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from all forms of tuberculosis was the lowest on record, and that
the death rate from cancer was the lowest since 1931 In the
light of the supposed increase in the incidence of cancer in the
nation, and of the relative increase in the proportion of older
persons in the community, this decline in the cancer death rate is
very satisfactory. The death rale from violence was lower than
that for the country as a whole, but there was a slight increase in
the death rate frum heart disease and in that, from respiratory
diseases.
During the year the foundation stone of the extensions to
South Ockendon Colony was laid by the Mayor, Alderman Mrs.
Parsons, J.P., in the presence of the Mayor of East Ham and
representatives of the J Vest Ham'and East Ham Councils, and a
Commissioner of the Board of Control. The work in connection
with these extensions is now making rapid progress.
With reference to the health of the school child, I have given
extensive data from which can be judged the progress effected in
this important service. It will be seen that there are gaps in the
potentialities of the dental branch, and I have indicated that this
matter will receive attention in a later report. Speaking generally
it may be said that from the available evidence the health of the
school child in West Ham appears to be satisfactory. For
example, when the prevailing industrial condition of the area is
taken into account, it is satisfactory to note that there is little
difference in the state of nutrition of the J Vest Ham children as
compared with the nutrition of children in the country as a whole.
In the text of the report I have referred to the fact that there is an
increase in the proportion of defects in school children which are
discovered at special examinations. This does not necessarily
mean that there is an increase of such minor defects in school
children. It does mean, however, that greater use is being made
of the special examination for the purpose of investigating any
defects which may be present, and that therefore the routine
examination is relatively less productive of results than it was
formerly. I have shown that during the last few years there has
been a noteworthy decline in the incidence of minor skin diseases
in school children, but that unfortunately this decline has been
associated with an increase in the incidence of scabies.
In the month of June, the extensions to Fyfield Residential
Open Air School were completed, so that the school now has
accommodation for 100 boys and too girls.
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