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4
on the road does not tend to prolong life and the increase in
television viewing has been criticised.
It is probable, however, that it is how people live rather
than where they live which is important. Habits cannot be altered
merely by an Act of Parliament, but if a person is given an
environment in which he can live healthily then he probably will
live healthily. Good housing will encourage good habits. Nobody
now would consider a bathroom, a hot water supply or an indoor
lavatory as luxuries. An efficient heating system usually provides
or encourages efficient ventilation, good lighting is followed by
cleanliness and improved conditions of employment usually result
in improved conditions in the home. If a person can take pride in
his surroundings he will usually take pride in himself.
It is, I believe, the wish and intention of the Council
that every effort should be made to provide such an environment
and this can best be obtained by advice, help and encouragement.
The work of the public health inspectors is not merely to enforce
the provisions of the law but it is to assist in producing those
circumstances, and those habits, which will lead to an improvement
in the health of the public. The mere figures of the visits of
the inspectors do not adequately reflect their work in this sphere.
As I have indicated, this Report is inadequate as an
assessment of the health of the people of the Borough, but I feel
that the Members of the Council can be reasonably satisfied of the
effectiveness of the services provided during 1956 no less than in
previous years.
I would like to express my thanks to the Members of the
Council and particularly to the Chairman arid Members of the Public
Health Committee for their help and encouragement.
My thanks are also due to the other Chief Officers and
their staffs for advice and cooperation at all times and especially
to my own staff for their loyal support.
I am particularly indebted to the Chief Public Health
Inspector, Mr. J.F. Armstrong, and to the Chief Clerk, Mr. A.H.C.
Slade, for the generous way in which their wide knowledge and
experience of the Borough was placed at my disposal when I took up
my appointment in April, 1956.
I have the honour to be,
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
R. DUNCAN DEWAR,
Medical Officer of Health.