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population. It is not generally realised that, taking the average for the country as a whole, one acre
of ground is required for every thousand interments. The annual number of deaths is approximately
half a million, so that every year some 500 acres of precious land is occupied anew by the dead, and
the land available for the living is by so much reduced. Five hundred acres a year, ten thousand
acres in twenty years rendered useless, unproductive, unenjoyable ! Surely this land would be better
utilised as parks, as playing fields, as sites for houses and gardens, or even as factories and offices, to
increase the amenities and the standard of living of our growing population.
If cremation were to be generally adopted, small gardens of rest in themselves beautiful and
quiet, and as such, places of recreation for older people, would require only a small proportion of this
land, and annual increase would not be necessary.
More land would then be available for open spaces or such other purpose as local planning might
require in the interests of the community.
Secondly, in the matter of the physical influences of the practice of interment of the dead, is the
fact that relatives and friends attending the ceremony are exposed at the grave-side to inclement
weather in winter, when the majority of deaths take place. Unnecessary illness and even deaths
result and respiratory infections are disseminated.
As regards the psychological influences of interment; "let's talk of graves, of worms and
epitaphs." Is it good for the living that they should wander among the tombs where everything
speaks of death and decay and in a generation or two, of forgetfulness and neglect ? Would it not
be better for those who wish to commune with their dead to visit a lovely, well-tended garden of rest,
where they may recall the happy days of their companionship and from pleasant memories in peaceful,
beautiful surroundings, draw new strength to carry on alone?
Surely, all who love simplicity, peace and beauty; all who have faith in, hope for, and charity
towards the generations that are following on, will feel, or on reflection will come to feel, that disposal
of the dead should be by cremation."
Medical Examinations.
Your Medical Officer carries out the medical examination of all new entrants to the staff of
the Corporation; of those who appear to be medically unfit to continue in employment and of those
who have had prolonged or repeated absence on account of illness.
In connection with the two last mentioned categories, it is frequently necessary to correspond
with medical and surgical specialists on the staffs of hospitals and with general medical practitioners,
and I have pleasure in recording that I have always received from them the greatest assistance and
courtesy.
The total number of medical examinations during the year was 213.
Staif.
The members of your staff in this department carried out their duties with efficiency, tact and
courtesy during the year, and have secured compliance with the sanitary legislation without recourse
to the Courts except on three occasions.
Mr. L. B. A. Grace, who was appointed Veterinary Officer and Chief Meat Inspector in 1934, was
seconded to the Ministry of Food in the early days of the war. Mr. Grace remained with the Ministry
after the war, and on 30th July resigned from his position in the City, having been appointed to the
permanent staff of the Ministry of Food.
The Public Health Committee decided to recommend that the appointment of Veterinary Officer
at Smithfield Meat Market should be discontinued, and that the Senior Meat Inspector, Mr. C. Slatter,
who has 43 years' experience in meat inspection, should be appointed Chief Meat Inspector, and
Mr. S. B. Murray, who has 39 years' experience, should be appointed Deputy Chief Meat Inspector.
The recommendations were approved by the Court of Common Council and subsequently by the
Ministry of Health.
On account of the increase in the work at Smithfield Market, the number of Meat Inspectors on
the Establishment was increased, and Mr. K. Seymour, one of the Probationary Inspectors who had
obtained his full qualifications, was appointed as a Meat Inspector.
During the year three of the Rodent Operatives resigned, and I regret to report that one of them,
Mr. J. Pennycock, has since died.
One of the Messengers, who was over 70 years of age, resigned on account of ill-health, and one
of the porters at the Meat Inspector's Office was appointed in his place.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
CHAS. F. WHITE,
Medical Officer of Health.