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development of almost all countries. It is therefore not
surprising that the ordinary man reacting to these changes
shows many signs of stress and strain.
Sanitary reform and improvement will continue to require much
patient and unobtrusive work not only to maintain standards
but to incorporate advances in knowledge and resources. Only
when hygiene has removed the various causes of diseases
attributable to defective environment will sanitarians come
in sight of their Utopia. The personal health services will need
further development not only to extend and improve its present
activities, but to integrate them more closely with the other
branches of the National Health Service.
The promotion of health is the certain way of reducing the mounting
expenditure of the Medical Services. As so often in the past,
voluntary agencies are mapping out channels through the seas
of human unhealthiness and unhappiness where the more
ponderous galleons of governmental action may eventually sail.
And now, in addition to the many voluntary societies who have
traditionally charted the passage ahead, there are a number of
official bodies which are slowly exploring these seas.
In common with many other local authorities Westminster has lost
some of its functions during the last few years. As a consequence
a pessimistic view has sometimes been taken of its future as a
public health authority. This view does however leave out of
account certain aspects. Even without local government reform
Westminster will remain a great City and fortunately possesses
high traditions of municipal enterprise, a strong civic sense and
the resources necessary to execute any reasonable projects.
These present problems of our civilisation affect the citizens of
the City in common with the rest of their countrymen. P.G.R.
The City Council by the death of Lord Jessel in 1950 lost a very
distinguished Alderman of great experience in local government and
who always evinced a special interest in public health.
The sudden death of Alderman W. Stanley Edgson likewise deprived
the Council of one of its leading and most enterprising members.
One has also to record with regret the death of two retired members
of the staff who had played notable parts in the public health service
of the City for more than forty years, namely, John Sanderson, Senior
Inspector, and Alex Wheal, Superintendent of Disinfection.
In conclusion I would wish to express my gratitude and appreciation
of the kind consideration and help always given me by the Chairman,
Councillor C. R. Purnell, and the Vice-Chairman, Lt.-Col. Norman
Edwards, M.B.E., and my warm thanks to a most loyal and industrious
staff.
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