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new incinerator commenced in March 1960 and it is
anticipated that it will be completed in 3-4 months.
HEALTH EDUCATION
In the ever widening scope of public health activities,
health education is becoming of increasing importance.
During the year a number of talks, film shows and demonstrations
were given by the staff of the Public Health
Department to schools, clubs and other organisations
these have proved to be ofconsiderable interest and value
and have been appreciated by those who have attended.
Unfortunately, at some of the clubs the size of the audience
was disappointingly poor and in one or two instances it
only just reached double figures. Nevertheless, this
has not acted as a deterrent for it has been found that
small groups of this kind often show greater interest and
enthusiasm than some larger audiences, and the discussions
which usually follow these talks are stimulated by the
intimate and informal atmosphere.
Posters, leaflets, book-marks and so on were displayed
and distributed through the usual channels and with the
removal of the Public Health Department into new offices
in Camberwell House, the opportunity was taken of providing
a public waiting room and enquiry office which also serves
as an exhibition room for the display and distribution of
publicity material on various health topics. In
addition, articles were published in many of the supplements
to Camberwell Calling", the Council s Diary of
Local Events.
The most rewarding aspect of health education is
that which is directed at the younger members of the
community. Talks to school children and members of youth
clubs were found to be fruitful. The receptivity of
school children was demonstrated in the case of the clean
air exhibit mentioned below. It is unfortunate that
there were not more requests from youth organisations for
the services of lecturers from the Public Health Department.
In view of the greater emphasis which is being laid
on health education and the increasing use of up to date
methods, including visual aids, it was decided to endeavour
to assess the public response to health propaganda. For
this purpose, a questionnaire was devised for completion