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Maternal Mortality.
Another unfortunate year, but less so than 1937. Of the seven fatalities, six
were the result of attempts to procure abortion.
General Sanitation.
Attention is drawn to water supplies from deep wells throughout the City and to
the possibilities of shortage from this source in the future owing to increasing number
of borings. Plans of drainage work in buildings have decreased, no doubt due to a
natural hesitation to expend capital in constructional work in these times of
uncertainty.
Civil Defence (Air Raid Precautions).
The Medical Officer of Health is responsible for First Aid services, preliminary
training of Air Raid Wardens, war time mortuary services and advice as to protection
of food from contamination. In writing of this subject in last year's report I mentioned
that it had to some extent disturbed the ordinary work. During 1938 this
became greatly accentuated. I cannot speak too highly of the splendid efforts made
by members of the staff of the Department in this exceedingly difficult task. Long
hours of work and sacrifice of personal and private interests have been associated
with the shaping of an enterprise which in urgency and importance must take
precedence in these ominous times.
Staff Matters.
In a year when experienced assistance was so greatly needed, the absence of Mr.
Francis Haigh and Mr. John Dee through illness was a severe handicap. They were
two of the most capable and conscientious Sanitary Inspectors in the Council's
service. In both cases it seemed that the strain of present day conditions contributed
to the breakdown in their health which, it is hoped, they will fully recover in quiet
retirement. Mr. Haigh had 39 years' service and Mr. Dee 26. Mr. H. R. Hardy,
Sanitary Inspector, having given of his best during a period of 44 years in the Local
Government Service retired in good health on pension. Miss G. Thomson, Health
Visitor since 1934, resigned her appointment on account of ill-health.
Mr. John Sanderson, Senior Sanitary Inspector, due to retire in June, 1938, was
invited by the Council to remain in office until 1939, chiefly because of the additional
duties created by Air Raid Precautions.
Dr. E. A. Hardy, Part-time Assistant Medical Officer, was appointed to wholetime
duty in July, thus enabling Dr. Ian Thomson, my deputy, to devote more time
to Air Raid Precautions.
In conclusion I should like to offer my grateful thanks to the Chairman, ViceChairman,
and members of the Committees whom it is my privilege to serve for their
kindly consideration at all times.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient servant,
ANDREW J. SHINNIE.
July, 1939.