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rate (27) was again the lowest ever recorded. It is perhaps ironical that this should
be achieved in the last full year before the maternity and child welfare services
pass from your control.
A summary of vital statistics will be found in Table No. 1 and detailed causes
of death are shown in Table No. 2.
The Sanitary Inspectors again had a very busy year. Disputes over the
extent of war damage as opposed to fair wear and tear were not so frequent but
the effects of the lack of proper maintenance during the war years on the older
houses in the Borough is now being felt. In spite of all the difficulties the
Inspectors had considerable success in maintaining the standard of housing.
The abnormal floods in March endangered the safety of the water supply to
North Woolwich and adjoining areas. General precautions were supplemented in
North Woolwich by advice on the spot by Sanitary Inspectors, by warning posters,
and by street announcements by loud-speaker vans frequently throughout the
danger period. The public co-operated well, and no disease attributable to
polluted water occurred.
In the abridged reports of the last few years, details of staff changes have
been omitted ; nevertheless, mention must be made of the retirement in July of
Mr. H. S. Smith, Chief Administrative Assistant. Mr. Smith had been in the
Council's service for 46 years. During that time he had seen, and in no small
measure assisted in, the growth of the health services to their present state of which
you are so justly proud. His vast knowledge and help was especially valuable
in keeping the services running smoothly through the war years. He left with
the very best wishes of Council and staff alike.
The continued confidence and encouragement of the members of the Council
and particularly members of the Health Committees is much appreciated. Success
is a co-operative effort and my thanks are also due to the chief officers of the
Council and to the staff of the Department who have given me every support.
I am,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
T. STANDRING,
Medical Officer of Health.