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The incidence of Infectious Diseases generally was low,
apart from an outbreak of Diphtheria at the Kingston and
District Hospital in the Spring.
One case of Smallpox occurred in a man who was under
observation as a contact, so prompt removal to the Smallpox
Hospital and vaccination of contacts prevented any
spread of the disease.
Meat Inspection occupies much of the Sanitary Inspectors'
time, and necessitates a considerable amount of
evening work.
Housing conditions show definite improvement, and
over-crowding is far less acute now than it was a few years
ago.
The provisional proposals of the Corporation with regard
to Housing submitted to the Minister of Health are set out
in the body of the Report.
Maternity and Child Welfare work continues to grow
steadily, and the Health Visitors are to be congratulated
upon obtaining a first-class Certificate for Records in the
National Welfare and Baby Week Competitions.
The Birth Rate was 14.3 and the Death Rate 11.0 per
1,000 population, compared with 16.3 and 11.4 respectively
for England and Wales.
I thank Mr. H. T. Perry, Senior Sanitary Inspector,
and Miss A. Gill, Senior Health Visitor, for their able assistance,
and all members of the staff of the Public Health
Department for their loyal support.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
E. W. MATTHEWS,
Medical Officer of Health.