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office of Medical Officer of Health and Area Medical Officer there is
sometimes need for discussions between the 40% and the 60% of me,
and these have furnished an interesting insight into the difficulties, confusions,
contradictions, absurdities, frustrations and divided loyalties
which are the constant lot of the schizo-phrenic.
While it would have been my personal choice to remain whole to
the end of my term of office, 100% M.O.H. of the Borough, it would be
idle and indeed dishonest of me to pretend that that office was ever a
bed of roses. It is often said that public servants enjoy a "sheltered
position." The history of Chief Officers of the Council in my term of
office does not support this view. They are all men who, before appointment,
have to be examined medically as to fitness for their work and for
participation in the Council's superannuation scheme. They are therefore
physically and mentally sound men. Yet in a period of 10 years
from my commencing duty in 1929 the death or early retirement on account
of broken health of the Borough Electrical Engineer, Town Clerk,
Borough Treasurer, Borough Surveyor, and Director of Education, left
me as senior in years of service as a Chief Officer of the Council. With
the exception of the Borough Librarian I am the only Chief Officer
to retire at the full age of compulsory retirement since my appointment.
In part-explanation of this high mortality and morbidity in Municipal
Service, it should be remembered that the period covered has been one
of exceptional difficulty and strain for everybody.
The "economic blizzard" of 1931 followed by years of financial
depression, and then the drift into World War No. 2, with its unparalleled
disruption of the entire social life of the country, made up a term of years
during which one urgent problem followed another in local government.
There was no peace of mind or body for anybody engaged in public
service.
The upheaval of 1948 bids fair to keep this turmoil going. In these
circumstances it is with a feeling of real relief that I give up the reins of
office, and in taking farewell, I desire to record my appreciation of the
great kindness and encouragement I have always received from members
of the Council and especially from the Chairmen of the Committees
discharging health functions.
I am deeply grateful for the loyal and devoted work of the staffs and
voluntary workers in office, schools, centres, nurseries and in the field,
and for the constant help, advice, guidance, and co-operation of colleagues
in other departments of the Council.
I am singularly fortunate in having had the privilege to serve for
over 20 years a population so intelligent and responsive as that of Hornsey,
for only with the best human material is it possible to get results on the
Hornsey standard.
By the time this swan song is in the hands of members of the Council
I will be many thousands of miles away on a sea trip for my own health.
I have the honour to be,
Mr Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
R. P. GARROW,
Medical Officer of Health.
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