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The population figure, as ascertained by the Census, shows a
decrease on previous years, and the Registrar General again gives us
a smaller figure for the year under review as calculated to mid June.
It is on this latter figure that the rates throughout this report are
calculated.
The contracting population is partially due to the removal of
many families to outer London estates; this is all to the good, and
should make more room for those who must of necessity live within
a short distance of their occupation.
One feature of this year's report is a digest of the Census figures,
1931. These figures show the area to be densely populated, but the
density per se is of little or no consequence provided that the people
have sufficient room space. Unfortunately this does not prove to be
the case; large numbers of our citizens are huddled together in one
or two-roomed dwellings in a most unhealthy and immoral manner.
To me this is a most serious factor and one of the housing problems
with which it is most difficult to deal. This state of affairs is one of
grave concern, and calls for urgent and immediate action; the clearance
of the slums will only touch the fringe and will by no means eradicate
overcrowding. The overcrowding in this Borough is found chiefly in
the larger and better houses, which, not many years ago, were occupied
by single families. In some cases one finds that these have now
been converted and let in flats, but more often they are taken as single
dwellings by unscrupulous persons, who sparsely furnish and let each
room to a family, irrespective of numbers, at exorbitant rents. This
is the state of affairs with which we are battling daily in the Health
Department with very little satisfaction or progress.
Once again I should like to place on record my appreciation of the
good will and support given to me by the various Chairmen and Committees
under whom I serve, and particularly do I wish to thank Mr.
Fisher, the Chief Sanitary Inspector, Mr. Bell, the Chief Clerk, and in
fact the whole of the Health Staff, including the Maternity and Child
Welfare and Tuberculosis sections, for their valuable and very willing
assistance at all times.
I have the honour to be,
Sir, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Yours obediently,
W. STOTT.