health propaganda now.a.days is not limited to those
with whom we come in contact, either through attendances
at Council institutions or in home visiting; efforts are
being made to reach those whom we cannot reach by these
means, and to interest all members of the public in matters
of health. The methods followed during the year for the
full development of the public conscience in relation to
health matters are fully described in Section IV., and so far
the results have been such as to encourage us to persevere
in these matters. Endeavours have been made to