Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Thursday 21 June 1928
Mexborough’s Health.
Influence of Housing and Habits.
The influence of housing and habits on health were emphasised by the Mexborough Modical Officer of Health (Dr. J. J. Huey) when presenting his 29th annual report to the Mexborough Urban Council last night.
The report covered the year 1927, and stated that the subject of housing demanded special attention. Building activity was tending to lessen the general shortage, and it seemed likely that before long the provision of houses for the better-paid workmen would meet the demand. But they must remember that the housing problem had two aspects, or rather that there were two problems, that of supply to meet the demand, and the other the provision to meet the poorly-paid and often out of-work who could only afford a low rent.
Among the latter sickness was most rife, especially tuberculosis, and death rates were high. One way of getting an adequate return for money expended upon alleviation and cure would be the provision of more sanitary dwellings, thereby attacking the source of the trouble arising from bad housing. Better environment was needed, and of equal importance was a reform of habits which had a still greater influence on health and were even more difficult to alter.
The corrected death rate for the year was 10.4 against England and Wales rate of 12.3 per 1,000. The rate of infantile mortality was 77 per 1,000 births. Cases of smallpox notified numbered 289, compared with 207 in 1926. Of the total number of cases 81 per cent, were unvaccinated.
From the report of the Health Visitor (Miss Ottewell) appeared that 287 births were registered during the year, 159 males and 128 females. A total of 2,006 visits were made.
The Water Engineer (Mr. Feltham) reported that 84,158.000 gallons of water had been supplied, giving an average of 14 gallons per head per day. During the year the Ludwell springs had been acquired, and it was hoped that this supplementary source would enable a regular 24 hours’ service to. be given in the near future.