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4
first-class proteins of animal origin, the supply of which is
so inevitably restricted by the conditions of war. In the
latter part of the year the Government provided fruit juices
and Cod Liver Oil for the very young children; those were
distributed through the Agency of Local Authorities, and in
Beckenham over 80 per cunt of those eligible for the issue
took advantage of it.
The Housing Question is another matter which will
cause anxiety. Many houses for the working classes, which
have required constant attention to maintain them in a
habitable condition, have been internally shaken to their
foundations by the explosion in their vicinity of High
Explosive bombs. In many instances, although the houses
are not in a structurally dangerous condition, evils such as
"rising damp" have now passed the stage at which they can be
remedied, and the closure of these houses as unfit for
habitation is becoming inevitable.
The personnel of the Public Health Office has changed
repeatedly during the year; the Chief Clerk, Mr. S. ¥»
Collett is, at the time of writing, the only member of the
pre-war staff remaining with us. The members of the
permanent staff spent much time and trouble, prior to their
departure to serve with the Forces, in instructing the
temporary staff in their duties, and the latter have adapted
themselves quickly and creditably to their new work. The
Assistant Medical Officer, Dr. 3. Thomson, has relieved me
of a great deal of the routine clinical work of the Maternity
and Child Welfare and School Medical Services, and I am
grateful to her, to Mr. Collett, and to all the members of
the staff, professional and clerical, for their loyal and
willing service.
T. PHILIPS COLE.
Medical Officer of Health.
31st March, 1942.