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(35)
VIII.-PROPAGANDA.

Throughout the war period a great many different organisations
have made use of the facilities offered by this department for propaganda
work. Lectures and demonstrations have been given for all kinds of
purposes, most of them, but not all, having a direct bearing on health.
Many films have been shown during courses of instruction in First
Aid to Stretcher Parties, First Aid Posts and in N.F.S. Stations.
More recently great interest in local government services has been
evinced by certain schools and groups of children have been shown
round the Public Health Centre, Bathing Centre, Disinfecting Station
and other public buildings.
One of the very best agencies which I have ever seen at work
amongst the boys of this Borough was the A.T.C. Every boy on entry
was given a most careful physical examination, which included hearing
and eye-sight tests and X-ray examination of the chest. As they came
up for examination in groups of three or four, they were almost always
given an X-ray demonstration by Dr. Telfer, each acting in turn as
"patient." Many talks were given to groups at A.T.C. Headquarters
and the boys were encouraged to consult the doctor on any matter
of interest to their health, one night a week being reserved for this
purpose. Altogether about 895 boys .were examined in this way
before admission to the corps. There is no doubt that the lads liked
the uniform and the idea of service with the Royal Air Force, and
there is also no doubt that the discipline was very good for them. The
amazingly hard work which many of them put in, night after night,
might easily have sought a much less profitable outlet. Suddenly the
enthusiasm died and the corps declined, and we have yet to see
whether peace-time pursuits can be made to achieve anything quite as
attractive to the boys of this Borough.