The following are extracts from the annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for Rushden, presented at the meeting of the Urban Council on Wednesday:-

The land of the Rushden Urban District not built upon is used for agricultural purposes, there being no waste or unproductive land in the district worth speaking about.

During the war work was plentiful and labour relatively scarce, so that, as in other industrial districts, a large number of women (or “ladies” if they prefer) were absorbed into men’s departments, and large amounts as wages were going into many households; not so much, as far as my observations went, increasing the standard of living, but certainly raising the standard of spending, both actually and relatively to the cost of living.

At the present time the boot and shoe trade is feeling the “draught” that is common to most industries, and unemployment and under-employment are rife. Many there be who wish they had remembered adversity in the days of their prosperity; but human nature remains much about the same as it did at the dawn of history. Judging by inference, before, it may clothe its body more or less, cook food differently, use a knife and fork, talk more about ideals and make more specious promises. It has not, however, attained to great wisdom, that is speaking collectively. Knowledge has outrun wisdom, “man never is but always to be blest,” too often losing the substance in straining after the shadow.

Having had experience of the town before the Sywell water supply was inaugurated, I consider that the outlay has been fully justified, the sanitary condition of the town having improved in a very marked degree since a plentiful supply of good water has been available.

No open-air classes have been instituted up to the present time, nor do I think such is desirable unless completely suitable buildings that can be arranged according to weather conditions are provided. The number of days in which it is suitable for children to be exposed to completely open air conditions in this climate, unprotected from the weather, are not very many, after all, and the open-air fetish, desirable as it may be, is often carried to extremes the reverse of beneficial. What of the result of the school children’s attendance with its effect upon human morals, manners, and mind? He (or she) is a self-complacent individual who can look around with the scales removed from his eyes and feel that he can be reasonably satisfied. If, as is sometimes said, disappointment is responsible for all the hope of the world, then we ought to be brimful of hope for the future. I am of opinion that if more of character and less of cupidity were instilled into the youthful mind, if the riches of the mind were more in the limelight than were the riches of the purse, this would be a happier, saner, and more contented world, and the great efforts that are made would have a more prolific and profitable harvest, more worthy of the expenditure and effort made. A sound, well-equipped, well-balanced mind in a healthy body is the best fortune that a human being can have, and this is to be had for the taking by most of us if we have the will but to attain it. Most efforts, after all, must be individual. A man may starve in a land of plenty if he will not help himself.

Dr. Baker considers the milk supply satisfactory, and gives data of meat inspection, bakehouses, etc., and proceeds:

The total drop from last year in the number of cases of infectious diseases (63) is nearly 100 per cent. of that for the year 1919 being 118, which was little more than half that for 1918, when 211 cases were notified. This is a very gratifying fall, and is most likely due to the improved conditions of living and a more rational conduct of life among those of susceptible age. Also it is very largely due to general sanitary and hygienic measures than to any other cause.

In the early part of the year the duties of Sanitary Inspector were carried out as a part-time office by Mr. A. E. Lloyd, who fulfilled his function quite as well as possible in conjunction with his duties to other authorities. Since April, when Mr. F. S. F. Piper was appointed to the office, the whole time of this officer has been applied to the work of the Council, and although having to live out of town for lack of a house in Rushden, he has carried out the duties pertaining to his office in a highly efficient and satisfactory manner. They have never been carried out better since I have been an officer of the Council.

When the new Council houses are complete and occupied, the shortage of houses as it existed will be somewhat ameliorated. The new houses are not to me remarkable for their roominess, but I suppose that under existing conditions they are the best that can be produced. The houses having been provided, it is for the tenants to make them “homes.” As in all communities, there are those who would turn a paradise into its antithesis, but in the main the properties are well maintained and the homes kept clean.

The number of births was 328, of which 179 were males and 149 females. The number is a marked increase over that of 1919, when only 206 were registered. This will gladden the hearts of those who measure the welfare of a community by the number of its heads, rather than by their capacity. The rate is 22.77 per 1,000 against 14.27 for 1919. The rates for England and Wales were 25.4 for 1920 and 18.5 for 1919, so that we are still below the general average. It would be futile to enlarge upon the probable reasons for this but generally it may be assumed that family ties interfere largely with the personal pleasure of the parents, and there is not that desire for, and contentment with, home life that obtained in the “good old times,” if they were good by comparison.

The total number of deaths was 133 according to the Registrar General (132 registered locally). Of these 73 were males and 60 females. There were at the following ages: Under one year, 24; from one to two,1; two to five, 7; five to 15, 1; 15 to 25,7; 25 to 45, 22; 45 to 65, 29; and 65 and over, 41. The Council may reasonably be satisfied with this.