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4
waves of incidence. and so far as Scarlet Fever and Diphtheria
are concerned. the indications of a commencement of a wave of
higher incidence noticed in 1933 were borne out in 1934. Measles
exhibits a two-year cycle as a general rule. but Croydon is
peculiar in that the incidence does not occur in the whole of ithe
Borough yearly. but in the Northern portion in one year and in
the Southern portion the next year. and as in 1933 the peak of the
wave occurred during the first half of the year.
Influenza caused no anxiety and was less prevalent than in
1933. The chief causes of death were substantially the same as
in 1933; diseases of the Heart and Circulatory system. Cancer
and Respiratory diseases causing more than 50 per cent. of the
total deaths.
The report. being divided into sections. presents the
statistical details of each phase of the work under the appropriate
headings. The Section dealing with Mayday Hospital has been
slightly enlarged. The changing character of the work can be
seen in the enumeration of the conditions for which patients were
admitted and of the operations performed. The number of emergency
and accident cases has increased. The Hospital is. both
in character and in administration. coming rapidly into line with
general hospital practice.
The prominent place taken by Slum Clearance in the public
eye has warranted a statement of the progress made with respect
to the Five Years Programme which was submitted to the Minister
of Health in September. 1933. Work has been pursued energetically
in the inspection and representation of improvement areas
and individual unfit houses. Delay in action. however. was
caused by re-housing difficulties. There is every indication that
this will soon be remedied. The clearance area of Old Town has
been partially demolished and new houses built on the site. The
scheme has not been completed at the end of the year.
Another of the difficulties experienced has been with overcrowding
in large houses which are divided into tenements. This
is becoming more prevalent. and it is not possible to do anything
effective under present housing legislation. If the Housing Bill.
1935. becomes law overcrowding will become an offence. Its
detection will entail constant vigilance on the part of the inspectorial
staff. A definition of overcrowding is also laid down. more
drastic than that utilised in Croydon. so that there will be overcrowding.
where. under present standards. it does not now exist.
A section has again been devoted to the Obstetric Service
conducted by Officers of the Council. This scheme is one of the