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According; to figures recently issued by the Registrar General,
the population of West Ham is decreasing;, but if this is so, no
indication of this decrease is seen as vet in respect to a diminution
in the amount of the prevalent gross over-crowding.
During; the lifetime of its oldest inhabitants. West Ham, from
very little more than a village with a population of under 10,01X1,
has grown to be the eighth largest town in the Kingdom, with a
population of some 315,400. For many years, except on the side
adjacent to the Metropolis of London, this town was surrounded
by comparatively sparsely populated areas. During recent vears,
however, the enormous number of houses which have been erected
without its borders on all sides, has completely altered the environment
of the town and caused it to be a thoroughfare for the
teeming thousands of people who are domiciled in these new
dwellings. Such a complete and rapid change of environment
must ultimately have an effect upon the Borough, and this
circumstance must be borne well in mind, the exact nature and
extent of the effect being of a somewhat speculative character.
The recent formation of a local branch of the National Playing
Fields Association should prove very beneficial in augmenting
facilities for exercise, especially so much needed among young
adults.
West Ham did not escape the ravages of the unprecedented
flood which occurred in the early weeks of the present year
Though much distress and considerable loss was incurred, no
fewer than 2,874 dwellings having been involved, prompt and
vigorous action prevented any undue hardship or suffering
amongst the victims.
I desire to record my thanks for their co-operation to the
various Hospitals, Charitable Societies, Medical Practitioners,
and to many of the Citizens of this Borough, and also my keen
appreciation of the manner in which the Council as a whole have
helped me and mv staff by their support and by itheir careful consideration
of any suggestions for the betterment of the health of
the 'inhabitants.
Your obedient servant,
Town Hall,
West Ham.
March, 1928.
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