London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Surbiton 1919

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Surbiton]

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10
ing district, these added sanitary conditions
mentioned above, combine to provide Surbiton
with attractions so far in excess of most other
places that it has always been and—given a continuance
of policy on similar lines—should alwavs
be a most popular and populous place. It deserves
to be classed as a " health resort" if there is any
meaning in such a term, inasmuch as it is a place
where good health can be obtained, perpetuated
and enjoyed, especially suitable for children and
for old people, and in direct contra distinction to
that other and baser use of the term which
signifies " health resort," to mean a place to which
people, out of health, resort in order to be
restored to health.
Maintaining its character from its inception
on the making of the L. & S.W. Railway,
Surbiton is de facto a residential neighbourhood
with no dominating factories or works. The trade
is mainly that which exists for the needs of the
residents, a very large proportion of whom travel
to and fro London. The only new feature of late
is the springing up of a few " Motor Garages,"
each employing a few hands on the care and repair
of cars. After all, these are merely taking the
place of Livery Stables and carriage repair shops
and are only proportionate to demand. The
Electric Light Works and a belated resuscitation
of the Tolworth Brickfields represent the leading
" Works " and they are not militant factors from
a public health point of view.