View report page

Public Health Department,
Deptford Town Hall, S.E.14.
June, 1950.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Deptford.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to submit my Annual Report on the health and
sanitary circumstances of the Borough during 1949.
I took over the duties of Medical Officer of Health on 1st July, 1949.
the work carried out by the Public Health Department during the first
half of the year under review being under the direction of my predecessor,
Dr. F. Leonard Keith.
Dr. Keith was appointed as Medical Officer of Health in 1929. The
improvement in the standard of health and the lowering of the death rates
particularly for infectious diseases and for young children speak eloquently
for his work in Deptford.
Dr. Keith will also be remembered for his exceptional knowledge of
housing and housing law and those who worked with him during the war
still speak of his unfailing devotion to duty and his ever ready help during
those difficult and dangerous years.
I would personally like to record my thanks to him for the kindness
and assistance which he showed to me when I took over his post and to
express the hope that the years of his retirement will be both numerous
and satisfying.
The retirement also occurred of Mr. C. A. Chapman, Assistant
Administrative Officer after 50 years of local government service, 38
years of which were spent in the service of this Borough. During this
time Mr. Chapman had deservedly won the high regard of his colleagues
and of the Council and his outstanding administrative ability and wide
knowledge of the Borough were of very great assistance to the Department.
I would like to record my thanks to the Town Clerk and all the members
of the staff for their ready help and co-operation and to my own staff for
their loyal assistance.
My thanks are also due to the Council and in particular to the Members
of the Public Health Committee for their help and encouragement.
I remain,
Your obedient Servant,
R. Duncan Dewar,
Medical Officer of Health