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PREFACE.
The annual report on the health of the borough
has again been curtailed to conform with the instruction
of higher authority both in leaving out statistical
information which might be of value to the enemy and by
leaving out non essential matter which means an economy
in paper.
Throughout the year the ruthless pruning by the
Government to obtain labour for the war industry ha3 meant
the loss of staff specially trained to replace men already
called up. In particular the loss of staff among firms
engaged in the various branches of the building trade
together with the scarcity of materials and difficulties
over permits has meant a marked slowing in effecting
repairs called for by sanitary notices. For the same
reasons the opening of wartime nurseries has been postponed
again and again. As may be imagined much exasperation
ha3 been irritating nerves already at times a little frayed
with wartime circumstances. By making allowances, and
by anticipating goodwill mixed above all with the saving
grace of English humour, officers in the department have
3een their v/ork progressing in all directions to a not
unsatisfactory extent.
Throughout the whole year the borough was spared
the horrors of bombing and alerts were few and short.
The period of waiting has been more than a little trying
to many of the personnel especially those engaged either
whole or part time in the casualty, home guard and fire
watching services. Many could almost wish at times for
active service to begin again or that something,anything,
might happen to break the monotony of waiting and training.
Warm thanks are again expressed for the assistance
received from the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors and
especially from the chief officers.
The staff of the public health department have
worked for long hours and have had shorter holidays and
have willingly accepted the altered conditions. Their
steadfast cheerfulness in uninviting circumstances has
enabled the work of the department to be maintained at a
high level cf excellcnce.
A.G.G.T.
July, 1943.
1.