View report page

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Your council has energetically pursued a policy of slum clearance
and redevelopment according to a carefully prepared plan,
Unfortunately initial delays occurred in the development of smoke
control areas, but before the end of 1960, the first order had been
made (although not confirmed by the' Minister) for a considerable part
of the South of the Borough abutting on the City Smokeless Zone
An intensive campaign was successively carried through in 1956
and 1957 to improve the general standards of cleanliness in the cafes
ana restaurants, and to ensure that they complied with the Pood
Hygiene regulations.
Much concern was expressed in 1960 with the injurious effects of
noise on health and ways in which this may be reduced are being sought
The services for the elderly established by your Council, or sponsored
by it which have received recognition from far and near have been
further consolidated and extended.
PROGRESS AND THE FUTURE
Mr- Mayor, I feel that you may look back over the past few years
and together with your council may be happy in the strides that have
been made towards establishing healthy surroundings in which the coming
generation may have better opportunities to enjoy a full measure of
Health,
Nevertheless, I feel that we ought to consider carefully the ways
in which the health of our community can be further safeguarded and
the factors which militate against its more ample fruition. I would
suggest that the prevalence of much litter constantly scattered about
the Borough, is tending to destroy delight in tidiness, cleanliness
and even beauty,, all ingredients of Mental Health; that much noise
which could be prevented if its harmful effects were generally appreciated,
is retarding mental activity; that the lack of contact with
nature due to the cost and difficulty of transport to country places
is depriving many of a true understanding of life; and that want of a
closer family life and parental responsibility is being conducive to
juvenile delinquency.
I believe that we ought to seek more intently to educate both
young and old in the general principles of health preservation, and
the use of leisure as well as to provide better opportunities for
recreational pursuits of all kinds, We should also inculcate a greater
concern for the welfare of neighbours and eradicate the spirit of
snobbish isolationism to be found in all classes. As a background we
need a deeper philosophic foundation in the teachings of religion and
a firmer sense of our responsibilities,
4