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only. It would seem that in this field prevention is indeed the only
cure, but that a section of the community has grown up so utterly
regardless of other people's feelings, is a very sad commentary on
the upbringing of some of the present generation. That this love
of destruction is the fault of the small minority is admitted, but the
damage done by the few can be very devastating, and while such
behaviour is rife, we cannot be really satisfied with the public health.
The care of the elderly is a problem always exercising the minds
of many bodies, both voluntary and official, and it is therefore
particularly pleasing to know that Chislehurst and Sidcup Old
People's Welfare Committee have now, by virtue of their Boarding
Out Scheme, succeeded in placing over 200 elderly persons who
have by this action, in many cases, been given a second lease of life.
One sincerely hopes to see this work prosper and expand to the
great mutual benefit of the old people themselves, and the hospitals
and Old People's Homes which might otherwise have to accommodate
them. This admittedly is only one of many services now
available to elderly persons, but it is surely one of the most useful
and progressive.
During the year under review, the Royal Commission appointed
to enquire into the future of Local Government in the Greater
London Area, made a report which, if implemented by the Government,
could have very important and far-reaching effects for the
Health Committee of this Local Authority. In effect, this Council
would be merged with an adjoining one to form a Greater London
Borough, whose Health Committee would exercise most of the
functions which are now vested in the Health Committee of the
Kent County Council. If the Commission's proposals are adopted,
the few health functions not exercised by the Greater London
Borough would be provided by the projected Greater London
Council. At the time of writing, the Government have not revealed
their intentions in this matter, but it is anticipated that a decision
will have been arrived at long before the next Annual Report is due.
My deputy, Dr. Kelynack has worked with his usual conscientious
thoroughness, and I am deeply grateful to him for his devoted
service. I must also thank Mr. Kermode the Chief Public Health
Inspector for his unfailing efficiency and meticulous attention to
detail; the other Inspectors and the clerical staff have all made their
contributions to the successful running of the Department, and I
should like to thank them as well.
My final words of thanks are to express my gratitude to all
my professional colleagues in other branches of medicine, for their
unfailing kindliness and courtesy during the year, and to the