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(6) The Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1933, also the Shops Act,
1935, have come into force this year. The provisions of the
latter Act have been so extended that it became necessary to
appoint an additional Shops Inspector (see page 42-43).
The Vital Statistics for the year are again very satisfactory.
The most striking figure is that of the Infantile Mortality Rate,
which has gone down to the figure of 45 in comparison with 62
for the other Great Towns, the lowest previous figure for West
Ham being 59.
Nearly half the total deaths are accounted for by only three
diseases. Over 25 per cent. of deaths are due to heart disease,
while cancer claims 14.2 per cent. of deaths, the toll from respiratory
diseases being 10 per cent.
Owing to inherent difficulties connected chiefly with the unsuitable
and quite inappropriate nature of the building, the Margate
Convalescent Home was closed last August. This has not meant
any loss of necessary convalescent treatment for children, who are
at present sent to Homes elsewhere. The proposition as to
whether or not to purchase a new convalescent home is receiving
the consideration of the Council.
As is inevitable where a big staff is concerned, there have
been a number of changes in the personnel during the year. The
places of those leaving have been filled, but the only additional
appointment made was that of another Shops Inspector.
As in previous years, propaganda on health matters has been
carried on as routine work, special attention having been given to
proper food values and diet (see pages 9(3-97). Towards the end of
the year a booklet was printed containing a synopsis and information
concerning all the health services of the Borough. This
booklet was sent to all Medical Practitioners, Teachers and
Clergy, as well as to the Public Libraries, various Voluntary
Societies and others. The acknowledgements received from
various sources proved the usefulness of the information given.
This is the Twelfth Annual Report I have had the privilege
of submitting to you, and once again I wish to express my gratitude
to you for the help afforded to me and my staff, and for the
unflagging interest you take in all matters pertaining to the health
of your constituents; help and interest reflected in the satisfactory
statistics, and the progression of your Health Services.
Your obedient Servant,
I Garham Cholham
May, 1936.
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