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105
by progressive administrators. As a result of the labours of research
workers and the practical application of their results we can point to a
diminution of many serious diseases, and we have only to look at the
lowered death-rate, especially among children, and the increased general
longevity, to realise that the conditions of life have in the past fifty years
improved out of all recognition. Much, however, remains to be done
in the way of personal hygiene and education, if these are to keep pace
with the advances in Public Health.
This work of education of the public in matters of health and disease
has gone on vigorously during the past year. All too many people are
still very ignorant and conservative in matters of self-care, and large
numbers still cling to the erroneous theories of their forefathers in such
matters as diet, clothing, fresh air and exercise, and the task of persuading
them to reform is not an easy one. On the other hand, a keen enthusiasm
for health and a desire to be instructed have been manifested in a large
number of centres of opinion, where regular series of lectures are in constant
demand. One example of this eagerness will illustrate the general
tendency: out of a large meeting for women, which has a monthly lecture,
a number of young mothers asked for a series on "The Child" to be
arranged specially for them; the pleasure in giving such lectures is
equalled only by the keenness with which the instruction is received.
The work is succeeding in an amazing way and grows with every year.
The Poplar Borough Council may be congratulated on the adventurous
and far-sighted spirit with which it began such educational work, the
success which has attended its efforts, and the hopes which it may
legitimately entertain for its development in the future.
The health of the citizen cannot be improved so rapidly as the output
of aeroplanes, since it is something that depends on a long glimpse into
the future, on much thought and the conviction that health is supremely
valuable, but expenditure with a view to health of body and mind brings
ample return in the present, and creates the conditions which will
determine the future.