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5
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Battersea.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to submit my Annual Report on the health
and sanitary state of the Borough for the year 1922.
It will be seen from an inspection of the vital and morbid
statistics set out in the various tables in the report that the high
standard of health which the Borough has enjoyed during recent
years has been fully maintained.
The general death-rate shows a slight increase as compared with
the rates for the three preceding years. This was due to the high
mortality from Influenza and Influenzal Pneumonia during the
first and second quarters of 1922, a feature which also characterised
the vital statistics of the metropolitan area and of England and
Wales. On the other hand, it is satisfactory to note that the
infant mortality rate was the lowest hitherto recorded in
Battersea.
Measles was very prevalent during the year, and this disease,
and Whooping Cough, owing to their danger to early child life, at
the request of the Council, were made compulsorily notifiable
diseases in Battersea by Regulations issued by the Minister of Health.
Scarlet Fever and Diphtheria, which were very prevalent during
the preceding two years, showed a tendency to decline during 1922.
There was a slight decrease in the number of notifications
received and in the mortality from Tuberculosis recorded in Battersea
during 1922.
The Health Services organised by the Council under their comprehensive
scheme of Maternity and Child Welfare were further
developed during the year, and the summarised statistics relating
to the work carried out under the scheme will be found of interest and
indicative of the extent and volume of this aspect of the public
health activities of the Council.
In regard to Housing matters it will be noted with satisfaction
that the Latchmere Extension (Housing) Scheme and the few tenements
on the Savona Street site were completed by the Council's
Works Department during the year, providing housing accommodation
for 56 families. These, it is to be regretted, practically exhaust
the available sites within the Borough at the disposal of the Council,
for the bulding of working class dwellings.
The repair of unfit houses was actively prosecuted during the
year, and under the Housing and Public Health Acts much useful
work was accomplished.
I have again to express my thanks to the Chairmen of the
Health and Maternity and the Housing Committees and to the
members of the Council for the support extended to me. To the
Chief Officers of Departments and to the Staff of the Health Department
my thanks are also due for assistance loyally and ungrudgingly
rendered.
G. Quin LENNANE,
Town Hall, Medical Officer of Health.
Lavender Hill, S.W.