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5
PREFACE
STAFF AND DUTIES
In April 1960, Mr. Sadler resigned his post as District Public
Health Inspector and transferred to another Authority early in May.
The vacancy was advertised but, unfortunately, there were no suitable
applicants. Later the advertisement was repeated with similar results.
In advertising the post for the third time there was an application
from Mr. R. J. Hamilton who had recently qualified, and who had
little practical experience. Mr. Hamilton was appointed and commenced
duty in December. He is rapidly gaining experience and
becoming a valued member of the staff. Unfortunately, therefore, the
Department was short of one Inspector for six months and consequently
a reduction in routine work is reflected in the tables.
SECTION 'A' — STATISTICS AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS
OF THE AREA
Population.
The Registrar General's estimate of the population in 1960 was
38,800 which can be compared with the 1951 census population of
40,558 and the population for 1959 which was 38,880.
Births.
During the year 468 births were recorded. This figure may be
compared with 476 in 1959. Both the still-birth and the infant
mortality rates have risen slightly compared with the previous year,
and in both cases the rates are higher than those for London and for
England and Wales. There were, in fact, 12 infant deaths compared
with a total of 8 in 1959. Of the 12 deaths, no less than 8 occurred
within a few hours of birth, and were due to congenital abnormalities,
prematurity, and birth accidents; and two rather older infants who
died from pneumonia also suffered from congenital defects.
Deaths.
The total number of deaths occurring amongst residents was 475
compared with 535 in 1959.
This rate, when corrected to allow for the high proportion of
elderly residents, was 10.28 per thousand population which compares
favourably with other towns in the country.
There were no maternal deaths.
The number of deaths due to carcinoma of the lung has fallen
to 19 compared with 30 in the previous year, but I do not think that
this is of much significance.