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twenty years have had Measles. and of the 1,573 notifications received
during the past three years, 97 per cent, related to children between 0
and 15 years. The figures for the past seven years conform to the wellknown
biennial periodicity of measles, which also shows a fairly constant
phasic pattern within each two-year cycle.
Food Poisoning. 23 notifications came to hand during the year. In
the two preceding years the figures were 10 and 13. Full details will
be found in the section devoted to "Infectious Diseases" •
Food and Drugs. The Council's Analyst, Mr. T. McLachlan, examined
and reported upon four hundred samples of foods and drugs during 1953.
Of this total, twenty seven (6.75 per cent.) were found to be adulterated;
in fourteen instances "adulteration" was based an labelling inaccuracies
or misdscription. Full details of the work of the Analyst will be found
in this report.
Food Hyglena. All shops, stalls premises and vehicles concerned with
the preparation, storage and sale of food have been under the constant
supervision of the Council's Food Inspectors, and these officers readily
advise all personnel engaged at such premises as to the maintenance of both
adequate and up-to date hygienic conditions.
Housing Conditions,. The provision and continuance of satisfactory
housing conditions are matters of close attention, and details of work in
this connection will be found in the report.
Welfare of Old Peopls. Keen interest in and attention to the needs of
aged people are paramount features of the work of the Council's officers,
and all with whom contact has been made have come to realise that they can
continue to enjoy a full part in the life of the community. The increasing
scope of this work can be appreciated from the brief summary of persons now
eligible for the mssay facilities readily available:-
Year Number on Register
1950 106
1951 613
1952 934
1953 1,032
In closing I would like to record my appreciation of the courtesy and
consideration shown to me by the Chairmen of Committees and individual
members of the Council, the friendly co-operation of all Chief Officers and
their staffs and the loyalty of my colleagues in the Public Health
Department.
I am, Madam Mayor,My Lord, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J.H. WEIR,
Medical Officer of Health.