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births over deaths is now reduced to a level which suggests in the
future a population which, numerically, may become either stationary
or only slowly progressive.
As a sensitive index of the public health, the death-rate of infants
under one year of age is sometimes referred to. In this connection it
is somewhat disturbing to note that the raised infantile death-rate in
1928 was maintained, during 1929, at exactly the same level.
Infectious disease, as exemplified by Scarlet Fever and Diphtheria,
although showing a numerical increase, remained of the mild type
experienced in recent years.
The maintenance of a sanitary environment, whether in the workshop
or the home, is a matter of paramount concern. The part of my
Report, although necessarily abridged, dealing with the work of the
Sanitary Inspectors shows the variety of duties undertaken and the
volume of work accomplished.
The sophistication of food, judged by the Reports of the Public
Analyst, is not a serious matter in the Borough while, in regard to food,
the soundness of which is considered suspect, Traders co-operate with
the Inspectorial Staff by seeking their opinion before exposing such for
sale.
The housing shortage is too well known to need stressing : accommodation,
especially for those persons living under overcrowded
conditions, and at rentals within their capacity to pay, is urgently
required.
The standard of housing in respect of some of the existing property
is not a high one, and its maintenance in a habitable condition can be
secured only at the price of eternal vigilance on the part of the Sanitary
Inspectors.
In the correlation, recording and statistical presentation of the work
of the Out-door Staff, there has been a large increase of work devolving
upon, and efficiently carried out by, the clerical staff, under the very
capable supervision of Mr. Chapman.
In conclusion, I desire to express my gratitude to the Committee
lor their collective and individual support: to Dr. Donnelly and