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4
by persuasion. The trader must also be advised on the best and
safest use that can be made of existing premises and equipment
for it cannot be assumed that all persons concerned with food
have even an elementary knowledge of the principles of bacteriology.
The Food Inspector is now responsible for the sampling
of food and he does in fact take the majority of food samples
himselfo This has prevented undue duplication and it gives a
more comprehensive check on the food sold throughout the Borough
without any substantial increase in the number of samples
required. As will be seen from the table given of the action
taken on unsatisfactory samples, it has been felt that the main
function of the Department is to help and advise and that legal
proceedings should only be taken where there has been real
carelessness or an intention to mislead or defraud the public.
Work for old people has increased a great deal during
the past year and since our Woman Public Health Inspector,
Mrs. Speechley, was transferred to this work the number of cases
brought to the attention of the Department has more than doubled.
The Public Health Laundry has given increasing help to the bedfast
and incontinent and the Old People's Workshop opened by the
Hampstead Old People's Welfare Association with financial assistance
from the Borough Council has provided a very welcome and
worthwhile new avenue to health and happiness for some of the
old people In the Borough. The main work for old people, however,
still remains in ensuring the necessary provision for those who
through age or infirmity are unable to provide adequately for
themselves, and the Home Helps, District Nurses and Meals-onWheels
have, as always, been invaluable.
The problems are individual problems and require a
very sympathetic and understanding approach, the more so because
some of these old people could not by any stretch of Imagination
be described as "dear old ladies" or "dear old gentlemen". In
this connection it is heartening and encouraging in this
materialistic age to see the patience, kindness and generosity
which is so frequently shown by neighbours.
The Report which follows summarises the other services
which are provided through the Public Health Department and I
think it is fair to say that it shows some progress towards a
better environment and that something has been done to maintain
the position that Hampstead is the best part of the County of
London in which to live.