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9
The cyanide chambers, which receive so little publicity or
thanks, are yet of very great public value since the Ministry of
Food and many food dealers have requested treatment of many
types of food which otherwise would have become spoiled by insect
pests. The foods have been of all kinds—dried fruits, rice, beans,
chocolate, dates, figs, dried vegetables, peanuts, medicinal roots,
mushrooms, etc., and the work of these chambers has been of
considerable value not only to the Borough but also to many
neighbouring boroughs and districts outside London. It is unfortunate
that a very great deal of the work of the Public Health
Department lends itself so little to the public gaze and municipal
advertisement, with the result that the help given to the public is
often very little appreciated until, through some unfortunate
mischance, it cannot be extended.
A new system in connection with licensing was approved to
begin on 1st January, 1948. This system has worked smoothly and
efficiently, and also the position as regards staffing has improved in
consequence. At one time it looked very likely that far more
dwellings would deteriorate completely beyond repair than could
be compensated for by the excellent new dwellings erected by the
Council, which everyone rejoices to see nearing completion.
The number of persons living in non-municipal dwellings
will for very many years to come be far greater than those that can
be accommodated in municipal dwellings. It is highly desirable
that the contrast between the two types of dwelling should cause
as little bitterness as possible.
Apart from the aspect of arrears of work, it is very evident
that the work of the Department should increase by reason of the
fact that the population figures increased from 135,540 at the end
of 1944 to 174,240 at the end of 1947, and the number of inhabited
houses correspondingly increased from 33,650 at the end of 1944 to
approximately 38,000 at the end of 1947. There was, in consequence,
considerable overcrowding.
There has been a constant rise in the number of births during
the post-war years but it is very gratifying to know that the
infantile mortality rate for Hackney struck a new low level for 1947
at 30.38 (for 1946 the rate was 31.19).
In spite of the difficulties mentioned the Department has
endeavoured, wherever possible, to enlarge its activities, and
notably among the improved services are the Home Helps Scheme,
Foot Clinic and additional Maternity and Child Welfare sessions.