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115
but the people continue to perish from their unwillingness to learn and
to apply the knowledge which is to be had for the asking.
Recognising the importance both of making knowledge accessible
and of encouraging the desire for it in view of the obvious need, the
Public Health Committee has wisely continued its offer of free lectures
on health and disease. Anyone reading the titles of the subjects suggested
for consideration cannot fail to be impressed by the practical note which
is struck by them, and by the way in which the whole gamut of human
life from childhood to maturity is included. Here the parent will find
advice on development and possible departures from it in the child and
youth. Here is to be found sound knowledge of the working of the body
in health, of the disharmonies which we call disease, of the importance
of diet and environment. Here also can be learned the thrilling story
of man's unceasing quest to understand the influence of heredity, of
sunlight, of mental maladjustments and of preventive medicine. In a
sentence, here we have the material of the science of healthy living made
available for all.
Many gatherings, large and small, have taken advantage of this offer
of lectures. What is of special significance is the fact that, increasingly,
audiences which have begun by asking only for a single lecture, have
asked for more. The result is that many organisations now include in
their programmes a monthly lecture from our list, and I am told by the
leaders of such orgnisations that their members are indeed grateful for
this opportunity of learning more on such vital subjects. Such appreciation
is noteworthy, not only among adult audiences, but among young
people as well. There is still room for improvement, for a number of
social, political and religious gatherings has not yet appreciated what is
being missed. But the work grows, it is meeting the needs of the people,
and already it is showing results in an awakened interest and a growing
sense of responsibility for personal and social health.
Summary.
Number of Centres at which lectures have been arranged 13
Number of lectures given (September-March) 54
To men 5 (Attendances 615)
To women and girls 48 ( ,, 3,174)
To mixed audience 1 ( ,, 40)
54 (Total attendances 3,829)
At the time of writing this Report lectures booked but not yet given
number 12.