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8
conventional platitudes is equally unappetising. It may be that
certain of those preventive services which are well established
suffer from an over-centralised administration with a consequent
lack of flexibility and adaptation to changing circumstances. The
enquiring instinct is at a disadvantage and the tendency may be to
conform to the standard pattern of distant regimentation. Integration
of local needs with the wider aspects of central planning and
policy should not be dependent largely on good personal relationships.
Something less nebulous and unpredictable is required.
However, who does the job is not so important as who does the job
best and this is not the place to argue at length the merits of local
as opposed to central direction.
I have been helped during the year by the support and understanding
of the Chairman, Councillor Mrs. Hilldrith. The Town
Clerk and his deputy have given me much advice and guidance for
which I am grateful and I have also to thank the other chief officers
for their friendly co-operation. Finally I must express my gratitude
to the staff for loyalty and application to duty.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
J. Kerr Brown
Medical Officer of Health