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8
is proving of inestimable value to the aged, the infirm and the
blind—classes of persons who so often live alone and who, until
the institution of the Home Helps service, were fortunate indeed if
they had a kindly neighbour to give them some attention.
There was no epidemic of any grave infectious disease during
the year, although there were more than 1,000 cases of both measles
and scabies. There were only 44 cases of diphtheria during the
year, a new low record for the Borough, and only one-quarter of the
number of cases in 1938—the record up to that time. These
figures are another testimony, if any is needed, of the value of
immunisation against this disease and of the Government's propaganda
campaign, undertaken so strenuously during the war.
There was one death from diphtheria during 1945, but it should be
mentioned that this child was not ordinarily resident in this
Borough but was admitted to a hospital in Hackney from a Rest
Centre for homeless persons in another Borough, and transferred
to the Eastern Hospital where he died. There was a still further,
though small, decrease in the number of cases of scabies and verminous
conditions requiring treatment at the Cleansing Station.
The work of sanitary inspection was carried on by the
somewhat depleted staff under conditions complicated by the
restrictions on building work and building materials. Nineteen
summonses were issued against owners in order to secure compliance
with statutory notices, and as regards three of the houses concerned
the Council were authorised to carry out repairs and to recover the
costs from the owner. It was necessary to take further proceedings
against this owner for obstructing the Council's workmen. Further
proceedings were also necessary in two cases where owners failed to
comply with Magistrate's Orders to abate nuisances, and penalties
for such non-compliance were imposed.
As stated in my Annual Report for 1939, a survey of known
overcrowded dwellings made shortly after the outbreak of war
revealed that most of the overcrowding had been abated and only
181 overcrowded families could not be removed to adequate accommodation
. The considerable destruction of property in the Borough
and other causes common to most urban areas in the country,
however, have brought a considerable deterioration in the position
as regards overcrowding which, under present conditions, it is not
possible to improve by action under the Housing Act, 1936 against
the overcrowded persons who are the victims of circumstances
outside their control. No less than 180 cases of overcrowding came
to the notice of the Public Health Department during the year, and
the number is steadily increasing; there is no doubt that a survey
of the Borough such as was carried out ten years ago would reveal
many times this number of overcrowded families.