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Prudery, prejudice, ignorance, hypocrisy and cant have for too long kept these
as " hidden " diseases. On account of the terrible ravages caused by them, not only
on the guilty, but on multitudes of innocent women and children, I was glad that
the Society for the Prevention of Venereal Diseases was formed the latter part of
191!) to propagate teaching respecting additional measures essential for their effective
prevention. I congratulate the Holborn Council on having the moral courage to be
the first of the London Cities and Boroughs to comply with the request of this Society.
A Special Enquiry by a Committee of the National Birth Rate Commission,
consisting of twenty eminent men and women with the Bishop of Birmingham as
Chairman, took place last year, and in a recent Report recommended action similar
to that already taken by the Holborn Council. I had the honour last December of
giving evidence at this Enquiry. As correct teaching respecting continence is most
important I also submitted a brief Thesis on this subject.
Further details concerning these and other matters are given under their respective
headings (see index).
" Ring out old shapes of foul disease ;
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold,
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace."
" Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good."
I desire to express my high appreciation of the willing assistance and hearty
co-operation that I have received from the Mayors, the Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and
Members of my Committees and the Council generally, the principal officers and the
staff during my tenure of Office.
I have the honour to be,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
W. A. BOND,
M.A., M.D., B.C., D.P.H.Camb., M.R.C.P.Lond.,
Medical Officer of Health.
30th April, 1921.