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6
The provision of a Maternity Hospital which has been under
consideration since 1921 has not yet materialised.
Much difficulty still exists in providing Institutional care for
Mental Defectives.
With reference to housing conditions, statistics fail to
indicate overcrowding in the Borough as a whole, but it is
evident that in certain districts there exists a larger number of
persons per house than is, warrantable.
Absorption of the work of the Guardians by the Public
Assistance Committee has materially increased my duties. It is
extremely gratifying that the change should have been brought
about with such goodwill by all concerned.
It will De seen from a consideration of the statistics that the
health of the Borough is still maintained at a high standard, the
death rate being 9.8 per 1,000 per annum, and infant mortality
49 per 1,000 births.
There has been less infectious disease during the year, but
unfortunately small-pox of the mild variety still calls for urgent
supervision in view of the fact that neighbouring boroughs show
a considerable incidence of this disease.
The formation of a Central Register as suggested will
materially increase the duties of the Public Health Department.
The appointment of a Chief Administrative Clerk was necessary
owing to the many various duties placed upon the Health
Authority, and this appointment has been fully justified.
I wish to express my thanks to the Council for their support,
and also accord my appreciation and thanks to the whole of the
members of my staff for their zeal and loyalty in carrying out
duties under difficult circumstances.
1 am,
Your obedient servant,
W. BENTON,
Medical Officer of Health.