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XII
Staff.
It is with deep regret that one records the deaths of Dr. Ethel Vernon and
Dr. Albert Cope, the former in January, the latter in June. Both were general
practitioners of many years standing in Westminster. In separate spheres each
had earned the affection and deep respect of a large circle of patients and friends.
Both were experienced and highly skilled and were held in much esteem throughout
the City. Dr. Vernon had been medical officer to two of the Council's Welfare Centres
since 1919. Dr. Cope, Public Vaccinator in Westminster for upwards of 40 years,
had been employed by the City Council as such for seven. He was known throughout
the country as an expert and authority on vaccination.
Mr. Charles F. Brockett, Sanitary Inspector in the borough of Stepney, was
appointed a permanent Sanitary Inspector for housing purposes in place of a temporary
inspector, resigned. To strengthen the clerical side in the housing section, the post
of additional first division clerk was established. Mr. Hobbs, Chief Clerk in the
Public Health Department of the Bristol Corporation, was appointed in June.
Mr. S. F. Hammond was also appointed junior clerk in the department. Among
the temporary staff, Messrs. Manley, Morris, Nutter and Williams, Sanitary Inspectors,
resigned on obtaining appointments elsewhere. Mr. G. H. Browne, Mr. F. Hemming
and Mr. T. C. Telford, temporary clerks, also resigned for similar reasons. Mr. J. P.
Robertson was engaged as a temporary clerk from May 1936.
During the year 107 reports were submitted by me to committees of the Council.
On housing matters 252 representations and 59 other reports were made. The
Housing Committee and its Sub-Committee held 28 meetings and the Public Health
and Maternity and Child Welfare Committee and its Sub-Committees 21. Correspondence
included 15,251 incoming and 15,982 outgoing communications.
The work of the department continues to increase. In the autumn the department
was called upon at the request of the Ministry to carry out an entirely
unexpected service, namely the administration of the medical side of the Aliens Act
and Order. This is usually associated with sea and air-ports ; but the new enterprise
of the Southern Railway Company bringing passengers over by train ferry and
disembarking them at Victoria Station has made the City of Westminster a " port."
The two Medical Registrars of Westminster Hospital, by consent of the Governors
of the hospital, were appointed part-time officers of the Council for this purpose
and each awaits the ferry train on alternate days throughout the year. Dr. Ian
Thomson, the Deputy Medical Offieer of Health, also acts when these two medical
officers are not available.
I would express my gratitude to the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Public
Health Committee and of the Housing Committee for their kindness and helpfulness
to me in all that concerns the work performed for these committees by my department.
The staff also deserve praise for the willing and competent manner in which they
have served those two committees throughout the year.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient servant,
ANDREW J. SHINNIE.
Medical Officer of Health.
July, 1937.