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satisfactory standard of repair. There are many houses occupied today
that would be represented to your Council as in urgent need of
extensive structural repair or that should otherwise be closed against
occupation by human persons, but for the apparent impossibility of
finding alternative accommodation for the dishoused. It is not for lack
of inspection that these houses have not been condemned, but that their
condemnation creates an impossible position. It is astonishing that the
vital statistics continue so favourable under the existing housing conditions;
and that some scepticism is created in the minds of those who used to
regard a satisfactory environment as the essential factor in the production
of a low death and sickness, especially zymotic sickness, rate
is not surprising.
It is satisfactory to record that the staff of the Health Department
have fulfilled their various tasks in a most efficient manner. I, personally,
have to thank them for their loyalty and enthusiasm.
To the Council I have to extend my cordial thanks for a continuance
of their confidence and for patient and sympathetic consideration of all
matters that it has been my duty and privilege to place before them.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
David b Kir Rhone.
POPULATION.
The Registrar General estimates the population at the middle of
the year 1923 to be 151,700. The Treasurer estimates the population
at November, 1923, to be 154,300. The latter figure, as being probably
the more accurate, is used as the basis of calculation of the vital statistics.