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8
As a new feature in the Report a short account of local
meteorological conditions during the year is included by courtesy
of the Astronomer Royal, Dr. H. Spencer Jones. He lays stress on
the ever-present atmospheric pollution, and from a public health
point of view this is one of the more urgent present day problems,
especially so far as London is concerned. The effect of smoke and
dust laden atmospheres on the respiratory apparatus of the individual
is well-known. In addition such conditions have an indirect action
inasmuch as the health producing factors in sunlight are to a large
extent screened off.
At the beginning of the year the old Borough Hall offices
were evacuated, and temporary accommodation allotted to the
clerical and technical staff of the Department. Owing to the fact
that the Welfare and Artificial Sunlight Centres at the Borough
Hall were closed down, a certain dislocation of services was of
necessity encountered. It is gratifying to record that though some
overcrowding of the remaining Centres were met with, adjustments
were made, and through the unselfish co-operation of the staff,
difficulties have been to a large extent obviated. Owing to the
changes referred to and other factors, a good deal of extra work
has fallen to the lot of the clerical and technical staff generally.
I feel that it is but just to record my personal appreciation of
the loyalty of each member of my staff. To my colleagues in
other Departments my thanks are also due.
Finally I desire to thank the Chairmen and Members of the
Public Health and Maternity and Child Welfare Committees, for
the help and consideration afforded me during the past year.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
F. R. Waldron.