View report page

7
to calculate rates for comparative purposes on the figures for mid 1929. Accordingly
throughout the report these figures have been used, i.e., Civil Population, 141,600;
Military Population, 5,200. The vital statistics of the Borough were highly satisfactory.
The death.rate was 10.9 (12 6 in 1929)—the fourth lowest in the Metropolis;
the infantile mortality rate was 42 (62 in 1929)—the lowest in the Administrative
County; and the neo.natal mortality rate (deaths under four weeks per
1,000 births) was 20.11, the lowest in the records of the Borough. The birth.rate,
15.5, compares with 16.3 in the previous year.
The incidence of infectious disease was higher in 1930 than in the previous
year. This was largely accounted for by the biennial epidemic of Measles, 2,702
cases of which came to the knowledge of the Department, as compared with 151
in the previous year. The number of cases of Scarlet Fever notified was 627 (567
in 1929); Diphtheria, 497 (496 in 1929); Pneumonia, 283 (383 in 1929); Erysipelas,
77 (80 in 1929). 36 cases of Puerperal Fever and Puerperal Pyrexia were notified,
compared with 53 in 1929. For the third year in succession Smallpox appeared
in the Borough, 10 notifications being received. Another factor in the increase
of the number of cases notified is the fact that Chicken.Pox was made notifiable
from the 1st April until the end of the year, and 597 notifications were received.
In comparing the figures of 1929 with those of 1930 regard should be had to this
and to the epidemic of Measles.
The number of new cases of Tuberculosis coming to the knowledge of the
Department was 335 (324 in 1929). At the end of the year there were 940 cases of
pulmonary and 277 cases of non.pulmonary tuberculosis, making a total of 1,217
cases (1,210 in 1929) known to be living in the Borough.
The Department continues to carry on, as part of its daily routine, health
propaganda work. Arrangements were entered into during the year whereby
2,000 copies of a local edition of "Better Health" are distributed monthly, mainly
through the Council's clinics and libraries.
The reports of the Sanitary Inspectors show that much work has been carried
out in securing the remedying of defects and the abatement of nuisances associated
with housing, and the maintenance of a desirably high standard in these matters.
In the same way the reports of those inspectors engaged in the supervision of the
food supplies illustrate how important it is to maintain a vigilant eye at all times.
During the year Parliamentary sanction was obtained to the closure of Plumstead
Churchyard.
I regret to report that Mr. William Wood, Sanitary Inspector, who entered
the service of the Plumstead Vestry in 1897, had to apply for superannuation on
account of ill.health. He retired in September, but unfortunately his health did
not improve and he died suddenly in December.