View report page

The most vigorous attempts completely to stamp out smallpox
in the Borough have been unsuccessful. This is little to be wondered
at when due regard is given to the fact that the present epidemic
is of such an extraordinarily mild type, so mild indeed that people
actually suffering from smallpox not infrequently neglect to report
any illness, either to their own doctor or to the Local Authority.
In one instance a barber continued to ply his trade for a week
whilst so suffering and was only discovered by the fact that his
child arrived at school with the disease. No person vaccinated
within ten years before contact with the disease, contracted it.
The Housing Act, 1930, should have far-reaching effects upon
the grossly overcrowded and unhygienic conditions of many of the
homes and upon the general sanitation of the district. In any
scheme for additional housing accommodation due regard must
be paid to the necessity of reserving sufficient open spaces for
recreation.
As a frontispiece to this report will be found two maps, the
one depicting West Ham as it was in 1855 and the other as it
is to-day. These clearly indicate the astounding growth of the
Borough and the lack of sufficient space for any further extension
of an extensive character. The growth of the population in the
areas contingent to this Borough has also been rapid and extensive.
The vital statistics for the year are most satisfactory and
serve to show that in spite of many adverse economical and
environmental circumstances West Ham is an exceptionally healthy
Borough.
Dr. F. B. Skerrett died in September last year after twentytwo
years faithful service to this Authority. His loss is deeply
felt by his former colleagues and his long experience and sound
judgment will be sadly missed.
Dr. Hill began his duties as Deputy Medical Officer of Health
in December.
I desire to express grateful thanks to all my staff for their
willing and valuable assistance, to welcome all new members of
mv department and to wish those who have retired under the
Superannuation Act during the year a long and happy retirement.
Your obedient Servant,
Town Hall,
West Ham.
June, 1931.
12