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co-operation of all concerned. In this short, but concentrated, effort
assistance was readily given by many organisations whose staff, with
those of the Council's were on duty throughout the hours of opening.
Though difficult to assess the impact of such exhibitions on the public,
it was apparent that much interest was aroused and expressions of
appreciation were received particularly from residents in already;
declared smoke control areas.
In co-operation with the Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research (reported in full in the body of this Report), a survey was
made into the problem of smoke pollution from diesel motor vehicles
passing along Archway Road, Highgate, with the result that measurements
of pollution averaged, on a weekday, twelve times the background
pollution of the neighbourhood at ten feet above ground level.
Slum clearance, together with closing and/or demolition of unfit
houses, made further progress during the year. Special attention
too was given by public health inspectors to remedial action in
tackling a growing problem of overcrowding in multi-occupied dwellings.
The special housing needs of handicapped persons and accommodation
requirements of the elderly were given further consideration by
the Council.
Retirement of the chief public health inspector (Mr. J. D.
Chance), after a long and distinguished service of Hornsey, occurred
in the month of May. Following public advertisement and interview
of suitable candidates, Mr. Chance's deputy (Mr. W. J. Wilson) was
unanimously appointed to succeed him. One month later my deputy
in Hornsey and the Area Health Services (Dr. A. Yarrow) left to
take up a joint appointment as Medical Officer of Health and Area
Medical Officer in South East Essex to be succeeded in July by
Dr. G. S. Udall whose previous wide experience quickly enabled
him to take up his responsible duties here in Hornsey.
By close attention to organisation and methods both Mr. Wilson
and Mr. Davies have greatly assisted me in ensuring a happy and
contented department with considerable increased responsibilities in
administering the Clean Air Act, and in the many other functions of
an active and go-ahead public health department.
At the end of this Report I have continued, as in previous
years, to place on record a brief account of the functions of the
Area Health Committee (Hornsey and Tottenham), seemingly more
important this year in the light of recommendations made by the:
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