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children from 2—5 was handed over ; the remainder, dealing with
children under the age of 2 years, continues under your jurisdiction
to provide a useful service.
The supervision of food supplies in the Borough was carried
out with the usual thoroughness directed towards ensuring that
unsound supplies should not reach the public, and that wastage
should not occur.
Constructive effort in the field of sanitary circumstances and
housing in the area has been hampered by factors over which we
have no control. Nevertheless, commendable work has been done
by the Council's inspectorial staff.
As far as environmental hygiene is concerned, there is a larger
field than ever for action, overloaded as the schedule is by the
leprous decay due to the war.
It is to be devoutly wished that the problems of overcrowding
and occupation of unsuitable basements and unfit houses, with the
physical and psychological illnesses they bequeath, may be completely
solved in the near future.
With the coming into force of the National Health Service Act,
1946, functions belonging to Maternity and Child Welfare Authorities
will, in the main, become "transferable. "On the" appointed
day" the County Council as the Local Health Authority will take
over a personal service of whose lusty growth and development you
may feel justly proud of having fostered.
In the interests of uniformity of practice and integration of
services, this proposal is the logical outcome of recent trends in
Social Welfare.
The operation should be regarded as one, not of amputation,
but rather as a transfer of healthy tissue, which with other such
transfers may in smooth growth cover existing scars and gaps in
the structure of the National health.
In completing my general remarks, may I express my appreciation
of the kindness and assistance afforded me by the Chairmen
and Members of the Public Health and M. & C.W. Committees and
my colleagues in other departments.
I acknowledge whole-heartedly the support of every member of
the staff under my control, many of whom have voluntarily
shouldered extra burdens, and all of whom have given loyal service
during very trying times.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
F. R. Waldron,
Medical Officer of Health.