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Introduction to and brief Abstract of the
REPORT OF THE
Medical Officer of Health
FOR THE YEAR 1919.
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT,
193-197, HIGH HOLBORN, W.C.
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Metropolitan Borough of Holborn.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In accordance with the Memorandum of the New Ministry of Health this
Annual Report for 1919 gives fuller details than had been required during the
War, and the various subjects are dealt with on the lines indicated, and the
order specified therein. It is also suggested that there should be much
increased distribution of the same in order to engender a popular interest in
the subject, and an enlightened public opinion which shall support the Local
Authority in realising its high responsibilities for the health of its area.
The War-worn nation, suffering from the sacrifices and strain of the
prolonged struggle followed by the anticipated re-action and unrest, hailed
the advent of the Ministry of Health with its bright promises of improved
conditions of life.
As the supreme efforts of co-operation of our Empire and the Allies
brought victory on earth, water, under the water and in the air, so the victory
against our even more relentless foes of health, many of which are invisible
to our unaided senses, and many of which have still eluded much patient
research, will only be accomplished by co-operation amongst the nations and
their units, guided by intelligent foresight and forethought, and aided by the
laborious research of scientists.
Much improvement has already been accomplished on earth and water
especially in our larger towns by good drainage schemes, purification of
sewage, supervision of food supplies and provision of good water, clearance
of insanitary areas . and improved housing, etc., under the varied
existing Health Legislation, but very much still remains to be done
especially for the purification of the air of our larger towns by the abatement
of smoke nuisances, thus giving more beneficent sunshine and light.