View report page

2
and 170 other tuberculous diseases. In this year under review there were
only 87 pulmonary and 7 non-pulmonary cases notified, most of which
were of comparative mildness. The old dispensary was eventually
replaced in 1928 by the present modern and well-equipped building at
Harton Street which is now in the charge of Dr. Rigby, who, as usual,
has made a valuable contribution to this report, for which I extend my
thanks. Dr. Rigby stresses that the main focus of serious communicable
tuberculosis is found in Carrington House, and I am appreciative of the
efforts which he and his staff make in difficult circumstances to persuade
an essentially itinerant population to accept long-term treatment and
observation. He has also made some observations on anti-smoking clinics
and, although I am a firm advocate of non-smoking and resent the powerful
propaganda by the tobacco companies with their vast resources, I
remain unconvinced about the permanent effectiveness of anti-smoking
clinics. A trifling number of smokers are reached and the eventual
recidivist rate, according to the results of the small number of trials
publicised, is high. It seems to me that strong efforts should be directed
at the schoolchildren and adolescents, and confirmed adult smokers,
having been presented with the facts, must make a choice. Lung cancer
is not a communicable disease, the individual is not a danger to the
community, and admonitions and so-called psychotherapy only act as an
irritant or induce the impressionable into neurotic patterns.
The work in connection with the welfare of elderly persons has further
expanded and, in anticipation of powers being conferred on Borough
Councils to provide meals and recreation for elderly persons, plans are
being completed to assume our new responsibilities directly, although it is
hoped that the many voluntary organisations at present engaged on valuable
work will continue to prosper. The laundry facilities continue to be
used to the full and there has been a further increase in the number of
baths given to the aged infirm in their homes and at the Bathing Centre
The problem of clean air has also received attention and the third
Smoke Control Area came into operation and two further areas were
surveyed. At our present rate of progress the target date of 1970 for
Deptford to be smokeless should be reached.
Mention was made in last year's report of the number of houses which
were being acquired and let out in multiple occupation; standards were
falling and it was essential that efforts be made to compel owners of
properties to limit numbers in occupation and to provide decent, civilised
amenities. In this connection the Council adopted certain recommended
standards in relation to basic amenities which will ensure, when they are
applied uniformly, reasonable accommodation throughout the Borough
and will undoubtedly have the eventual effect of raising the general level
of amenity in the Borough, as well as preventing the gross overcrowding
and squalor which is found in many other unfortunate boroughs who
were faced with these problems a little earlier than Deptford. The
Council has appointed a Housing Officer whose duties are concerned
solely with housing matters, and already a pilot survey has indicated, in
general terms, the extent of the problem. The Council is determined, and
rightly so, not to allow this Borough to degenerate into a vast slum.
I said last year that slums are not Deptford's main problem, but